Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be a source of frustration. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
You could save money by repairing your old key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if the issue is due to an old switch or a damaged contact.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons aren't responding when you pressing them, this could be a sign that the battery is dead or is close to the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of hiring an auto locksmith or dealership.
First, locate the battery compartment. It is usually located on the backside of the key fob. It might be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that opens when you press the button. Once the compartment is opened then you will find the small cell battery. It's usually the shape of an ordinary coin and is has a plus and the minus symbol. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a new one. Check that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is installed Close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob together. Be sure to align the pieces and secure them properly before closing the door and testing your keys. To test that the buttons work properly you can press any one of them.
If the remote keyfob does not work after replacing the battery, it could be other issues that require a different form of repair. Dropping the device into a pool of water can cause it to stop working. Or, auto key repair could be suffering from an internal electrical problem or may need to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. Take a look at these other car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob may be suffering from a different issue.
Switches
There are a variety of switches found in the car key fob, dependent on the year and model. The older style keys have an electronic chip that is visible in the case. The modern keys function by sending signals to your car. Regardless of the type of key, the buttons on the key can get worn down or damaged when used regularly. They become difficult to press or unresponsive. If you force the button it could cause more damage. It may also prevent the key from working in the future.
If you're unable to get your key to work Try changing the batteries. If that doesn't help, you may need to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break due to the fact that they are constantly jostled.
The switches are made of rubber, and are coated with an electricity conducting film that can wear down over time. However, they're a very small part and inexpensive to replace. The old ones are soldered to the circuit board, and you will need to carefully remove them without causing damage to other parts. You can then solder the new ones in and then reassemble your fob.
Don't use your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a time and avoid leaving it visible. If you don't use your key, store it in a secure location.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, and the problem persists it's probably time to think about hiring an appointment with a locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to determine whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, alter cases and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons aren't able to move freely up and down in the case, they could become stuck or break. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with the help of a cotton swab or rubbing alcohol doesn't fix the problem, removing the case and examining it may be necessary. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or are worn, adjusting them may be the only solution.
Rubber buttons can wear out over the years. Rubber buttons can become hard to press as they stretch, and nails can gouge them. In this case the key may fail and it's time to replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, finding the buttons on the circuit board, and then heating the solder before carefully taking them off. The new buttons are then connected to the circuit board. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case in order to prevent them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to be tossed around and could occasionally be pressed by accident, the buttons inside can be damaged or stuck over time. With the help of metal tape and a hole punch, you can often quickly fix this problem when your car isn't at home and the key fob won't work, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not start the engine. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your journey.
