How to Repair a Remote Key
While most remote key fobs come with excellent battery life, they'll eventually run out of battery. Sometimes it's as simple as replacing the batteries, but occasionally there are more serious issues.
Take apart the remote and clean the buttons. Then move them out and in. These steps could be all you need to get your key fob to work.
Battery
If the fob is functioning, you can swap out the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If not, you can look at the battery terminals and buttons to determine if they are any loose parts. Most of the time, the buttons and terminals can be re-soldered back into place however you'll need know exactly what type of battery your fob uses.
If you're not sure if the battery is the problem you can make use of a backup fob to unlock or start your vehicle. If you can, then it's time to replace the primary fob. If car key repair 's not, a professional inspection is necessary to determine the reason it's not functioning properly. It could be as simple as reprogramming it, or require other types of repair. There's also the possibility that your vehicle has lost your fob and isn't something you can fix yourself.
Case Study
The outer plastic housing of a remote is referred to as the case. It typically comes with a replacement button pad. It is essential to choose a new case as the original one is likely to be pretty grungy, and it is essential that the circuit board is installed correctly inside the case. The circuit board is what is responsible for controlling 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.
Check the contact points on the keys on the keypad. They could have become loose over time or broken. A careful soldering process to put them back in their original position can usually restore the functionality of the keypad unless they snap off completely.
Buttons
If the buttons on your key fob aren't working or are difficult to push, you can purchase an alternative dorman or Motormite remote key housing on the internet at a an affordable cost for the model/year/make. Then, pop the circuit board from your old case and insert it into the new one. You may have to slightly adjust the position of the circuit board on certain models. You can then use aluminum foil and double-sided tape to adhere it to the black contact points on the buttons.
Programming
The key fob and the receiver in your car are connected however, this connection may be ruined. A professional will assess the car to determine the manufacturer, year, year and model and employ specialist equipment to re-pair or program the fob with a blank transponder chip (or duplicate a key if this is possible). They will then test the remote to make sure that it works.
It is essential to be careful when reprogramming an unprogrammed key, since the process can be complicated and different brands require slightly different steps. It is also possible to miss a step or take too long to exit the programming mode, therefore it is best to use a professional with comprehensive knowledge of your car's security system to avoid harming the car. Some key programming tools also have the capability of analyzing diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle. This can assist in fixing or resolving any additional issues.