20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Car Key Button Repair Fans Know
Car Key Button Repair
Car key buttons take many abuses, especially if used frequently. Over time, they can become damaged.
There are a few easy solutions that will get your keys back to working. These methods do not come without risk, however. Changing batteries or tampering your key fob can be risky. If you're not comfortable doing these yourself, it's recommended that you contact a professional auto locksmith.
Change the Battery
If you notice that your key fob is not working as it should, it may be time to replace the battery. You can usually buy replacement batteries at any national chain drug store or in the parts department of your car dealership. Some manufacturers will include a spare battery with your car when you buy it.
The first thing you will need to do is find out what kind of battery your key fob is powered by. This information is usually available on the site of the manufacturer or by looking at the key fob. Generally, the most common battery used in key fobs is a button cell that is similar to the ones used in watches and remote controls. These batteries are available at Walgreens, Energizer and other stores for less than $5 per box of two.
Once you are aware of the type of battery your key fob uses then you can open it up and remove the old battery. It is possible to open most key fobs using your fingers or a flat tool like a screwdriver at the notch or seam where they connect. After the key fob has been opened the battery will come out. It is then possible to replace it with the same orientation. g28carkeys of key fobs are powered by CR2032 batteries. These batteries are sold at retailers that sell AAA or AA batteries.
Once the new battery is in place After that, you can snap the two halves of the key fob back together and check that all buttons are functioning properly. You can test if everything is working properly by pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob, while pointing it towards your vehicle. If your vehicle is still not responding to the key fob, it could be necessary to reprogram the key fob and establish an electronic connection between the two. Luckily, this is quite simple and only requires the use of a phone or other device to perform the procedure.
Reprogram the Key Fob
If your key fob does not work and you believe it's time to replace it the fact is that it might not require an entirely new battery, but rather the old one needs to be reprogrammed. This procedure differs for each car. To learn the procedure, consult your owner's manual. It's usually available in PDF format on the website of the automaker. You can also search YouTube for videos.
In the majority of modern vehicles, a special procedure is required to put the vehicle into 'programming mode'. This typically involves pressing the power button a few times on the door of the driver or ignition, while simultaneously pressing the button on a fob within a time-specific period. This is how the fob sends its digital identity code to the vehicle, which stores it in the memory. Once the fob has been programmed, it will function like an ordinary key.
Reprogramming a keyfob will erase any previous keyfobs. Therefore, if you want to keep other fobs, they need to be reprogrammed with care and speed after the first one.
Sometimes, you can find replacement batteries for car key fobs at hardware stores, large retailers, or even on the internet. You must be aware of your car's make and model before you purchase a fob as it may be difficult to locate the right battery.
A CR editor once found a battery that was compatible with the key fob she used however, it was for a different vehicle. This meant she was able to start her car and unlock the door, but couldn't lower the windows.
Dealers can be a great resource in this situation, since they have the tools to reprogram the fob for a specific vehicle. Dealers are required to carry out this service on certain European cars such as Audi and BMW because they come with specialized security features that can only be reset by the manufacturer. Other dealers we spoke to such as those at Toyota and Lexus were willing to try reprogramming the fob in a replacement as they knew the exact make and model of the vehicle you are driving.
Replace the Button
If you've tried changing the battery, reprogramming your key fob, and you're still unable to start your car, it's time to replace the button on your key. The button on your car key is subjected to a lot of pressure and jostling, and it can be damaged or stuck over time. When you press the button on your key fob, an individual code is sent in a pattern that the vehicle's receiver is able to recognize. If you attempt to operate your car from a distance without using the proper code could cause it to not recognize you and shut the doors or turn off the engine.
You can buy replacement buttons online or at several local hardware stores. It is easy to install buttons and they are very easy to open.
Contact an Auto Locksmith
If you're experiencing a problem with your car key it could be time to call in the experts. Auto locksmiths are experts in the repair of electronic keys and locks. These specialists have the tools and knowledge to determine and fix issues with your key fob. This includes replacing batteries and changing their programming. They have the expertise and expertise to tackle more complex tasks, like fixing a broken key or cutting an alternative key.
One of the most frequent reasons for a car's key button to stop working is because the switch inside it has worn out. The use of the switch and exposure to elements are the primary causes. The switch is constructed of an extremely hard plastic with several switches on its surface. Each of these switches is responsible for activating the specific function you are using the key to activate. As the switch age it becomes harder to turn on these functions. You will need to apply more pressure to the switch to get it to work. This can cause further damage to the switch, reducing its longevity.
The most straightforward solution to this problem is to replace the battery in your car key fob. A lot of models of cars use lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries which you can buy at supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement stores. Your key fob will function after you have replaced the battery.
If the issue persists, it could be that the contacts in the key fob have worn out. The contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electric conducting film, which could wear out over time. They are exposed to the elements when you use the key which means they are constantly exposed to moisture and dirt. Eventually, they will become worn until they no longer make contact with the circuit board or sensor underneath the keypad.
The dealership can replace the key fob, but it could be costly and take a long time. The other option is to call a local locksmith for your car who will be able to repair your key fob and save you money.