How to Repair a Remote Key

Although most remote key fob repair fobs come with an impressive battery lifespan, they eventually wear out. Sometimes it's as easy as changing the batteries, but occasionally there are more serious issues.

Take the remote apart and clean the buttons. Then, flex them in and out. These steps could be all you need to get the key fob to work.

Battery

If the fob is still working you can replace the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If not accessible, you can take it off the fob and inspect the batteries' terminals and buttons for any signs of looseness or broken parts. The terminals and buttons can be repaired by soldering them back into place however you'll need be aware of the kind of battery the fob is using.

If you're not sure if the battery is the problem then use a backup fob to start or unlock your car key repair near me. 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 need to have a professional examine it to find the problem. It could be a simple reprogramming, or it could require other types repair. There's also the possibility that your vehicle lost your fob and isn't something you can fix yourself.

Case Study

The case of remote keys is the outer plastic housing and typically comes with a button pad that is replaced. It is crucial to get an entirely new case since the original case is likely to be quite dirty and it is crucial that the circuit board is set properly in the case. The circuit board is responsible for the function of the key fob key repair Near me and is tested using a standard multimeter by setting it to RF (radio frequency) mode and holding a radio scanner tuned to the same frequency that the key fob operates on next to it, watching for signals that pulsate upon the button's presses.

Another thing to examine is the contact points for buttons on the keypad, which may have become loose or broken in the course of time. By carefully re-soldering them back into place will often restore the functionality of the keypad unless they snap off completely.

Buttons

If the buttons on your key fob do not function anymore or are difficult to press, a dorman or motormite key housing replacement for your remote can be purchased online for a reasonable price for the year/make/model you have. Then pop the circuit board from your old case into the new one. For certain models you may have to move the board slightly. You can then apply aluminum foil with double sided tape to adhere to the black contact points on the buttons.

Programming

The key fob and receiver in your car are connected however, this connection may be corrupted. A professional will examine the car key repair service to determine the make, year and model and employ specialist equipment to re-pair or program a blank fob or transponder chip (or duplicate a key should this be possible). Then they test the remote to be sure it works.

When reprogramming blank keys it is essential to be careful. The process can be complex and each manufacturer has different instructions. It is also easy to miss a step or wait too long before exiting the programming mode, which is why it is best to use professionals with extensive knowledge of your car's security system to reduce the chance of damaging the car. Certain key programming tools are also capable of reading diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which could help repair key fob or troubleshoot other problems.