14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Key Repair

How to Repair a Remote Key

While the majority of remote key fobs have amazing battery lives, they will eventually wear out. Sometimes it's as easy as changing the batteries, but occasionally there are more serious problems.

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

If the fob is functioning, you can swap out the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If it's not then you can remove the fob and examine the buttons and battery terminals for any signs of looseness or damaged parts. It is usually possible to solder the terminals and buttons back in place. However, you will be required to know which type of battery is installed in the fob.

If key repair whether the battery is the problem, use a backup fob to start or unlock your vehicle. If you can, then it's time for a replacement of the primary fob. If not then you'll require a professional to examine it to find the issue. It could be as easy as reprogramming, or it could require other repairs. There's also the possibility that your vehicle has lost your fob, which isn't something you can fix yourself.

Case

The case of a remote key is the outer plastic housing and usually comes with the button pad replacement. It is recommended to purchase the latest case since the original one is likely to be very filthy. It is crucial that the circuit board within the case is placed correctly. The circuit board determines the function of the key fob. You can test it with an instrument set to RF (radiofrequency) mode, and a radio scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob.

Another thing to examine is the button contact points on the keypad. These may be loose or damaged in the course of time. Carefully soldering them back in place can often return them to full functionality unless they completely snap off.

Buttons

If your key fob buttons do not function anymore or are difficult to press you may need 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, simply pop the circuit board from your old case into the new. In some cases you may have to adjust the position of the board slightly. Then, you can use aluminum foil with double sided tape to adhere it to the black contact points on the buttons.

Programming

The key fob is connected with the receiver inside your vehicle and this connection can be corrupted. A professional will examine the car to determine the manufacturer, year model, year and model. They will make use of specialist equipment to repair or program an empty fob or transponder chip (or clone a key should this be possible). They will then test the remote to ensure that it works.

It is essential to be cautious when programming an unprogrammed key, since the process is often complicated and different brands require slightly different steps. It is easy to miss a key step or to wait too long before exiting the programming mode. To minimize the risk of damaging your vehicle, it is best to hire an expert with vast knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Certain key programming tools also have the capability of reading diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which can assist in fixing or resolving any other problems.