Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key is a hassle. You might need to contact a 24-hour Locksmith Service or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be able to save money by repairing a worn-out key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if the problem is due to the worn-out switch or defective contact.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons do not respond when you pressing them, this could be a sign the battery has died or is close to the end of life. Fortunately, replacing the battery is an easy task that can be done by yourself rather than paying a locksmith or dealership to complete the task for you.
First find the battery compartment. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob and may be concealed behind a cover that slides out or a button that opens the access point. After the compartment is exposed, look for the small button-cell battery. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and is identified with a plus and the minus symbol. Take the battery out and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door, align and snap the pieces into place. To ensure that the buttons work properly Press any of them.
If your remote key fob stops working after replacing the battery, it might be suffering from other issues that require a different type of repair. Physical damage from dropping the fob into a puddle for instance, can sometimes cause it to stop working altogether. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Check out these other common auto troubleshooting techniques to determine whether your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Depending on the year and manufacturer, there are various kinds of switches available in the keyfob of your car. The older style keys have a chip that is visible inside the case. The newer keys work by sending signals to your car. Regardless of the type of key, the buttons on the key may be damaged or worn out when used regularly. As a result, they become difficult to press, or even unresponsive. If you press the button with force, it could cause further damage. It could also stop the key from working in the future.
If you can't get your key to function, try changing the batteries. If that doesn't help then you might need to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly tossed about.
The switches are rubber-like, and are coated with an electrically conducting film that is prone to wear out over time. However, they're a very small part and cheap to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore you need to carefully remove the old ones without causing any damage to any other part of the circuit. Then you can put the new ones in and put them back together.
Don't use your car key fob for more than two hours at a stretch and avoid leaving it visible. Also, make sure you find a secure place to store your keys when you're not using it.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned the key fob replaced the battery and tried to clean it, then you may need to consult an expert locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to determine whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, change cases and more.
Outer Case
If the buttons don't move freely up and down the case, they could become stuck or break. If replacing the battery or cleaning with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad rubbing alcohol doesn't fix the problem, removing the case and inspecting might be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only solution.
Some keys are equipped with buttons made of rubber, which wear away over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press because they stretch, and nails may gouge them. In this situation the key may fail, and it's time to replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, locating the buttons on the circuit board, heating up the solder before carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can be reassembled and the key blade of the horseshoe can be inserted. The new buttons should be tightly fitted inside the case to avoid them from falling out.
Read Even more
Over time, your key fob's buttons may be damaged or stuck because of the constant jolting and accidental pressing. With the help of metal tape and a hole-punch, you can usually solve this issue in the event your car isn't at home and the key fob isn't working, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not start the engine. This simple fix can enable you to safely make it back to your vehicle and finish your trip.