The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Car Key Button Repair
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 could be able to save money by fixing your old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when the problem is due to an old switch or a damaged contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob don't respond to pressing, that could be a indication that the battery is dying or nearing the end of its life. Fortunately replacing the battery is a simple task that you can complete on your own rather than paying a locksmith or dealership to do it for you.
Locate the battery compartment first. It is usually located on the backside of the key fob and might be hidden behind the cover, which slides out, or an access point which opens when you press a button. When the compartment is exposed then look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually shaped as coins and has an minus and plus sign. Take the battery out and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are properly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap together the two halves of your key fob. Be sure to align the two pieces and snap them into place correctly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To test whether the buttons function properly, press any of them.
If your remote keyfob does not work after replacing the battery, it could be other issues that require a different form of repair. The fob's dropping into a pool of water can cause it to cease functioning. It could also be experiencing an internal electrical failure or may need to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. Find out what's wrong related to your key fob using these other common car troubleshooting techniques.
Switches
There are a variety of switches used in the car key fob according to the year and make. The older type of key often has a separate chip which is visible in the case, whereas newer keys are more advanced and work by sending signals to the car. No matter what type, the keys' buttons can get worn down or damaged when used regularly. They can become difficult to press or not responsive. If you attempt to force the button to work, it can cause further damage and may even stop the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If you can't get your key to work, try changing the batteries. If that doesn't work, you may need to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. Because these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time getting jostled around and tangled, they are more likely to break down than the larger components of your key.
The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to be worn away over time. Luckily, they're also tiny and inexpensive to replace. The old ones are soldered onto the circuit board so you will need to carefully remove them without causing damage to other parts. Then, you can solder 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 don't leave it out in the open. Also, make sure you find a secure location to keep your key in when you aren't using it.
If the problem persists after you have cleaned your key fob, replaced the battery and tried to clean it, you might need to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith can check your key's frequency to see whether your car is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and much more.
remote key fob repair
If the buttons can't move freely up and down in the case, they may get stuck or break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab does not work, it could be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or if they're damaged, adjusting them could be the only option.
Some keys are equipped with buttons made of rubber that wear away over time. The rubber stretches and nails pierce it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this scenario the key could fail and it's time replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, then locating the buttons on the circuit board, then heating the solder, and then carefully taking them off. The circuit board is soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt and the horseshoe key blade piece can be attached. The new buttons must be securely fitted into the case in order to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to be tossed around and could sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons within can become stuck or broken over time. If automotive key repair working when 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 your vehicle. This simple fix can allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your journey.