Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Key Repair?

How to Repair a Remote Key

While most remote key fobs come with amazing battery lives, they will eventually wear out. Sometimes it's as easy as changing the batteries, but sometimes there are more serious problems.

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

Battery

Car key remotes are powered by CR2025 or CR2032 batteries and can usually be replaced if the fob is still operational. If not, you can look at the battery terminals and buttons to see if there are any missing parts. Often the terminals and buttons can be repaired by soldering them back into place however you'll need be aware of the exact type of battery your fob uses.

If you're unsure if the battery is the issue, make use of a backup fob to start or unlock your car. If it's possible, it's time to replace your primary fob. If it doesn't then you'll need to have a professional examine it to find the problem. It could be as simple as reprogramming, or it could require different types of repairs. There's also the possibility that your car has lost your fob, which isn't something you can fix yourself.

Case

The outer plastic enclosure of a remote is known as the case. It usually comes with a replacement button pad. It is important to use a new case, as the original one is likely to be pretty grungy and it is crucial that the circuit board is placed properly in the case. The circuit board is what is responsible for controlling the function of the key fob. keys repair can test it by using a multimeter set to RF (radiofrequency) mode and a radio scanner that is tuned to the same frequency as the key fob.

Another thing to check is the contact points for buttons on the keypad, which could be loose or damaged in the course of time. Carefully soldering them back in place will often restore the functionality of the keypad unless they break completely.

Buttons

If your key fob buttons aren't working or are difficult to push, you can buy an alternative dorman or Motormite remote key housing online for an affordable cost for your model/year/make. Then, pop the circuit board from your old case and put it into the new one. It is possible to adjust the position of the board on some models. You can then use aluminum foil and double-sided tape to stick to the black contact points on the buttons.

Programming

The key fob is linked with the receiver of your vehicle and this connection can become corrupted. A professional will assess your car to determine its year, make and model. They will then use special equipment to reconnect or program an unmodified transponder chip or fob (or duplicate the key if possible). They will then test the remote to make sure that it functions.

It is crucial to be careful when reprogramming the blank key, because the process can be a bit complicated and different brands require certain steps that are slightly different. It is also possible to miss a step, or wait too long before exiting the programming mode, so it is recommended to work with a professional with comprehensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle to minimize the risk of damaging your car. Some key programming tools can also read diagnostic trouble codes in your vehicle. This can assist you to solve other issues.