Five Things You Don't Know About Car Key Button Repair

Car Key Button Repair Car key buttons endure a lot of abuse particularly if they are used frequently. Over time, they can become damaged. There are car keys repair of quick solutions to get your keys working again. These solutions are not completely safe, however. Altering batteries or altering the key fob could be dangerous. If you're not comfortable with these methods, it is recommended that you consult with a professional auto-locksmith. Change the Battery It's possible to replace the battery if your key fob isn't working as it should. You can purchase replacement batteries at any drugstore chain nationwide or in the parts department at your local dealership for cars. Some manufacturers will even include an extra key fob battery in the packaging when you purchase your car from them. You will first need to find out what kind of battery is being used in your key fob. The manufacturer will likely have this information on their website or on the key fob itself. key fob repair used kind of battery that is found in keyfobs is the button cell that is similar to the ones used in watches and remotes. These kinds of batteries are typically sold at places like Walgreens and Energizer and are available at less than $5 for a package of two. Once you know what kind of battery your key fob is using then you can open it and remove the old battery. You can open most key fobs by using your fingers or a flat tool like a screwdriver, at the notch or seam where they join. When the fob is opened, the battery will be able to pop out and you can insert the new one in the same orientation that the old one. A lot of key fobs are powered by CR2032 batteries. These batteries are available at stores that sell AAA or AA batteries. After the new battery has been inserted, you can connect the two pieces of the key fob back together and test it to make sure that all buttons are functioning properly. Pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob while it is pointed at your vehicle will help determine if everything is working in the way it should. If your vehicle still isn't responding to the keyfob, you may require reprogramming the fob and establish wireless connectivity. It's quite simple and requires the use of a smartphone or another device to accomplish this. Reprogram your key fob If you're having trouble with your key fob, and you think it's time to replace it It may not be required to replace it. Instead the battery you have may require reprogramming. This procedure varies for each vehicle and the best option is to read the owner's manual (usually accessible in PDF format on the automaker's website) or search YouTube for videos on how to do this. In modern vehicles, a particular procedure is required to put the vehicle in 'programming mode'. This usually involves pressing the power button multiple times on the door of the driver or ignition while simultaneously pressing the button on a fob in the time frame specified. The fob transmits its unique digital identification code to the vehicle, which then stores it. Once the fob is programmed, it will perform the same way as an ordinary key. Reprogramming a fob will erase any previous keyfobs. Therefore, if you want to keep other fobs, they should be carefully and quickly reprogrammed after the first one. You can often find replacement batteries for a key fob for your car at hardware stores, big-box retailers or online. However, you need to be aware of the model and make of your car prior to purchasing a battery for your fob because the correct type of battery can be tricky to find. A CR editor stumbled across an battery for her key fob however, it was from a different vehicle. This meant that although she could start the car and open the doors, she wasn't capable of lowering the windows. Dealers can be extremely helpful in this situation, since they have the tools to reprogram the fob for a specific vehicle. Dealers are required to perform this procedure on some European automobiles like Audi and BMW because they have specialized security features that can only be reset in the factory. Other dealers we spoke to like those at Toyota and Lexus, were willing to attempt reprogramming the fob in a replacement as provided you know the exact model and make of the car you own. Replace the Button If you have tried changing the battery and reprogramming the key fob, but you still cannot start your car, it may be time to replace the button on your key. The button on the car key is subject to a lot use and jostling and can become stuck or damaged over time. Each time you press the button on your key fob a unique code is transmitted in a sequence which 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 recognize you and lock the doors or shut off the engine. You can buy replacement buttons online or in many local hardware stores. They are relatively simple to open up and install and only require a little clear plastic tape to cover the button. Contact an Auto Locksmith If you're having trouble with your car key button it could be time to contact the experts. Auto locksmiths specialize in the repair of electronic car keys and their associated locks. They have the experience and tools necessary to diagnose and repair a variety of issues with your key fob, including replacing batteries and changing the programming. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle more complex tasks, like repairing a broken key or cutting the replacement key. The switch inside the car key button is usually worn out. This is due to overuse and exposure to the elements. The switch is made of a hard plastic and has several switches on its surface. Each switch activates the function for which you are using the key. As the switch gets older it becomes more difficult to activate these functions. You will have to apply more pressure to the switch to make it work. car key repair service could cause further damage to the switch and decrease the life span of the switch. Replace the battery in your key fob. It is easy to locate lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries in supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement stores. Your key fob should function after you have replaced the battery. If the problem persists it could be that the contacts on the key fob have worn out. The contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electric conducting film that can wear down over time. They are exposed to the elements while you use the keypad which means they are constantly exposed to dirt and moisture. Over time, they become worn to the point that they no longer make contact with the circuit board or the sensor beneath the keypad. The dealer can replace the key fob, however it's costly and takes a lot of time. The other option is to contact a local car locksmith who will be able to fix your key fob and save you money.