How to Repair a Remote Key

Although most remote key fobs have amazing battery lifespan, they eventually get worn out. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the batteries, however sometimes there are more serious issues.

One quick fix that may aid is to disassemble the remote and cleaning the buttons before moving them in and out. These steps could be all you need to get your key fob back in working order.

Battery

Car key remotes use CR2025 or CR2032 batteries and they can be swapped out if the fob is still functional. If not, you can look at the battery terminals and buttons to see if there are any missing parts. You can usually solder the terminals and buttons back in place. However, you will be required to know which kind of battery is being used in the fob.

If you're not sure if the battery is the problem 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 a simple reprogramming, or it could require other types of repairs. It could also be that your car has lost the fob. This is not something you can fix by yourself.

Case

The plastic housing that covers the outside of a remote is known as the case. It typically comes with an alternative button pad. It is recommended to purchase an entirely new case since the original one case is likely to be quite dirty. Also, it is essential that the circuit board in the case is correctly placed. The circuit board is responsible for controlling the function of the key fob. You can test it with an instrument set to RF (radiofrequency) mode and a scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob.


Another thing to examine is the contact points for buttons on the keypad. These might have become damaged or loose in the course of time. Soldering them back to their original position can often restore them to full functionality, unless they snap completely.

Buttons

If your key fob buttons aren't working anymore or are difficult to push, you can buy a new dorman or motormite remote key housing online at an affordable cost for your model/year/make. Then, pop the circuit board out of the old case and into the new one. For car key remote repair near me may be necessary to adjust the board's position slightly. The black contact points of the buttons can be bonded to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.

Programming

The key fob and receiver in your car are linked however, this connection may be damaged. A professional will assess the car to determine the make model, year and model. They will use specialist equipment to re-pair or program the fob with a blank transponder chip (or duplicate a key in the event that it is possible). They will then test the remote to make sure that it works.

It is crucial to be cautious when reprogramming a blank key, as the process is often complicated and different manufacturers have certain steps that are slightly different. It is easy to skip a step or to wait too long to exit the programming mode. To minimize the risk of damaging your vehicle it is recommended to employ an expert with extensive knowledge of the security system in your vehicle. Some key programming tools can also detect diagnostic trouble codes in your vehicle. This can help you solve other issues.