car key button keyless entry repair (please click the next page)
A broken car key can be a hassle. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be able to save money by repairing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true when 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 be a sign the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. Fortunately replacing the battery is a simple task that can be completed on your own instead of hiring a locksmith or dealer to take care of it.
First, locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and can be hidden behind a cover that slides out or a button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is opened then you will find the small cell battery. It's usually shaped as an oblong coin and is has a plus and minus sign. Remove the battery that is old, and replace it with a new one. Make sure the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the components in the correct position. Press any of the buttons to confirm that they function properly.
If your remote key fob ceases working after replacing the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different form of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the fob in a puddle, for example may cause it to stop functioning altogether. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or need to be deprogrammed. Try to figure out if the problem is with your key fob by using these other common methods for troubleshooting your car.
Switches
Based on the year and manufacturer, there are various kinds of switches available on the car keyfob. The older style of key usually has a separate chip which you can see in the case, whereas modern keys are more sophisticated and operate by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key may be damaged or worn out due to regular use, irrespective of the model. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you try to force the button to work the button, it could cause damage, and could even prevent the key repair from starting 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, you may have to clean the key fob or adjust its switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being tossed around they are more prone to wear out than larger components of your key.
The switches are made of rubber, and they're coated with an electrically conducting film that can wear down over time. However, they're a small part that is inexpensive to replace. They're soldered to the circuit board, which means you need to carefully take them off without causing any damage to anything else. Then, you can solder the new ones in and reassemble your key fob.
Don't use your car key repair company key fob for more than two hours at a stretch and don't leave it out in the open. Also, you should find a secure place to store your key when you're not using it.
If the problem persists after you've cleaned the key fob replaced the battery and tried to clean it, then you might need to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to see whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, change cases and more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely in the case, they could get stuck or break. If changing the battery or cleaning with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad rubbing alcohol doesn't fix the problem, removing the case and examining it might be necessary. If the contacts where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them could be the only option to fix the issue.
Certain keys have rubber buttons which can be worn out over time. The rubber stretches and nails pierce it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this case the key may fail and it's time replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling the remote, finding the buttons on the circuit board, heating up the solder and carefully taking them off. The circuit board is soldered with new buttons. The case can be reassembled, and the key blade of the horseshoe can be inserted. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case in order to prevent them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to be tossed around and sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons inside may get damaged or stuck over time. Using metallic tape and a hole punch, you can solve this issue in the event that your vehicle is away from home when the key fob won't work and allows you to open the doors, but not to start the engine. This quick fix could enable you to safely get back to your vehicle and finish your trip.