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Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be frustrating. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to help or purchase a new remote.
You may be able save money by repairing your old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if the problem is caused by the worn-out switch or defective contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding to pressing it, it could be an obvious sign that the battery is dying or nearing the end of its lifespan. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that you can complete by yourself rather than paying a locksmith or dealership to take care of it.
Find the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob and is often hidden behind a cover which slides out or a button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open then you will find the small battery. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and is has a plus and minus symbol. Remove the old battery and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus symbols are properly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Be sure to align the pieces and snap them into place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to confirm that they function properly.
If your remote key fob ceases functioning even after replacing the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different type of repair. Physical damage from dropping the device in a puddle, for example, can sometimes cause it to stop working completely. It could also be due to a malfunction with the internal electrical system, or it may need to be deprogrammed. Take a look at these other auto troubleshooting techniques to determine if your key fob is suffering from a different issue.
Switches
Depending on the year and the make, there are different kinds of switches that are found on the car keyfob. The older style keys have an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The modern keys function by transmitting signals to your car. The buttons on a key may be worn out or damaged through normal use, regardless of the type. This causes them to become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you attempt to force the button to work it could cause further damage and may even stop the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, first try changing the battery. If it doesn't work, you might need to clean your key's fob or re-adjust its switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time getting jostled around, they are more likely to break down than the larger components of your key.
key repairs are rubber-like and are coated with an electric conductor film that is prone to wear out over time. Luckily, they're also a very small part and cheap to replace. They're soldered on the circuit board, therefore you must carefully remove the old ones without damaging other components. Then you can put the new ones in and reassemble your key fob.
Do not use your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a time and do not leave it open. Also, try to find a secure place to store your key when you're not making use of it.
If the issue continues to persist after you have cleaned your key fob, replaced the battery and tried to clean it, then you may need to consult an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can check the frequency of your key to determine whether your car is capable of communicating. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and more.
Outer Case
A key fob spends much of its time bouncing around and when the buttons aren't allowed to move between the case they can get stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it could be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't suitable for the application or if they're worn, changing them might be the only solution.
Some keys use buttons made of rubber, which wear out over time. The rubber stretches, nails gouge into it, and the buttons become difficult to press. In this case, the key may fail and it's time to replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling your remote, locating the switch on the board, heating the solder, and carefully taking them off. The new buttons are then connected to the circuit board. The case can be rebuilt, and the key blade of the horseshoe can be inserted. The new buttons must be securely fitted inside the case to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob can be damaged or stuck because of the constant jostling and accidental pressing. If your key fob stops working while you are away from home, you can fix the issue fast by using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to open doors, but not start the vehicle. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to finish your journey.