How to Repair a Remote Key

While the majority of remote key fobs come with excellent battery life, they'll eventually get worn out. Sometimes it's as easy as changing the batteries, however sometimes there are more serious problems.

One quick fix that may aid is to disassemble the remote, cleaning the buttons and moving them in and out. These techniques might be all you need to get the key fob working.

Battery

Car key remotes utilize CR2025 or CR2032 batteries and they can be swapped out when the fob is functional. If not, look at the battery terminals and buttons to determine if they are any missing parts. The terminals and buttons can be re-soldered back into place however you'll need be aware of the exact kind of battery your fob uses.

If you're not sure if the battery is the issue, try using an alternative key fob to see if you can start or unlock your vehicle using it. If you can then it's time to replace the primary fob. If not, a professional inspection is needed to figure out why it's not working correctly. It could be as simple as reprogramming, or it could require other repairs. There's also the possibility that your vehicle forgotten your fob that you can fix yourself.


Case Study

The outer plastic enclosure of a remote is known as the case. It typically comes with an additional button pad. It is recommended to use the latest case since the original one case is likely to be quite dirty. It is essential that the circuit board within the case is correctly placed. The circuit board is what controls the key fob's function. You can test it with a multimeter set to RF (radiofrequency) mode and a scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob.

Check the contact points of the buttons on the keypad. They may be loose over time, or even broken. Soldering them back into place will often allow them to return to their original function, in the event that they snap completely.

Buttons

If the buttons on your key fob aren't working or are difficult to push, you can buy an alternative dorman or Motormite remote key housing on the internet at a a low cost for your model/year/make. Then pop the circuit board from your old case into the new. For certain models you may have 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 Keylab is linked with the receiver in your vehicle and this connection could be damaged. A professional will assess your vehicle to determine its year, make and model. They will then employ special equipment to reconnect or program the transponder chip with a blank fob (or copy the key if that is possible). They will then test the remote to ensure that it works.

When reprogramming keys that are blank, it is important to take care. The process is complicated and each manufacturer comes with different instructions. It is also easy to skip a step or wait too long before exiting the programming mode, so it is recommended to hire a professional with comprehensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle to avoid damaging the car. Certain key programming tools are also capable of reading diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which could aid in repairing or resolving additional issues.