This Story Behind Car Key Button Repair Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life

Car Key Button Repair

Car key buttons take lots of abuse, especially if used frequently. Over time, they can become damaged.

Fortunately, there are several quick fixes to get your keys working again. These solutions are not completely safe, however. Altering batteries or altering your key fob can be risky. If you're not confident doing these yourself, it's recommended that you contact a professional auto locksmith.

Change the Battery

If you are noticing that your key fob not working as it should, it might be time to replace the battery. You can find replacement batteries in any drugstore chain nationwide or in the parts department of your local car dealership. Some manufacturers offer an extra battery with the car when you purchase it.

It is first necessary to determine the kind of battery is used in your key fob. This information is typically available on the manufacturer's website or by examining the key fob. The most common type of battery in keyfobs is the button cell that is similar to the ones used in remotes and watches. These batteries are available at Walgreens, Energizer and other stores for less than $5 per pack of two.

You can take the old battery off your key fob once you know the type of battery it uses. You can open most key fobs by using your fingers or a flat tool like a screwdriver, at the notch or seam where they connect. After the key fob has been opened the battery will pop out. Then, you can replace it with the same orientation. The majority of key fobs are powered by CR2032 3V batteries, which are readily available at numerous stores that sell AAA and AA batteries.

After the new battery has been in place After that, you can connect the two halves of the key fob together and test it to ensure that all buttons work properly. Pressing the locks and unlock buttons on the key fob while it is pointed at your vehicle will help determine whether or not everything is working exactly as it should. If your vehicle still does not respond to the fob, you might have to reset the fob and establish an internet connection. This is a fairly straightforward process that requires your phone or another device.

Reprogram the Key Fob

If your key fob won't work and you believe it's time to replace it the fact is that it might not require an entirely new battery, but instead the old one needs to be changed. This procedure is different for every car, so your best bet is to refer to the owner's manual (usually accessible in PDF format on the automaker's website) or search YouTube for videos that explain how to go about this.

In most modern vehicles, a particular procedure is required to put the vehicle in "programming mode". This typically involves pressing the power button multiple times on the door of the driver or ignition while simultaneously pressing a button on a fob in a specific time frame. The fob sends its digital identification code to the vehicle, which then will save it. The fob functions as a regular key after it has been programmed.

It is important to know that the process of reprogramming a key fob can wipe out any other key fobs which have been programmed previously. Therefore, if you'd like to keep other fobs, they must be reprogrammed with care and speed after the first one.





You can often find replacement batteries for your key fob for your car at hardware stores, big-box retailers, or online. However, you need to know the make and model of your vehicle prior to buying a fob battery as the correct type of battery can be tricky to find.

A CR editor once came across a battery that was compatible with the key fob she had however, it was for a different model of car. This meant that, while she was able to start the car and unlock the doors, she wasn't in a position to lower the windows.

Dealers can be a great resource in this case, as they have the tools to reprogram the fob for a specific vehicle. Certain European vehicles, such as those manufactured by Audi and BMW, will usually require you to go to a dealer for this service because they use specific security features that can only be reset by the manufacturer. Some dealers, such as those at Toyota and Lexus were willing to reprogram a replacement key fob in the event that you could identify the exact model and brand of the car you own.

Replace the Button

If you've tried changing the battery, or reprogramming your key fob and you're still unable to start your car, it could be time to replace the button on your key. The button on your car key is subjected to a lot of pressure and jostling and can get damaged or stuck over time. When you press the button on your key fob an individual code is sent in a pattern that the receiver inside the vehicle is able to recognize. Trying to operate your car from a distance without using the correct code could cause it to not recognize you and then lock the doors or turn off the engine.

You can buy replacement buttons online or in several local hardware stores. It is easy to install them and they are extremely simple to open.

Contact an Auto Locksmith

If you're experiencing issues with the car key button it could be time to contact the experts. 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 repair a variety of issues with your key fob, including replacing batteries and changing the programming. They also have the expertise and experience to handle more complicated tasks like fixing broken buttons or cutting a new replacement key.

The switch on the button for the car key is often worn out. This is due to overuse and exposure to the elements. car remote key repair is made of a hard plastic and has multiple switches on its surface. Each of these switches is responsible for activating a specific function that you use the key for. As the switch ages it becomes harder to activate these functions. In the end, you'll need to push 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.

The most straightforward solution to this problem is to replace the battery inside your car key fob. You can find lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. After replacing the battery your key fob should be working again.

If the problem continues, it could be because the contacts on your key fob's device have worn out. The contacts are rubbery and covered with an electrical conducting film that can wear out. When you use the key, they are exposed to moisture and dust. 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 a vehicle dealership, but this can be expensive and could take quite a while. Another option is to contact an auto locksmith in your area who can fix your key fob and save you money.