How to Repair a Remote Key
Although most remote key fobs have amazing battery life, they do eventually degrade. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the batteries, but sometimes there are more serious problems.
A quick fix that can help is dismantling the remote and cleaning the buttons before flexing them in and out. These methods could be all you need to get your key fob working.
Battery
Car key remotes utilize CR2025 or CR2032 batteries and can usually be swapped out if the fob is still operational. If not then you can remove the fob and examine the batteries' terminals and buttons for any indication of looseness or broken parts. It is usually possible to solder the buttons and terminals back into their original positions. However, you'll be required to know which type of battery is installed in the fob.
If the battery isn't the problem, try using a backup key fob to determine if you can unlock or start your vehicle using it. If you are able to do so, it's time for a replacement of the primary fob. If not, a professional inspection is needed to figure out why it's not functioning properly. It could be as simple as reprogramming, or it could require other repairs. There's also the possibility that your car has lost your fob that you can fix on your own.
Case Study
The outer plastic enclosure of a remote is called the case. It typically comes with an alternative button pad. It is important to use a new case, as the original case is likely to be quite dirty and it is vital that the circuit board is set properly in the case. The circuit board is what determines the function of the key fob. You can test it by using a multimeter set to RF (radiofrequency) mode and a radio scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob.
Check the contact points of the buttons on the keypad. They could have become loose over time or have been damaged. Soldering them back in place can often restore them to full function, except if they snap completely.
Buttons
If your key fob buttons do not function anymore or are difficult to press for any reason, a motormite or dorman remote key housing replacement can be purchased online for a reasonable price for your year/make and model. Then, simply pop the circuit board out of your old case into the new one. key repair near me may need to adjust the position of the circuit board on certain models. The black contact points of buttons can be adhered to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob is linked with the receiver inside your vehicle. This connection can be corrupted. A professional will examine your car to determine its year, make, and model. They will then employ special equipment to reconnect or program a blank transponder chip or fob (or clone the key, if possible). They will then test the remote to ensure that it works.
It is essential to be careful when reprogramming a blank key, as the process can be a bit complicated and different manufacturers require certain steps that are slightly different. It is also easy to miss a step, or take too long to exit the programming mode, which is why it is best to use an expert with a thorough understanding of the security system of your vehicle to reduce the chance of harming the car. Some key programming tools can also read diagnostic trouble codes on your vehicle. This will help you fix or resolve other issues.