How to Repair a Remote Key

While most remote key fobs come with amazing battery lives, they'll eventually get worn out. Some times it is as simple as replacing the batteries in the device, but in other cases the issue could be more serious.

An easy fix that could help is taking apart the remote, cleaning the buttons and flexing them in and out. These methods could be all that you need to get your key fob working properly.

Battery

car key fob repairs key remotes utilize CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, and they can often be replaced when the fob is functioning. If not, look at the battery terminals and buttons to see if there are any loose parts. You can usually solder the buttons and terminals back into their original positions. However, you will need to know what kind of battery is being used in the fob.

If you're not sure if the battery is the issue, try using a backup key fob and see if you can unlock or start your vehicle with it. If you are able to do so, it's time for a replacement of the primary fob. If it doesn't require replacement, you'll require a professional to inspect it to determine the issue. It could be as simple as reconfiguration, or it may require other types of repairs. It could also be that your vehicle has forgotten the fob. This is not something you can fix on your own.

Case Study

The case of a remote key is the outer plastic housing and typically comes with the button pad that is replaced. It is recommended to purchase a brand new case, as the original will likely to be extremely dirty. It is essential that the circuit board within the case is correctly placed. The circuit board is what is responsible for controlling the function of the key fob. You can test it using a multimeter set to RF (radiofrequency) mode and a radio scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob repairs near me fob.

Another thing to look at is the contact points for buttons on the keypad, which may have become loose or broken over time. Carefully soldering them back in their original position can usually restore them to their original function unless they completely snap off.

Buttons

If the buttons on your key fob do not function anymore or are difficult to press, a dorman or motormite remote key housing replacement could be bought inexpensively online for your year/make and model. Then, you can take the circuit board out of the old case and insert it into the new one. You may have to slightly adjust the position of your circuit board on certain models. You can then apply aluminum foil using double-sided tape to adhere it to the black contact points on the buttons.

Programming

The key fob and the receiver in your mobile car key fob repair repair (check) are paired, but this connection can be corrupted. A professional will assess the vehicle to determine the make of the vehicle, year of manufacture and model. They employ 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 be sure that it works.

It is crucial to be cautious when reprogramming an unprogrammed key, since the process can be a bit complicated and different manufacturers require certain steps that are slightly different. It is easy to miss a key step or to take too long before exiting the programming mode. To reduce the chance 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 are also capable of analyzing diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which can aid in repairing or resolving other issues.