Think You're The Perfect Candidate For Car Key Button Repair? Check This Quiz

Car Key Button Repair A broken car key is a hassle. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for help or purchase a new remote. However, you might be in a position to save money by fixing an old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true if an old switch or damaged contacts are the reason for the problem. Battery If the buttons on your key fob are not responding to your pressing them, this could indicate that the battery is dead or is close to the end of life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that can be completed on your own rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to take care of it. Find the battery compartment first. It is usually located on the backside of the key fob and might be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that opens when you push a button. When the compartment is open, locate the small button cell battery. It's usually the shape of a small coin and has a plus and the minus symbol. Take the old battery out and replace it with a brand new one. Check that the plus and symbol are aligned correctly. Close the compartment and snap 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 whether the buttons function properly, press any of them. If your remote keyfob does not work after replacing the battery, there may be other problems that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage from dropping the fob in a puddle, for instance may cause it to cease functioning altogether. Alternatively, it might be experiencing an internal electrical problem or might need to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Take a look at these other car troubleshooting tips to see if your key fob is suffering from a different issue. Switches Depending on the year and make, there are different types of switches on the car keyfob. The older model keys usually have an additional chip that is visible in the case, whereas the newer keys are more advanced and function by sending signals to the car. key repair service on a key can be worn out or damaged through normal use, regardless of the model. They become difficult to press or ineffective. If you attempt to force the button to function it could cause further damage and potentially stop the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future. If your key doesn't appear to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If this doesn't work, then you might have to clean the key fob or re-adjust the switches. Because these tiny electronic switches are constantly being tossed around, they are more likely to wear out than 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. Fortunately, they are also a small part that is inexpensive to replace. The old ones are soldered to the circuit board, and you'll have to take care to remove them without causing damage to other parts. Then, you can solder the new ones into and then reassemble your fob. An effective way to protect your car key fob from being ruined is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time, and also to not leave it in visible locations in areas where it is visible. Also, try to locate a safe place to keep your key in when you're not making use of it. If the issue persists after you've cleaned the key fob replaced the battery and tried to clean it, you might need to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to determine whether your car is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, alter cases, and much more. Outer Case If the buttons don't move freely in the case, they may get stuck or break. If changing the battery or cleaning with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol don't resolve the issue, then removing the case and inspecting may be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not an ideal fit or if they're worn, changing them might be the only solution. Some keys use rubber buttons which can wear away over time. The rubber stretches and nails cut into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time to get a new case or new 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. New buttons are then attached to the circuit board. The case can be rebuilt, and the horseshoe key blade can be inserted. The new buttons should be fitted snugly inside the case to stop them from falling out. Inner Case Since your key fob is prone to get jostled around and may sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons within can become stuck or broken over time. If your key fob stops working when you are away from home It is possible to solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to unlock doors, but not start the car. This simple fix will allow you to safely make it back to your vehicle and complete your journey.