A Simple Fix For "Switchblade Key Premature Deployment"

[packetfire]

My 2004 v70 has the switchblade key, which breaks for many people.

I have eliminated this problem permanently, for no more than a few cents of cost, and no more than a few minutes of time.
Zero mechanical skill is required. Zero tools are required.

The spring mechanism breaks because it unintentionally opens in a pocket or purse with the slightest pressure on the open button, and then gets subjected to stress without the button being pushed to close it again, breaking the arms that hold it open and closed. So, when broken, the key flops in and out of the case like a dead fish.

So, we add a grommet to protect the button against everything except a specific intentional button-push from a finger or thumb.

Below is the key-fob, and a tube of "Goop", a glue that stays jelly-like for a long period, allowing it to be used cleanly, and only where desired. Clearly, you do not want any glue getting down into the works of the keyfob.

Below is the grommet, filled with glue to a nicely-rounded cupcake-like top. Let this sit until the glue becomes firm and rubbery when poked with a toothpick, rather than liquid. The grommet is found at big-box hardware stores, it is a common item that prevents a screw from digging into the wood into which it is screwed. Mine has a hole diameter of 5.9 mm, and an exterior diameter of 14.5 mm, but all it needs to do is fit around the button without touching the button.

Below is the grommet pressed in place. After cleaning away any crufty bits of extra glue, I taped it down, and let it sit overnight to let the glue dry. The result is a key-fob with a greatly reduced chance of false-triggering.

This humble contribution is hoped to be of value to those who wish to avoid both key-fob breakage, and serious groin injury.