Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be a hassle. It is possible to call a 24-hour Locksmith Service or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you may be saving money by fixing an old key fob rather than replacing it. This is particularly true if the problem is caused by a worn switch or faulty contact.
Battery
If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing the buttons, this could be a clear indication that your battery is dying or nearing the end of its lifespan. Fortunately replacing the battery is a simple task that can be completed on your own instead of paying a locksmith or dealership to do it for you.
First find the battery compartment. This is usually found on the backside of the key fob and may be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that opens when you press a button. When the compartment is open, locate the small button cell battery. It's usually shaped as an oblong coin and is has a plus and minus sign. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Check that the plus and symbol are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Be sure to align the pieces and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To verify that the buttons function correctly you can press any one of them.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working after replacing the battery, it could be experiencing other issues that require a different type of repair. Dropping the fob into a puddle can cause it to stop working. It could also be due to a malfunction with the internal electrical system or need to be deprogrammed. Take a look at these other auto troubleshooting techniques to determine whether your key fob is suffering from a different issue.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches used in the car key fob, according to the year and model. The older style keys have an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The latest keys operate by transmitting signals to your car. Regardless of the type, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out with normal use. The result is they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If remote key repair press the button with force it could cause more damage. It may also prevent the key from functioning in the future.
If you are unable to get your key to function Try changing the batteries. If this doesn't work, you may have to clean your key's fob or adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break because they are constantly jostled.
The switches are made of rubber, and are coated with an electricity conducting film that wears down over time. However, they're a small part that is affordable to replace. They're soldered on the circuit board, therefore you need to carefully take them off without damaging anything else. Then, you can solder in the new ones and rebuild your key fob.
Avoid using key repairs for more than an hour at a stretch and don't leave it out in the open. If you don't use your key, put it away in a safe place.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, but the issue continues to persist it's time to think about hiring the services of a locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to see if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, swap cases and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely in the case, they could be stuck or even break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab doesn't work, it may be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them may be the only option to fix the problem.
Certain keys have rubber buttons which can wear out 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 replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling the remote, finding the buttons on the circuit board, then heating the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can then be put back together with the horseshoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted inside the case to avoid them falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons could become damaged or stuck as a result of the constant jostling and accidental pressing. With the help of metallic tape and a hole punch you can fix this problem when your car is away from home when the key fob doesn't work and allows you to open the doors, but not start the engine. This simple fix will allow you to safely get back to your vehicle and complete your journey.