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Car Key Button Repair
Car key buttons undergo lots of abuse particularly if they are used frequently. This can result in them becoming damaged over time.
Fortunately, there are several quick fixes to get your keys back to working. These solutions are not completely safe however. Making changes to batteries or tampering with the key fob could be risky. If you're not comfortable with these methods, it's recommended that you consult with a professional auto-locksmith.
Change the Battery
If you notice that your key fob is no longer working as it should, it may be time to replace the battery. You can purchase replacement batteries at any national chain drugstore 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 vehicle from them.
It is first necessary to determine the kind of battery is being used in your key fob. The manufacturer should have this information on their website, or you can check the key fob itself. Generally speaking, the most popular battery that is used in a key fob is a button cell, similar to those used in remote controls and watches. repair keys near me are available at Walgreens, Energizer and other stores for less than $5 for a pack of two.
You can take the old battery off your key fob once you know the type of battery it uses. It is possible to open most key fobs using your fingers or a flat tool like a screwdriver, at the seam or notch where they join. After the key fob has been opened, the battery will be released. It is then possible to replace it in the same orientation. The majority of key fobs utilize CR2032 3V batteries, which are accessible at a variety of retailers that sell AAA and AA batteries.
After the new battery has been in place, you can connect the two pieces of the key fob back together and test it to make sure that all buttons work properly. You can determine if all functions are working correctly by pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob while pointing it at your vehicle. If your vehicle is still not responding to the key fob, it might be required to reprogram the key fob and re-establish a wireless connection between the two. Luckily, this is a relatively easy process and only requires the use of a smartphone or another device to accomplish this.
Reprogram the Key Fob
If your key fob won't function and you believe it's time to replace it the fact is that it might not require the replacement of a battery, but rather the original one must be reset. This procedure is different for every car so the best way to find out is to consult the owner's manual (usually available in PDF format on the site of the automaker) or search YouTube for videos that explain how to do this.
Most modern vehicles require a specific 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 the fob's button within a specified time. The fob transmits its unique digital identification code to the vehicle, and then will save it. The fob will work like normal keys once it has been programmed.
It is important to know that reprogramming a key fob will wipe out any other key fobs which have been previously programmed. If you want to keep the other fobs after the first, then they should be reprogrammed swiftly and with care.
You can often find replacement batteries for your key fob for your car at hardware stores, big-box retailers or online. You must know the make and model before you purchase a fob as it can be difficult to find the right battery.
A CR editor once found an appropriate battery for the key fob she owned, but it was for a different vehicle. This meant that she could start her car and unlock the door, but she was unable to lower the windows.
Dealers can be a great resource in this situation, since they have the equipment to reprogram the fob for the specific vehicle. Dealers are required to carry out this service on some European automobiles like Audi and BMW because they come with specialized security features which can only be reset by the manufacturer. Other dealers we spoke to like those from Toyota and Lexus were willing to attempt reprogramming the fob in a replacement as long as you knew the exact model and make of the vehicle you are driving.
Replace the Button
If you've tried changing the battery, reprogramming your key fob, and still haven't been able to start your car it could be time to replace that button on your key. The button on the key of your car is subject to a lot use and jostling, and it can be damaged or stuck over time. Each time you press the button on your key fob, the unique code is sent out in a sequence which the receiver inside the vehicle is able to recognize. When you try to operate your vehicle from a distance and not using the proper code could cause it to not be able to recognize you and shut the doors or turn off the engine.
You can purchase replacement buttons online or at numerous local hardware stores. It is simple to install buttons and they are extremely simple to open.
Contact an Auto Locksmith
It could be time to consult the experts If you're experiencing issues with your car's key switch. Auto locksmiths specialise in the repair of electronic car keys as well as their associated locks. They have the expertise and tools required to recognize and fix a variety of issues with your key fob including replacing batteries and changing the programming. They also have the knowledge and experience to handle more complex tasks such as fixing damaged buttons or cutting a replacement key.
The switch inside the button for the car key is typically worn out. The use of the switch and exposure to elements are the primary reasons. The switch is typically made of a tough plastic material and has many different switches that are located on the surface. Each switch is able to activate the function that you select with the key. As the switch ages over time, it becomes harder to activate these functions. This means that you'll have to press down more force on the switch to make it work. This could cause more damage to the switch, diminishing its life span.
Replace the battery in your key fob. It is easy to find lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries in supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement stores. Your key fob should now function after you have replaced the battery.
If the issue persists, it could be that the contacts inside the key fob have worn out. The contacts are made of rubber and coated with an electric conducting film, which could wear away over time. They are exposed to the elements while you use the keypad, 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 the sensor underneath the keypad.
You can try to have the key fob replaced by going to a vehicle dealership, but this can be expensive and could take an extended time. The other alternative is to contact a local locksmith for your car who will be able to repair your key fob and save you money.