How to Repair a Remote Key
While the majority of remote key fobs have amazing battery lives, they will eventually wear out. Sometimes it's simple to replace the batteries inside the device, but in other cases the problem can be more serious.
One quick fix that may help is taking apart the remote and cleaning the buttons before stretching them out and in. These methods could be all you need to get your key fob working.
Battery
If the fob is working it is possible to swap out the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If not accessible, you can take it off the fob and examine the battery terminals and buttons for any indication of looseness or damaged parts. Most of the time, the buttons and terminals can be repaired by soldering them back into place, but you'll need to know exactly what type of battery your fob uses.
If you're unsure if the battery is the issue you can use a backup fob to unlock or start your vehicle. If you're able to then it's time to replace the primary fob. If it doesn't require replacement, you'll require a professional examine it to find the problem. It could be a simple reprogramming, or it could require other types of repair. It could also be that your car has lost the fob. This is not something you can fix on your own.
Case Study
The outer plastic housing of a remote is known as the case. It typically comes with an additional button pad. It is important to use a new case as the original will probably be pretty grungy and it is vital that the circuit board is set correctly in the case. The circuit board is what determines the function of the key fob. You can test it using a multimeter set to RF (radiofrequency) mode and a scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob.
Another thing to look at is the contact points for buttons on the keypad. They may be loose or damaged in the course of time. By carefully re-soldering them back into their original position can usually restore the functionality of the keypad unless they break completely.
Buttons
IF your key fob buttons don't work anymore or are difficult to press, a dorman or motormite remote key housing replacement could be purchased online for a reasonable price for your year/make and model. Then, you can slide the circuit board from your old case into the new one. For certain models you may have to adjust the position of the board slightly. The black contact points of buttons can be adhered to with aluminum foil and double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob is linked with the receiver in your vehicle and this connection can be corrupted. A professional will inspect the car to determine the manufacturer, year of the vehicle, year of manufacture and model. car key remote repair near me use specialist equipment to re-pair or program the fob with a blank transponder chip (or duplicate a key if this is possible). Then they will test the remote to make sure it functions.
It is essential to be careful when reprogramming a blank key, as the process can be a bit complicated and different brands require certain steps that are slightly different. It is also easy to skip a step or delay too long before leaving the programming mode, therefore it is best to use professionals with extensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle to minimize the risk of damaging the car. Some key programming tools can also read diagnostic trouble codes on your vehicle. This can help you fix or resolve other issues.