The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Button Repair

Car Key Button Repair

A damaged car key button is frustrating. You might need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.

You may be able save money by repairing your old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true if the issue is due to the worn-out switch or defective contact.

Battery

If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding to pressing it, this could be a clear indication that your battery is dead or nearing the end of its lifespan. Fortunately replacing the battery is a simple task that you can complete on your own rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to take care of it.

First look for the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and can be hidden behind a cover which slides out or an open button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open, locate the small button battery. It's usually shaped like a small coin and has a plus and the minus symbol. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a new one. Make sure the plus and symbol are aligned correctly.

Once the battery is installed, close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob. Be sure to align the parts and secure them properly before closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to verify that they function properly.

If the remote keyfob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it could be other problems that require a different form of repair. Dropping the fob into a puddle can cause it to stop functioning. It could also be due to a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Find out if the issue is with your key fob by using these other common methods for troubleshooting your car.

Switches

Depending on the year and make, there are different kinds of switches available on the car keyfob. The older model of key often has a separate chip which is visible inside the case, whereas the newer keys are more advanced and function by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key may be damaged or worn out through regular use, irrespective of the model. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you press the button too hard it can cause further damage. It could also stop the key from functioning in the future.

If your key doesn't seem to be working, first try changing the battery. If it doesn't work, you may have to clean the key fob or adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than larger parts of the key repair car to break due to the fact that they are constantly jostled.

The switches are rubber-like and they're coated with an electric conductor film that wears down over time. Fortunately, they're a small part that is inexpensive to replace. The older 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 new ones into and reassemble the 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 safe place.

If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned the key fob replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, then you might need to contact an expert locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to determine whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle. They can also open and replace micro switches, alter cases, and more.

Outer Case

A mobile key repair fob spends much of its time bouncing around, and if the buttons aren't free to move upwards and downwards within the case, they may become stuck or even broken. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with the help of a cotton swab or rubbing alcohol don't resolve the issue, then removing the case and examining it might be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't suitable for the application or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only solution.

Some keys use buttons made of rubber that wear away over time. The rubber stretches, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this case the key may fail and it's time to replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, locating the switch on the board, heating the solder, and carefully remove them. New buttons are then soldered to the circuit board. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key car repair blade piece is attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted into the case to prevent them from falling out.

Inner Case

Since your key fob is likely to get jostled around and may sometimes be accidentally pressed, the buttons inside can be damaged or stuck over time. Utilizing metallic tape and a hole-punch, you can usually solve this issue when your car isn't at home and the key fob won't work and allows you to open the doors, but not to start the engine. This simple fix can allow you to return safely to your vehicle to finish your trip.