Cordless phone keypad problem

I too have similiar problem with Uniden phone. In my case it is only the center toggle. I indeed took the phone apart and this problem relates to the metal oxide wearing off the rubber keys that make contact with the exposed circuit lines. This same problem is common with TV remotes. Sometimes you can take apart device and find that cleaning the circuit with rubber eraser can help the problem. You can clean the rubber contacts, but be delicate as you do not want to remove the coating on the key. As far as taking phone apart? Well it helps to be a tech with experience. Usually there is at least one screw or two to remove in the battery area. Then you gently pry the phone apart. Sometimes devices like this slide apart after the screws are removed. If you pry start at position nearest where screws join parts together and work your way up. You may dent the plastic a bit in process. Once you have two halves apart be careful in next steps. There will be numerous screws holding the phone to face. Also be careful of wires to speaker. They are usually hardwired. No plug. As you take apart take careful note of how wires are routed. Also be careful of charge contacts that slide into base of phone.

I could fix my phone if I could get the part, but I suspect Uniden will not sell me the part and ask me to send phone in.

Spinman

Worked on the Panasonic phones!! Great solution!! Used the swabs, with the rubbing alcohol. The toughest part is getting the phones apart. I did three of them straight-away. Great!! Thanks!!

Spinman has the right idea, but I didn't want to rub the contacts with an eraser so I used a cotton swab with some rubbing alcohol. Worked great. Be patient taking the phone apart.

VERY common problem. I wonder if Panasonic every fixed this on their newer phones. Happend to mine and my friends phone. Cleaning the board with rubbing alchohol and cotton swab will fix it but sadly it has to be done every couple years.

I have the same problem !!!!!

Hi all. Above solutions will only work a few times then fail. The reason is the flexible keypad overlay key bottoms are coated with a conductive material that with time will loose its conductivity or just rub off - especially after cleaning with rubbing alcohol, methylayted spirits, etc.
To solve this problem on a more permanent basis, purchase a small bottle of Conductive Paint and (after cleaning both pads and circuit board contacts) dab the bottom pads with the paint. I use a toothpick for this. The paint will last a long time but will eventually need re-coating - especially if a heavy hand is used on the keys - remember to use only a slight pressure once done. The paint is very sensitive but may sometimes detach from the pads especially with heavy presses. Adherence is promoted by thorough cleaning first.
Remember, you can use this method on any remote, cordless phone, etc. that uses this method of key-contact.
You can purchase or order online via an electronics outlet (which I did (in South Africa). Here is the product I use (it comes in small 2ml bottles, is not expensive and lasts for many applications): KEMO L100 CONDUCTIVE SILVER (Code N36BA 1387067). [www.kemo-electronic.de].

Brucie

Mine is a Panasonic KX-TCA121E and has two screws under the battery cover and three more when the face cover is released. Methylated spirits did the trick. Thanks everyone

Using the rubbing alcohol was the anwer. It worked great!!!
The hardest part is getting the phone apart. Just be careful!
THanks for a great tip!!!!!