Car key car repair Button Repair

Car key buttons endure many abuses particularly if they are used frequently. This can lead to them becoming faulty over time.

There are a few easy solutions that will get your keys back in working order. However, these techniques carry risks associated with changing batteries or altering the key fob. If you are not comfortable with these methods, it's best to consult a professional auto-locksmith.

Change the Battery

If you notice that your key fob no longer working as it should, Keyless Entry Repair it could be time to replace the battery. You can buy replacement batteries at any national chain drugstore or at the parts department of your local dealership for cars. Some manufacturers will include an extra battery in your car when you buy it.

It is first necessary to find out the kind of battery is being used in your key fob. The manufacturer may have this information on their website, or you can check the key fob's specifications. The most commonly used type of battery found in a keyfob is the button cell similar to the ones used in watches and remotes. These kinds of batteries are found at stores such as Walgreens and Energizer, and are available for purchase for less than $5 for a pack of two.

You can take the old battery off your key fob after you know the type of battery it uses. Most key fobs are constructed with a notch or a seam that connects them, which you can open with your fingers, or using the flat side of a screwdriver. After the fob has been opened, the battery will pop right out and you can then put in the new one in the same direction as the previous one. Many key fobs are powered by CR2032 batteries. These batteries are sold at retailers that sell AAA or AA batteries.

You can snap the two halves back together after inserting the new battery and test the key fob to confirm that all buttons work properly. You can test if all functions are working correctly by pressing the lock and unlock button on the key fob, while pointing it toward your vehicle. If your vehicle is still not responding to the key fob, it might be necessary to reprogram the key fob and re-establish a wireless connection between the two. Fortunately, this is an easy procedure and requires the use of your phone or other device to accomplish this.

Reprogram the Key Fob

If your key fob doesn't work and you believe it needs to be replaced the fact is that it might not require an entirely new battery, but instead the old one needs to be reprogrammed. This procedure is different for each vehicle. To find out the procedure, consult your owner's manual. It's usually available in PDF format on the automaker website. You can also search YouTube for videos.

Modern vehicles require a specific procedure to put the vehicle in "programming mode," which usually involves pressing the power button on the driver's side door or ignition a few times while pressing the fob's button within a specific time period. This is how the fob sends its digital identity code to the vehicle, which stores it in memory. After the fob is programmed, it can perform the same way as normal keys.

Reprogramming a fob will erase any previous keyfobs. Therefore, if you want to keep other fobs, they should be carefully and swiftly reprogrammed after the first one.

Sometimes you can find replacement batteries for key fobs for cars in hardware stores, big retailers, or even on the internet. However, you must know the make and model of your car key repair before buying a fob battery as the correct type of battery can be difficult to locate.

A CR editor found an appropriate battery for the key fob she owned, but it was for a different model of car. This meant that while she was able to start the car and open the doors, she was not able to lower the windows.

Dealers can be a great resource in this case, as they have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob for the specific vehicle. Dealers are required to carry out this service on some European vehicles like Audi and BMW due to their unique security features which can only be reset in the factory. 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 model and make of the vehicle you are driving.

Replace the Button

If you've tried changing the battery, or reprogramming your key fob, and still haven't been able to start your car it might be time to replace that button on the key. Your car key button receives many uses and jerking over time and may become stuck or broken. Every time you press the button on your key fob, a unique code is transmitted in a sequence that the vehicle's receiver is able to recognize. When you try 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 turn off the engine.

You can buy replacement buttons online or in several local hardware stores. They are easy to open up and install and only require a little clear plastic tape to cover the old button.

Contact an Auto Locksmith

If you're experiencing issues with the car key button, it may be time to contact the experts. Auto locksmiths specialize in the repair of electronic car keys as well as their associated locks. They have the tools and know-how to identify and fix issues with your key fob. This includes replacing batteries and changing the programming. They have the knowledge and skills to handle more complicated tasks, such as fixing a damaged key or cutting an alternative key.

One of the main reasons for a car key switch to stop working is that the switch inside it has worn out. This is due to overuse and exposure to the elements. The switch is constructed of hard plastic and has several switches on its surface. Each switch is able to activate the function for which you use the key. As the switch gets older it becomes harder to turn on these functions. In the end, you will need to press down more force on the switch in order to make it work. This can further damage the switch and reduce the life span of the switch.

Replace the battery in your key fob. Many models of car use lithium-ion coin or button 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 continues, it could be because the contacts on your key fob's device have been worn out. The contacts are rubbery and are covered with an electrical conducting film that wears out. They are exposed to elements when you use the key which means they are constantly exposed to dirt and moisture. In time, they'll wear down to the point where they no longer make contact with the circuit board or sensor underneath the keypad.

You can try to get the key fob replaced at an auto dealer, but it can be costly and could take a long time. You can also call an emergency locksmith who will keyless entry repair your key fob at less.