How to Repair a Remote Key
While most remote key fobs come with amazing battery lives, they'll eventually run out of battery. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the batteries, but occasionally there are more serious issues.
A quick fix that can aid is to disassemble the remote, cleaning the buttons and stretching them out and in. These techniques might be all you need to get your key fob working.
Battery
If the fob is still working you can replace the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If it's not, you can open the fob and inspect the batteries' terminals and buttons for any indication of looseness or damaged parts. Often the terminals and buttons can be soldered back in place however you'll need know exactly what kind of battery your fob uses.
If the battery isn't the issue you can try a backup key fob to determine whether you can unlock or start your car using it. If you are able to do so, it's time to replace your primary fob. If not, a professional inspection is needed to figure out why it's not functioning properly. It could be as simple as reprogramming, or it could require other types repair. There's also the possibility that your car has forgotten your fob, which isn't something you can fix on your own.
Case
The case of remote keys is the plastic housing that covers the outside and typically comes with a button pad that is replaced. It is crucial to get an entirely new case since the original one is likely to be a bit shabby and it is vital that the circuit board is placed properly in the case. The circuit board is the main component of the key fob. It can be tested using a normal multimeter by setting it to the RF (radio frequency) mode and holding a radio scanner tuned to the same frequency the key fob uses next to it, listening for pulsing signals when a the button's presses.
key repair near me to examine is the button contact points on the keypad. These could have become loose or broken over time. Carefully soldering them back in place will often restore the functionality of the keypad unless they snap off completely.
Buttons
If the buttons on your key fob are no longer working or are difficult to press, you can buy an alternative dorman or Motormite remote key housing online for a low cost for your model/year/make. Then, pop the circuit board out of the old case and put it into the new one. You may have to slightly alter the position of the circuit board on certain models. The black contact points of buttons can be adhered to with aluminum foil and double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob and receiver in your car are linked however this connection could be damaged. A professional will examine the car to determine the manufacturer, year model, year and model. They will use specialist equipment to re-pair or program the fob with a blank transponder chip (or duplicate a key in the event that it is possible). They will then test the remote to ensure that it functions.
It is essential to be cautious when reprogramming a blank key, as the process can be a bit complicated and different manufacturers have slightly different steps. It is also easy to skip a step or take too long to exit the programming mode, so it is recommended to hire an expert with a thorough understanding of your car's security system to avoid harming the car. Certain programming tools also have the capability of reading diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle. This can help repair or troubleshoot other problems.