How to Repair a Remote Key
While the majority of remote key fobs are equipped with amazing battery lives, they'll eventually get worn out. Some times it is simple to replace the batteries in the device but sometimes the issue could be more serious.
One quick fix that may help is dismantling the remote, cleaning the buttons and stretching them out and in. These steps could be all you need to get your key fob working.
Battery
Car key remotes utilize CR2025 or CR2032 batteries and can usually be replaced when the fob is functioning. If it isn't accessible, you can take it off the fob and examine the batteries' terminals and buttons to look for signs of wear or damaged parts. Most of the time, the buttons and terminals can be soldered back in place but you'll need be aware of the exact kind of battery the fob is using.
If you're not sure if the battery is the issue, try using an alternate key fob to see if you can start or unlock your vehicle with it. If automotive key repair can, then it's time to replace your primary fob. If it's not, a professional inspection is necessary to determine the reason it's not working properly. It could be as easy as reprogramming it, or require other repairs. You may also find that your vehicle has lost the fob. This isn't something you can fix on your own.
Case
The case of a remote key 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 case is likely to be quite dirty and it is crucial that the circuit board is set properly in the case. The circuit board is what determines the function of the key fob. You 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 examine is the button contact points on the keypad. These could be loose or damaged over time. A careful soldering process to put them back in place will often restore them to their original function unless they snap off completely.
Buttons
If your key fob buttons do not function anymore or are difficult to press for any reason, a motormite or dorman key housing replacement for your remote can be purchased online for a reasonable price for the year/make/model you have. Then, simply pop the circuit board out of your old case into the new. You may have to slightly adjust the position of the circuit board for certain models. The black contact points of the buttons can be adhered to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob and receiver inside your car are paired, but this connection can be damaged. A professional will examine the vehicle to determine the make model, year and model. They will use specialist equipment to re-pair or program the fob with a blank transponder chip (or make a key replica in the event that it is possible). Then they test the remote to be sure it functions.
car key immobiliser repair is crucial to be careful when reprogramming the blank key, because the process is often complicated and different manufacturers require certain steps that are slightly different. It is also easy to miss a step, or take too long to exit the programming mode, which is why it is recommended to hire professionals with extensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle to reduce the chance of damaging your car. Some key programming tools can also identify diagnostic trouble codes in your vehicle. This will help you repair or troubleshoot other issues.