How to Repair remote car key repairs
Although most remote key fobs have excellent battery life, they'll eventually get worn out. Sometimes it's as simple as replacing the batteries inside the device but sometimes the issue could be more serious.
One quick fix that may help is taking apart the remote and cleaning the buttons before flexing them in and out. These methods could be all you need to get your key fob working properly.
Battery
Car key remotes use CR2025 or CR2032 batteries and can usually be swapped out if the fob is still functional. If it isn't, you can open the fob and check the batteries' terminals and buttons for any signs of looseness or broken parts. You can usually solder the terminals and buttons back in place. However, you will need to know what type of battery is installed in your fob.
If you're not sure if the battery is the problem, utilize a backup fob in order to unlock or start your vehicle. If you're able to, it's probably time to replace your primary fob. If it doesn't require replacement, you'll need to have a professional assess the fob to identify the problem. It could be as easy as reprogramming or it may require different types of repairs. You might also discover that your vehicle has lost the fob. This isn't something you can tackle by yourself.
Case
The case of remote keys is the outer plastic housing and typically comes with the replacement button pad. It is important to use an entirely new case since the original one is likely to be quite dirty and it is crucial that the circuit board is placed correctly inside the case. The circuit board is the main component of the key fob and can be tested using a normal multimeter by setting it to the RF (radio frequency) mode and then holding a radio scanner tuned to the same frequency that the key fob uses next to it, watching for signals that pulsate upon pressing the button.
Another thing to check is the contact points for buttons on the keypad. These might have become damaged or loose over time. Soldering them back in place can often restore them to full functionality, unless they break completely.
Buttons
If the buttons on your key fob are no longer working or are difficult to push, you can buy a new dorman or motormite remote key housing online at an affordable cost for the model/year/make. Then, you can take the circuit board out of your old case and into the new one. On some models it may be necessary to adjust the position of the board slightly. The black contact points of the buttons can be bonded to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob and receiver inside your car are paired however, this connection may be ruined. A professional will inspect your car to determine the year, make and model. They'll then use specialist equipment to recouple or program a blank transponder chip or fob (or clone the key if that is possible). They will then test the remote to make sure that it functions.
When programming blank keys it is essential to take care. The process can be complicated and each manufacturer comes with slightly different instructions. It is easy to miss a crucial step or wait too long before exiting the programming mode. To minimize the risk of damaging your vehicle it is recommended to hire an expert with extensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Some key programming tools can also read diagnostic trouble codes on your vehicle. This can assist you to fix or resolve other issues.
