How to Repair a Remote Key

Although many remote key fobs have impressive battery life, they do eventually wear out. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the batteries, however sometimes there are more serious issues.


Take the remote apart and clean the buttons. Then move them in and out. These steps could be all you need to get your key fob to work.

Battery

If the fob is still functioning, you can swap out the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If it's not, you can open the fob and inspect the battery terminals and buttons for any signs of looseness or damaged parts. It is usually possible to solder the buttons and terminals back in place. However, you will be required to know which kind of battery is being used in your fob.

If you're not sure if the battery is at fault then use a backup fob to unlock or start your car. If you are able to do so, it's time for a replacement of the primary fob. If it's not, a professional inspection is needed to figure out why it's not functioning properly. It could be as simple as reconfiguration, or it may require other types of repair. There's also the possibility that your vehicle has lost your fob and isn't something you can fix yourself.

Case

The case of a remote key is the plastic case that surrounds it and typically comes with a button pad that is replaced. It is recommended to use an entirely new case because the one you have will likely to be extremely grungy. Also, it is essential that the circuit board within the case is properly positioned. The circuit board is the main component of the key fob and can be tested with a normal multimeter by setting it to the RF (radio frequency) mode and holding a radio scanner tuned to the same frequency that the key fob uses close to it, and listening for pulsing signals upon pressing the button.

Examine the contact points of the keys on the keypad. They may be loose over time or broken. Carefully soldering them back in place can often return them to their original function unless they snap off completely.

Buttons

If the buttons on your key fob aren't working anymore or are difficult to push, you can buy a new dorman or motormite remote key housing online Links to an external site. at a low cost for the model/year/make. Then pop the circuit board out of your old case into the new one. In some cases you may have to adjust the position of the board slightly. The black contact points of the buttons can be bonded to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.

Programming

The key fob is paired with the receiver inside your vehicle, and this connection could be damaged. A professional will assess your vehicle to determine its make, year and model. They will then use specialist equipment to recouple or program an unmodified transponder chip or fob (or duplicate the key if that is possible). They will then test the remote to confirm that it functions.

When reprogramming blank keys it is essential to be careful. The process is complicated and each manufacturer comes with distinct instructions. It is easy to miss a crucial step or to take too long to exit the programming mode. To reduce the chance of damaging your vehicle, it is best to employ a professional who has vast knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Some key programming tools can also be capable of reading diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which could help repair or troubleshoot additional issues.