A Time-Travelling Journey: How People Talked About Car Key Button Repair 20 Years Ago
Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be a hassle. It is possible to call an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.
However, you might be in a position to save money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true when the switch is worn out or has faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob don't respond to pressing it, that could be a indication that the battery is dying or at the end of its life. It's easy to replace the battery on your own instead of paying locksmiths or dealers.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob, and can be hidden behind a cover that opens or an open button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open, locate the small button cell battery. It's usually shaped as coins and identified with an minus and plus sign. Take the old battery out and replace it with a new one. Make sure the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is installed close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the components in place. Press car key and repair of the buttons to verify that they function correctly.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working after replacing the battery, it could be experiencing other issues that require a different type of repair. Dropping the fob in a puddle could cause it to stop working. It could also be due to a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. 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 kinds of switches available on the keyfob of your car. The older style key has an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The newer keys work by sending signals to your car. Whatever the model of key, the buttons on the key can become worn out or damaged during normal use. They can become difficult to press or not responsive. If you attempt to force the button to function it could cause further damage, and could even prevent the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If your key doesn't seem 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. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than larger components of the key to break due to the fact that they are constantly tossed around.
The switches feel rubbery and are coated with an electrical conductor. This film can be worn away over time. Fortunately, they are also tiny and easy to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore it is important to take them off without causing any damage to other components. Then you can put the new ones in and rebuild your key fob.
One way to prevent your car key fob from being damaged is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time, and also to not leave it in areas where it can be seen. Also, try to locate a safe place to keep your key in when you're not making use of it.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned your key fob or battery, and tried to clean it, then you may need to talk to a locksmith. A professional locksmith will test your key's frequency to see whether your vehicle is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, alter cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons aren't able to move freely up and down the case, they could be stuck or even 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 contact points where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them may be the only way to fix the problem.
Rubber buttons can be worn out over time. The rubber expands and nails pierce it, and the buttons become difficult to press. In this case the key could fail and it's time to replace the case or button. This repair involves removing your remote, finding the switch on the board, then heating the solder, and carefully remove them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons should be securely fitted into the case in order to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob could become damaged or stuck due to the constant jolting and accidental pressing. If your key fob ceases to function when you're away from home You can solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and punch holes. This will allow you to open doors but not start your car. This quick fix may allow you to return safely to your vehicle and complete your trip.