20 Things Only The Most Devoted Car Key Button Repair Fans Should Know
Car Key Button Repair
Car key buttons take many abuses particularly if they are used frequently. As time passes, they may be damaged.
There are a variety of quick fixes to make your keys work again. However, these methods have risks associated with changing batteries or tampering with your key fob. If you're not comfortable with these methods, it's recommended to seek advice from an expert auto-locksmith.
Change the Battery
If you are noticing that your key fob is no longer working as it should, it could be time to replace the battery. You can purchase replacement batteries in any drugstore chain nationwide or in the parts department of your local car dealership. Some manufacturers will even include an extra key fob battery inside the packaging when you purchase your car from them.
The first thing you'll have to do is find out what kind of battery is used in your key fob. The manufacturer may have this information on their website, or you can check the actual key fob. Generally, the most common battery that is used in the key fob is a button cell that is similar to the ones used in remote key fob repair near me controls and watches. These batteries are available at Walgreens, Energizer and other stores for less than $5 per pack of two.
Once you are aware of the type of battery your key fob uses you can remove it and take out the old battery. You can open most key fobs by using your fingers or a flat tool, like a screwdriver, at the seam or notch at which they join. Once the key fob has been opened, the battery will pop out. You can then replace it with the same orientation. Many key fobs are powered by CR2032 batteries. These batteries are available at stores that sell AAA or AA batteries.
Once the new battery is in place after which you can snap the two parts of the key fob together and test it to ensure that all buttons function properly. Pressing the locks and unlock buttons on the key fob while pointing it at your vehicle will help you determine whether or not everything is working exactly as it should. If your vehicle is not responding to the key fob, it could be necessary to reprogram the key fob to establish an electronic connection between the two. Luckily, this is a relatively easy process and requires the use of your smartphone or another device to perform the procedure.
Reprogram the Key Fob
If your key fob won't work and you think it's time to replace it the fact is that it might not require a new battery, but rather the original one must be changed. This procedure is different for every car and the best option is to read the owner's manual (usually accessible in PDF format on the automaker's website) or search YouTube for videos explaining how to do this.
Most modern vehicles require a special procedure to put the vehicle into 'programming mode,' which is usually done by pressing the power button on the driver's side door or ignition multiple times while pressing the fob's button within a specified time. This is how the fob sends its digital identification code to the vehicle, and it stores it in its memory. After the fob is programmed, it can behave as an ordinary key.
Reprogramming a keyfob erases any previous keyfobs. If you wish to keep the other fobs after the first, they should be reprogrammed swiftly and with care.
Sometimes you can find replacement batteries for car key fobs at hardware stores, major retailers, or even on the internet. However, you need to know the make and model of your car prior to buying a fob battery as the correct type of battery isn't always easy to locate.
A CR editor stumbled across the battery for her key fob, however, it was from a different vehicle. This meant that, while she could start the car and open the doors, she was not in a position to lower the windows.
Dealers can be of great assistance in this regard, since they have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob for the specific vehicle. Dealers are required to perform this procedure on certain European cars such as Audi and BMW because they have specialized security features which can only be reset by the manufacturer. Other dealers we spoke to like those at Toyota and Lexus, were willing to reprogramme the fob in a replacement as long as you knew the exact model and make of your car.
Replace the Button
If you've tried changing the battery, or reprogramming your key fob and still haven't been able to start your car it's time to replace the button on the key. The car key repair near me button gets lots of use and jerking over time and can sometimes get stuck or damaged. Each time you press the button on your key fob, an individual code is sent out in a sequence which the receiver inside the vehicle can recognize. If you attempt to operate your vehicle from some distance, it might not recognize you. It may close the doors or turn off the engine.
You can purchase replacement buttons online or in several local hardware stores. It is easy to install them and they are also extremely simple to open.
Contact an Auto Locksmith
It's time to seek out the experts If you're experiencing issues with your car's key button. Auto locksmiths are experts in the keyless entry repair of electronic keys and locks. These specialists have the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose and fix a range of issues with your key fob, including replacing batteries and changing the programming. They are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to tackle more complex tasks, like repairing a broken key or cutting a replacement key.
The switch on the car key button is often worn out. This is due to overuse and exposure to elements. The switch is made of an extremely hard plastic with many switches on its surface. Each of these switches is responsible for activating the particular function that you use the key to activate. As the switch age, it becomes more difficult to turn on these functions. You will have to apply more pressure to the switch to activate it. This can cause further damage to the switch, further diminishing its life span.
Replace the battery in your key fob. A lot of models of cars use lithium-ion button or coin batteries, which you can easily find at pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. After you've replaced the battery your key fob should be working again.
If the problem persists it could be that the contacts in your key fob are worn out. The contacts are made of rubber and covered by an electrical conducting film that can wear out. When you use the keypad, they are constantly exposed to moisture and dust. They'll eventually wear down to the point where they're unable to contact the circuit board or the sensor underneath the keypad.
The dealership can replace the key fob, however it could be costly and take a long time. Another option is to call a local locksmith for your car, who will be able to repair car keys your key fob and save you money.