Blog entry by Clair Plante
car key button repair (images.Google.as)
A broken key repair car key button can be frustrating. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
You could save money by repairing your old key fob rather than replacing it. This is particularly true if the switch is worn out or has faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding to pressing it, this could be a clear indication that the battery is dead or nearing the end of its life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that you can complete on your own rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to do it for you.
First, locate the battery compartment. It is usually located on the back of the key fob and could be hidden behind a slide-out cover or an access point that opens when you press a button. When the compartment is opened then look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually shaped as an oblong coin and is marked with the plus and minus signs. Remove the old battery and insert a new one in its place, making sure that the plus and minus marks are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is in place close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob together. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the parts into place. To test that the buttons work properly Press any of them.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working even after you replace the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different kind of repair. Damage to the physical structure caused by dropping the fob in a puddle, for instance could cause it to cease functioning completely. It could also be due to a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Also, take a look at these common auto key repair near me troubleshooting techniques to determine whether your key fob may be experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Depending on the year and the manufacturer, there are various types of switches in the keyfob of your car. The older type keys usually have a separate chip which is visible in the case, while the modern keys are more sophisticated and operate by sending signals to the car. No matter what type of key, the buttons on the key can get worn down or damaged when used regularly. As a result, they become difficult to press or even unresponsive. If you press the button too hard it could cause more damage. It could also stop 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 help it may be necessary to clean the key's fob and re-adjust the switches. Because these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being moved around they are more prone to break down than the larger components of your key.
The switches feel rubbery and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film may wear off over time. However, they're tiny and inexpensive to replace. The old ones are soldered onto the circuit board so you'll have to take care to remove them without damaging anything else. Then, you can solder the new ones in and reassemble your fob.
Don't use your car key fob for more than two hours at a stretch and do not leave it open. If you don't use your key, store it in a secure place.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, and the problem persists it's time to consider the services of a locksmith. A professional can test the frequency of your key to see if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, change cases and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons aren't able to move freely up and down the case, they could get stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it might be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only solution to correct the issue.
Some keys use buttons made of rubber that be worn out over time. The rubber stretches and nails pierce it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this scenario, the key may fail and it's time replace the case or buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, finding the button switches on the circuit board, and then heating the solder before carefully taking them off. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt, and the horseshoe key blade can be attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted inside the case to avoid them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob key repair near me may be damaged or stuck as a result of the continuous rubbing and accidental pressing. If your key fob isn't working while you are away from home You can solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and a punch hole. This allows you to unlock doors, but not start the car. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to finish your trip.