Five Things You Didn't Know About Car Key Button Repair
Five Things You Didn't Know About Car Key Button Repair
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Car Key Button Repair
Car key buttons undergo a lot of abuse particularly if they are used frequently. Over time, they can become damaged.
Fortunately, there are several quick solutions to make your keys work again. These methods are not without risk however. Altering batteries or altering your key fob's security can be dangerous. If you're not comfortable doing these things yourself, it's recommended to contact a professional auto locksmith.
Change the Battery
It could be time to replace the battery in the case that your key fob doesn't function 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 offer an extra battery in your car when you buy it.
You will first need to find out what type of battery is used in your key fob. The manufacturer may have this information on their website or you can look it up on the key fob itself. Generally, the most common battery that is used in key fobs is a button cell similar to the ones used in remote controls and watches. These batteries are available at Walgreens, Energizer and other stores for less than $5 per pack of two.
You can remove the old battery from your key fob after you know which type of battery it is using. The majority of key fobs are made with a seam or notch between them which you can either open by using your fingers, or by using a flat tool like a screwdriver. After the fob has been opened, the battery should come out, and you can then insert the new one in the same direction that the old one. The majority of key fobs are powered by CR2032 3V batteries, which are easily available at numerous retailers that sell AAA and AA batteries.
Once the new battery is inserted, you can snap the two pieces of the key fob together and test it to ensure that all buttons are functioning properly. You can determine if everything is functioning properly by pressing the lock and unlock button on the key fob, while pointing it toward your vehicle. If your vehicle still doesn't respond to the keyfob, you may need to reprogram the fob and establish wireless connectivity. Fortunately, this is quite simple and requires only the use of your smartphone or another device to accomplish this.
Reprogram your key fob
If your key fob does not work and you think it's time to replace it the fact is that it might not require the replacement of a battery, but instead the original one must be changed. This procedure differs for every car. To find out the procedure you must consult the owner's manual. It's typically available in PDF format on the automaker website. You can also search YouTube for videos.
In most modern vehicles, a special procedure is required to put the vehicle into 'programming mode'. This typically involves pressing the power button several times on the door of the driver or ignition while simultaneously pressing the button on the fob within the time frame specified. The fob sends its digital identification code to the vehicle, and then will save it. After the fob is programmed, it will behave as an ordinary key.
Reprogramming a keyfob erases any previous keyfobs. Therefore, if you wish to keep other fobs, they should be carefully and swiftly reprogrammed after the first one.
You can often find replacement batteries for a car key fob in hardware stores, big-box retailers or online. But, it is important to be aware of the model and make of your car before buying a fob battery as the correct type of battery can be tricky keyed car repair near me to find.
A CR editor discovered an battery for her key fob, however, it was from a different vehicle. This meant that while she could start the car and open the doors, she was not able to lower the windows.
Dealers can be extremely helpful in this regard, since they have the tools to reprogram the fob for a specific vehicle. Certain European cars, such as those made by Audi and BMW generally require you to go to a dealer to get this service since they utilize special security features that can only be reset by the manufacturer. Other dealers we spoke to such as those from Toyota and Lexus were willing to try reprogramming the fob in a replacement as long as you knew the exact make and model of your car.
Replace the Button
If you've tried changing the battery, or reprogramming your key fob and still can't start your car it's time to replace that button on your key. The car key button gets lots of use and jostling over the years and can get stuck or damaged. Every time you press the button on your key fob, the unique code is transmitted in a pattern that the vehicle's receiver can recognize. If you try to operate your vehicle from a distance, it may not recognise you. It could lock the doors or shut off the engine.
You can buy replacement buttons online or in many local hardware stores. It is easy to install them and they are very simple to open.
Contact an Auto Locksmith
It may be time to consult the experts If you're experiencing 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 specialists have the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose and fix a range of issues with your key fob including replacing batteries and reprogramming them. They are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to tackle more complicated tasks, such as fixing a broken key or cutting a replacement key.
The switch in the button for the car key is usually worn out. Overuse and exposure to elements are the primary reasons. The switch is typically made of a tough plastic material and has a variety of switches that are located on the surface. Each of these switches is responsible for activating the specific function you are using the key to activate. As the switch gets older over time, it becomes harder to activate each of these functions. You will have to exert more pressure on the switch in order to make it work. This can further damage the switch and decrease the life span of the switch.
The easiest way to solve this issue is to replace the battery in your car's key fob. You can easily find lithium-ion button and coin cell batteries in supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement stores. After replacing the battery the key fob will work again.
If the issue persists, it could be because the contacts on your key fob have been worn out. The contacts are made of rubber and coated with an electric conducting film, which could wear out over time. As you use the key they are constantly exposed to moisture and dust. Over time, they get worn down to the point where they no longer make contact with the circuit board or sensor underneath the keypad.
The dealership can replace the key fob, but it's costly and take a long time. You can also call a local locksmith who can repair your key fob for an affordable price.