How to Repair a Remote Key

Although most remote key fobs come with impressive battery lives they'll eventually run out of battery. Sometimes it's as easy as changing the batteries, however sometimes there are more serious issues.

Take apart the remote and clean the buttons. Then, flex them in and out. These methods could be all that you need to get your key fob working properly.

Battery


If the fob is still working, you can swap out the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If it's not, you can open the fob and examine the batteries' terminals and buttons for any indication of looseness or broken parts. You should be able to connect the terminals and buttons back into their original positions. However, you will need to know what type of battery is used in your fob.

If you're not sure whether the battery is the problem you can use a backup fob to start or unlock your car. If you are able to do so, it's time to replace the primary fob. If it's not, a professional inspection is necessary to determine the reason it's not functioning properly. It could be as simple as reprogramming, or it could require other types repair. It could also be that your car has lost the fob. This isn't something you can do by yourself.

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 will probably be quite dirty, and it is essential that the circuit board is set correctly inside the case. 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.

Examine the contact points of the keys on the keypad. They could have become loose over time or broken. A careful soldering process to put them back in their original position can usually restore them to their original function unless they snap off completely.

Buttons

If your key fob buttons don't work anymore or are difficult to press for any reason, a motormite or dorman key housing replacement for your remote can be purchased for a low price online for the year, make and model of your. Then, pop the circuit board out of the old case and put it into the new one. It is possible to adjust the position of the circuit board for certain models. car key repair company of the buttons can be adhered to using aluminum foil and double-sided tape.

Programming

The key fob is linked with the receiver of your vehicle and this connection could be damaged. A professional will inspect the car to determine the make, year and model and employ specialist equipment to re-pair or program a blank fob or transponder chip (or clone a key if this is possible). Then, they test the remote to be sure it works.

It is important to be careful when reprogramming the blank key, because the process can be a bit complicated and different manufacturers require slightly different steps. It is easy to miss a crucial step or to wait too long before exiting the programming mode. To avoid the risk of damaging your car, it is best to hire an expert who has extensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Some key programming tools can also detect diagnostic trouble codes in your vehicle. This can assist you to solve other issues.