How to Repair a Remote Key

Although most remote key fobs have impressive battery lives they will eventually wear out. Sometimes it's as easy as changing the batteries, but sometimes there are more serious problems.

An easy fix that could help is dismantling the remote and cleaning the buttons before stretching them out and in. These methods could be all that you need to get your key fob back in working order.

Battery

If the fob continues to functioning you can replace the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If not, you can open the fob and check the buttons and battery terminals to look for signs of wear or damaged parts. The terminals and buttons can be re-soldered back into place but you'll need be aware of the type of battery the fob is using.

If you're not sure if the battery is the issue, try using an alternative key fob to determine whether you are able to unlock or start your car with it. If it's possible do so, it's probably time to replace your primary fob. If not, a professional inspection is needed to figure out why it's not working properly. It could be as simple as reset, or it could require other types of repairs. You may also find that your vehicle has lost the fob. This is not something you can fix by yourself.

Case

The case of remote keys repair is the plastic housing that covers the outside and typically comes with the button pad replacement. It is important to use a new case as the original case is likely to be a bit shabby, and it is essential that the circuit board is placed properly in the case. The circuit board is responsible for the operation of the key fob. It can be tested with a normal multimeter by setting it to the RF (radio frequency) mode and holding a radio scanner tuned where to repair car key remote the frequency the key fob operates on next to it, listening for signals that pulsate upon button presses.

Another thing to look at is the button contact points on the keypad, which might have become loose or broken in the course of time. Soldering them back into place can often restore them to their original functionality, except if they snap completely.

Buttons

If your key fob buttons don't work anymore or are difficult to press, a dorman or motormite key housing replacement for your remote can be purchased for a low price online for your year/make and model. Then, take the circuit board from your old case and insert it into the new one. On some models, you may need to move the board slightly. The black contact points of buttons can be adhered to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.

Programming

The key fob is paired with the receiver inside your vehicle and this connection can become corrupted. A professional will inspect your car remote key repair shop near me (Recommended Website) to determine its make, year and model. They will then use specialist equipment to recouple or program an unmodified transponder chip or fob (or clone the key if that is possible). Then they will test the remote car key repair to be sure it works.

It is crucial to be cautious when reprogramming an unprogrammed key, since the process can be complicated and different brands require slightly different steps. It is easy to miss a key step or to take too long before exiting the programming mode. To minimize the risk of causing damage to your vehicle it is recommended to employ an expert who has vast knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Certain programming tools also have the capability of analyzing diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which can aid in repairing or resolving additional problems.