Car Key Button Repair
The buttons on keys for cars are subjected to a lot and are especially vulnerable if used frequently. In time, they could be damaged.
There are a variety of quick solutions to get your keys back to working. However, these techniques carry the potential for dangers when changing batteries or altering the key fob. If you're not comfortable doing these yourself, it is recommended to contact an auto locksmith professional.
Change the Battery
If you are noticing that your key fob no longer working as it should, it may be time to replace the battery. You can usually find replacement batteries from any chain drug store, or the parts department of your automobile dealership. Some manufacturers will even include a spare key fob battery in their packaging when you purchase your car from them.
The first thing you'll need to do is find out what kind of battery is used in your key fob. This information is typically available on the site of the manufacturer or by looking at the key fob. The most common kind of battery that is found in the keyfob is the button cell like the ones found in remotes 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 open it up and remove the old battery. The majority of key fobs are made with a notch or seam between them and can be opened with your fingers, or using the flat side of a screwdriver. After the fob has been opened, the battery should be able to pop out and you can then put in the new one in the same direction as the previous one. The majority of key fobs utilize CR2032 3V batteries, which are easily available at numerous stores that sell AAA and AA batteries.
After the new battery has been inserted after which you can snap the two halves of the key fob back together and check that all buttons function properly. Pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob while pointing it towards your vehicle will allow you to determine if everything is working exactly as it should. If your car is not responding to the key fob, it may be necessary to reprogram your key fob and re-establish a wireless connection between the two. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy process and requires only the use of your smartphone or another device to perform the procedure.
Reprogram the Key Fob
If you're having trouble with your key fob and believe it needs a new one, it might not be necessary to replace it. Instead the battery you have may require reprogramming. This process varies by car and the best option is to read the owner's manual (usually available in PDF form on the site of the automaker) or search YouTube for videos that explain how to accomplish this.
In the majority of modern vehicles, a particular procedure is required to put the vehicle into 'programming mode'. This typically involves pressing the power button a few times on the door of the driver or ignition while simultaneously pressing the button on a fob in a specific time frame. This is how the fob communicates its digital identity code to the car, which saves it in memory. The fob functions as a regular key after it has been programmed.
Reprogramming a keyfob erases any previous keyfobs. If you wish to keep the other fobs following the first, then they should be programmed quickly and with care.
Sometimes you can find replacement batteries for key fobs for cars in hardware stores, big retailers, or even online. It is important to know your car's model and make prior to deciding to purchase a fob as it may be difficult to find the right battery.
A CR editor found an battery for her key fob but it was from another vehicle. This meant that although she could start the car and unlock the doors, she wasn't able to lower the windows.
Dealers can be extremely helpful in this case, as they have the tools to reprogram the fob for a specific vehicle. Dealers are required to perform this procedure on some European vehicles like Audi and BMW due to their unique security features that can only be reset by the manufacturer. Some dealers, such as those at Toyota and Lexus were willing to reprogramme the key fob in a replacement provided you knew the exact model and make of your vehicle.
Replace the Button
If you have tried changing the battery and reprogramming the key fob, but you still not being able to start your car, it could be time to replace the button on the key. The button on the key of your car is subject to a lot use and jostling, and it can become stuck or damaged over time. Each time you press the button on your key fob an individual code is sent out in a pattern that the receiver in the vehicle can recognize. If you attempt to operate your vehicle from a distance without using the correct code can cause it not to recognise you and lock the doors or turn off the engine.
You can buy replacement buttons online or at 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 consult the experts if you are experiencing problems with your car's key switch. Auto locksmiths specialize in the repair of electronic car keys as well as their associated locks. They are equipped with the tools and know-how to identify and fix issues with your key fob. This includes replacing batteries and changing the programming. They also have the expertise and experience to handle more complicated jobs like fixing damaged buttons or cutting a replacement key.
The switch on the button for the car key is typically worn out. This is caused by overuse and exposure to the elements. The switch is made from an extremely hard plastic with many switches on its surface. Each switch is responsible for activating a specific function you are using the key to activate. As the switch gets older, it becomes more difficult to activate these functions. As a result, you will need to press down more force on the switch to make it work. car key repair near me could cause more damage to the switch, diminishing its lifespan.
The easiest way to solve this problem is to replace the battery on your car's key fob. It is easy to locate lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries at pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. Your key fob should work once you have replaced the battery.
If the issue persists it could be because the contacts in the key fob have worn out. The contacts are made of rubber and covered with an electrically conducting film that can wear out. As you use the key they are continuously exposed to dust and moisture. They will eventually wear to the point where they're unable to contact with the circuit board or the sensor underneath the keypad.
You can attempt to get the key fob replaced at an auto dealer, but this can be expensive and can take an extended time. You can also call an expert locksmith in your area who can repair your key fob for less.