Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be a hassle. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be saving money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons are not responding to your pressing them, it could be a sign that the battery is dead or is close to the end of life. Fortunately, replacing the battery is a simple task that you can complete on your own rather than hiring a locksmith to take care of it.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and can be concealed behind a cover that opens or an open button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is exposed then you will find the small battery. It's usually shaped like the shape of a coin and is has a plus and the minus symbol. Remove the battery from the old one and replace it with a new one in its place, making sure that the plus and minus symbols are correctly aligned.
Once the battery is in place, close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob together. Make sure you align the parts and snap them into place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to confirm that they work properly.
If the remote keyfob doesn't work after replacing the battery, there may be other issues that require a different kind of repair. Damage to the physical structure caused by dropping the device in a puddle, for instance could cause it to stop working completely. Alternatively, it might be suffering from an internal electrical problem or might need to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. See if you can find out what's wrong with your key fob using these other common automotive troubleshooting methods.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches that are used in the car key fob dependent on the year and make. The older style keys have a chip that is visible in the case. The newer keys work by sending signals to your car. No matter what type of key, the buttons on the key may get worn down or damaged when used regularly. They become difficult to press or ineffective. If you press the button with force it could cause more damage. It may also prevent the key from working in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, first try changing the battery. If that doesn't work it may be necessary to clean the key's fob and re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly jostled.
The switches feel rubbery and are coated with an electrical conductor. key fob repairs may wear off over time. However, they're small and inexpensive to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore you need to carefully take them off without damaging anything else. Then you can solder the new ones in and reassemble your key fob.
Avoid using your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a time, and don't leave it out in the open. If you don't use your key, keep it in a secure place.
If the problem persists after you've cleaned the key fob or battery, and attempted to clean it, then you might need to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test your key's frequency to see whether your car is capable of communicating. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and more.
Outer Case
If the buttons don't move freely in the case, they may become stuck or break. If changing the battery or cleaning with the help of a cotton swab or rubbing alcohol don't resolve the problem, removing the case and examining it could be required. If the contact points where the buttons touch aren't fitting well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only way to fix the issue.
Certain keys have buttons made of rubber, which wear out over time. The rubber expands and nails pierce it, and the buttons become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time to get the replacement of the case or buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, locating the button switches on the circuit board, then heating the solder and carefully remove them. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can then be put back together with the horseshoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons must be a close fit inside the case to avoid them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to be tossed around and could sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons within can be damaged or stuck over time. With the help of metal tape and a hole punch you can solve this issue when your car is away from home when the key fob isn't working, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not start the engine. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle and complete your trip.