Here's A Little Known Fact About Car Key Button Repair
Car Key Button Repair
Car key buttons undergo lots of abuse, especially if used frequently. This can result in them becoming damaged over time.
There are a variety of quick solutions to get your keys back to working. These solutions are not completely safe however. Altering batteries or altering the key fob could be dangerous. If you're not comfortable doing these things yourself, it's recommended to consult a professional auto locksmith.
Change the Battery
It could be time to replace the battery in the case that your key fob no longer works as it should. You can buy replacement batteries at any national chain drugstore or at the parts department of your local dealership for cars. Some manufacturers will even include a spare key fob battery in the packaging when you purchase your car from them.
The first thing you'll need to do is determine what battery your key fob uses. This information is typically available on the manufacturer's website or by looking at the key fob. Generally speaking, the most popular battery that is used in a key fob is a button cell similar to the ones used in watches and remote controls. These batteries are available at Walgreens, Energizer and other stores for less than $5 per box of two.
You can take the old battery off your key fob once you know what kind of battery it is using. You can open most key fobs using your fingers or a flat tool like a screwdriver at the notch or seam where they connect. After the fob has been opened, the battery will be able to pop out and you can insert the new one with the same orientation that the old one. The majority of key fobs are powered by CR2032 3V batteries, which are available at many retailers that sell AAA and AA batteries.
You can join the two halves together after you have inserted the new battery and then test the key fob to make sure that all buttons function correctly. Pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob while it is pointed at your vehicle will help you determine if everything is working in the way it should. If your vehicle is still not responding to the key fob, it might be necessary to reprogram your key fob to establish an internet connection between the two. This is a relatively straightforward process that requires a phone or other device.
Reprogram your key fob
If you're experiencing issues with your key fob and believe it needs a new one, it might not be necessary to replace it. Instead the old battery might need to be reprogrammed. This process varies by car, so your best bet is to consult the owner's manual (usually available in PDF form on the website of the automaker) or search YouTube for videos on how to go about this.
Most modern automobiles require a particular procedure to put the vehicle into "programming mode," which usually involves pressing the power button on the driver's side door or ignition a few times while pressing a button on the fob within a specific time period. This is how the fob communicates its digital identification code to the vehicle, and it stores it in the memory. The fob can function as an ordinary key once it is programmed.
It is important to remember that reprogramming a key fob will wipe out any other key fobs that have been programmed previously. Therefore, if you'd like to keep other fobs, they must be carefully and quickly reprogrammed following the initial one.
You can sometimes find replacement batteries for a key fob for your car at hardware stores, big-box retailers, or even online. You will need to know the model and make before you purchase a key fob since it can be difficult to find the right battery.
A CR editor once found a battery that was compatible with the key fob she had, but it was for a different car. This meant that, while she was able to start the car and open the doors, she wasn't capable of lowering the windows.
Fortunately, the dealer can assist you in this instance, as most of them have the tools needed to reprogram a fob to a specific car. Dealers are required to carry out this service on certain European vehicles like Audi and BMW because they come with specialized security features which can only be reset by the manufacturer. Other dealers we spoke to, including those from Toyota and Lexus, were willing to attempt reprogramming the fob in a replacement as provided you know the exact make and model of the vehicle you are driving.
Replace the Button
If you've tried changing the battery, or reprogramming your key fob, but still haven't been able to start your car it's time to replace the button on your key. The button on the car key is subject to a lot use and jostling and can get damaged or stuck over time. Each press of the button on your key fob emits a different code that is recognised by the car's receiver. If you attempt to operate your vehicle from a distance and not using the correct code could cause it to not be able to recognize you and lock the doors or shut off the engine.
You can buy replacement buttons online or at numerous local hardware stores. They are easy to open and install and require only a small amount of clear plastic tape to cover the old button.
Contact an Auto Locksmith
It could be time to seek out the experts when you're having issues with the key button on your car. Auto locksmiths specialize in the repair of electronic car keys as well as their associated locks. These experts are equipped with the tools and knowledge to identify and fix issues with your key fob. This includes replacing batteries and reprogramming them. They also have the skills and expertise to tackle more complicated tasks like fixing broken buttons or cutting a replacement key.
One of the most common reasons for a car's key button to stop working is that the switch inside it has worn out. This is due to excessive use and exposure to the elements. The switch is made from a hard plastic and has multiple switches on its surface. Each of these switches is responsible for activating the specific function that you use the key for. As the switch gets older over time, it becomes more difficult to turn on each of these functions. You will need to apply more pressure to the switch to activate it. This could cause more damage to the switch, diminishing its life span.
The easiest way to solve this problem is to replace the battery inside your car key fob. Full Content of car use lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries that you can buy at supermarkets, pharmacies, and home improvement stores. After you've replaced the battery, your key fob should work again.
If the problem persists it could be that the contacts on your key fob are worn out. The contacts are made of rubber and covered by an electrically conducting film that wears out. They are exposed to the elements as you use the key, so they're constantly being exposed to moisture and dirt. They'll eventually wear out to the point where they can no longer make contact with the circuit board or sensor beneath the keypad.
The dealer can replace the key fob, however it could be costly and takes a lot of time. You can also contact an emergency locksmith who will fix your key fob for less.