Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Car Key Button Repair
Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be a hassle. You might need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.
But, you may be in a position to save money by repairing a worn-out key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true when the issue is caused by the worn-out switch or defective contact.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons are not responding to your pressing them, it could indicate that the battery has failed or is nearing its end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of hiring an auto locksmith or dealership.
First look for the battery compartment. It is usually located on the back of the key fob and might be hidden behind a slide-out cover or an access point that opens when you push a button. When the compartment is open, locate the small button battery. It's usually shaped like an ordinary coin and is has a plus and the minus symbol. Remove the old battery and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap together the two halves of your key fob. Make sure to align the pieces and snap them in place properly before closing the door and testing your keys. To ensure that the buttons work properly, press any of them.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working even after you replace the battery, it might be experiencing other issues that require a different form of repair. Dropping the device into a pool of water can cause it to stop functioning. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Find out if the problem is with your key fob by applying these other typical methods for troubleshooting your car.
Switches
There are various types of switches used in the car key fob according to the year and model. The older style of key usually has an additional chip that is visible inside the case, whereas modern keys are more sophisticated and function by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key can be damaged or worn out by regular use, irrespective of the model. This causes them to become difficult to press, or even ineffective. If you press the button too hard, it could cause further damage. It could also stop the key from working in the future.
If your key doesn't seem to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If car key remote repair doesn't work, you may need to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break since they are constantly tossed about.
The switches are made of rubber, and they're coated with an electrically conducting film that wears down over time. However, they're tiny and inexpensive to replace. They're soldered to the circuit board, therefore it is important to remove the old ones without causing any damage to anything else. Then you can solder the new ones in and put them back together.
One way to prevent your car key fob from getting ruined is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time and to avoid leaving it in places that it will be visible. Also, make sure you locate a safe place to keep your key in when you aren't making use of it.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, and the issue persists it's probably time to think about hiring an appointment with a locksmith. A professional locksmith will test the frequency of your key to determine whether your car is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely up and down in the case, they may get stuck or break. If changing the battery or cleaning it with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad rubbing alcohol doesn't fix the issue, taking off the case and checking it out may be necessary. If the contacts where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only option to fix the issue.
Certain keys have buttons made of rubber, which wear away over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press because they stretch, and nails could scratch them. This could cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time for a new case or new buttons. This repair involves disassembling your remote, locating the buttons on the board, heating the solder, and then carefully taking them off. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt and the horseshoe key blade piece can be attached. The new buttons should be fitted snugly into the case to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons could become damaged or stuck as a result of the continuous rubbing and accidental pressing. Using metal tape and a hole-punch, you can often quickly solve this issue in the event that your vehicle is not at home and the key fob won't work and allows you to open the doors, but not start the engine. This quick fix could allow you to safely get back to your car and complete your journey.