On occasion, you might find yourself in a position to turn your car on. But, when you press the button on your car key, nothing happens. The lights do not flash, and nothing starts up. This may become frustrating for a lot of people, but there are many reasons why your car key button will stop working.
The key shell, also known as a key fob or remote control, is a small electronic device that allows you to unlock your car door and start your engine. These handy devices are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and versatility. However, if your car key button isn’t working, it can be frustrating.
Having a broken car key button is a hassle. You may have to cut the wires to get into your car, or you might have to get a new remote altogether or you will have to visit a locksmith to get it working. All of these things can be expensive, and they may even cause you to miss work or other important events.
If your car key button is not working, you should look for the reason why. There could be several reasons why the car key system isn’t working. Perhaps it’s your battery, or maybe you need to get a key fob replacement.
This guide will show you how to diagnose the issue and get back into your car again.
5 Reasons That Your Car Key Button Is Not Working
The car key button may stop working for many reasons. It can be something as simple as the battery dying or it could be something more serious, like a broken ignition switch.
Here are five common reasons why your car key remote might not be working, and you can think of going to a car key maker or a locksmith:
Reason 1: The Battery Is Dead
If your car key button isn’t working, the first thing you should do is check the battery.
The battery is the part of your car key that stores power and gives it to the rest of the circuit. When a battery dies, it stops being able to produce enough electricity for the other parts of your key to work properly. If this happens, they will stop functioning and you’ll have trouble pressing buttons or turning things on or off.
If you have had your car for a while, it’s possible that the battery has died on you and needs to be replaced. When this happens, the key fob will stop working completely and won’t come on when you press the button. If you have recently replaced your battery, make sure that it has been installed correctly and that all connections have been tightened properly.
Reason 2: You Have Damaged the Key FOB
Another possible reason for your key fob not working properly is if you have damaged it in any way. If your car key button is not working, you may have a faulty car key fob. In this case, you can take it to your local locksmith or repair shop, and they will be able to help you fix it.
If you have dropped it on a concrete floor or accidentally scratched it with sharp objects, then there is a high probability that this has affected its performance as well. To check whether this is indeed the problem, try using another key fob and see if it works properly or not. This will help you determine whether the problem lies within your current key fob or if there are other issues at hand which need addressing immediately before they cause more damage to other aspects of your vehicle such as its electrical system.
If you have a broken key, it will not work. The key is the only part of your car that is supposed to open and close the locks of your car. When you press your car’s key button to unlock or lock the car, it sends a signal to the computer system in your vehicle. The computer then sends a signal back to your door locks and unlocks them. If there is something wrong with your key, it is possible that it will not send this signal back to the computer. When this happens, the door locks do not move and remain locked.
Reason 3: The Car Door Lock is Broken
If the key button on your car’s remote control is not working, several reasons may be causing it. One of the most common reasons is that the door lock has broken or malfunctioned. This can happen if you have been using your car for a long period without repairing it, or if it has been exposed to extreme weather conditions such as rain or snow.
The door lock is a small piece of metal that connects to the car key button and is responsible for locking and unlocking the doors. If this piece of metal breaks, it will not be able to connect with the car key button anymore.
If this is the case, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic for inspection and repair as soon as possible.
Reason 4: The Ignition Cylinder is Faulty
In addition to locking and unlocking your car’s outside doors, your key also serves as an ignition key. The ignition cylinder is the part of your car that turns the ignition and powers up the car. It’s typically located on or near the steering column, and it can be fairly easy to remove and replace if it’s faulty.
For every key, there is an accompanying lock or mechanism that it is designed to work with. No matter how many times you try, if your car key still won’t turn, something may be wrong with the key or the ignition.
This may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a problem with your car’s ignition. The idea is that mechanical components, such as your ignition cylinder, are prone to wear and strain, and breakdown.
If this is the case, your key will need to be replaced by a professional locksmith.
Reason 5: The dirt and grime are stuck between buttons and the remote control
If the dirt or grime is stuck between the buttons and the remote control, the button will not work. You need to clean the surface by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Also, you can use a toothpick to remove any dirt from the surface of the button.
To clean them:
- Remove the batteries from both devices.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean all surfaces of both devices.
- Dry each surface thoroughly with a paper towel or cloth before putting the batteries back in place and trying again!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my key fob battery needs replacing?
If your key fob doesn’t work or only works some of the time, then it may need its battery replaced. To check whether this is the case, try pressing your lock button when there is no vehicle nearby. If you can still hear the locks activating, then it means that there is still power in the battery and you don’t need to change it out just yet. However, if pressing the lock button doesn’t make any sound at all then it means that the battery needs to be changed right away because there’s nothing left in it.
Does the cold temperature prevent the button on my car key from working?
Cold temperatures can cause the button on your car key to stop working. This happens because the metal in your key becomes too cold, causing it to contract. This contraction causes the metal to stick inside the lock when you try to open your door, and thus prevents you from using your key to unlock the door or start your car.
The best way to prevent this issue is by keeping your keys warm. If you are going to be in cold weather, consider storing them in a pocket close to your body or inside of a jacket. To get the longest possible life out of the battery in your key fob, you should always store your keys inside.
Why did my car alarm go off when I inserted my key into the ignition?
If your alarm sounds when you insert your key into the ignition, then there may be a problem with your alarm system, or it could be that you have an aftermarket remote starter installed on your vehicle. Contact a dealer for assistance with this issue.
How much does it cost to replace a car key fob?
If your car key button is not working, it could mean that the battery is dead, or you need to replace the fob itself. Before you replace your fob, you should try replacing the battery, which is a relatively simple task. If this doesn’t work, you can always call a locksmith to come and fix it for you. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and how much experience the locksmith has, they may be able to fix it over the phone or by charging a nominal fee to come out to your location. If they need to replace the entire key fob, this can cost anywhere from $100 to $150
The price may be higher if you have to replace the entire ignition system or replace your car’s computer system.
Can I replace a key fob myself?
It’s possible to replace a key fob yourself if you have some technical know-how or have done it before. However, if this is your first time replacing a remote battery, we recommend taking it to an auto parts store and asking them to do it for you so that they can help guide you through the process. Some dealerships also offer free remote replacement services; just call ahead to find out what their policy is before going in.