How to Repair a Remote Key
Although most remote key fobs have impressive battery life, they do eventually degrade. Sometimes it's simple to replace the batteries inside the device but sometimes the issue could be more serious.
A quick fix that can help is dismantling the remote, cleaning the buttons and moving them in and out. car key repair near me could be all that you need to get your key fob working properly.
Battery
If the fob is functioning you can replace the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If not, look at the battery terminals and buttons to determine if they are any missing parts. It is usually possible to solder the buttons and terminals back in place. However, you will need to know what type of battery is installed in the fob.
If the battery isn't the problem you can try an alternative key fob to determine whether you are able to unlock or start your car using it. If you can do so, it's probably time to replace the primary fob. If it's not require replacement, you'll require a professional assess the fob to identify the problem. It could be as simple as reconfiguration, or it may require other types repair. There's also the possibility that your car has lost your fob and isn't something you can fix yourself.
Case Study
The case of a remote key is the outer plastic housing and typically comes with the button pad that is replaced. It is crucial to get a new case, as the original case is likely to be quite dirty, and it is essential that the circuit board is installed correctly inside the case. The circuit board is responsible for the function of the key fob and can be tested with a standard multimeter by setting it to the RF (radio frequency) mode and then holding a radio scanner tuned to the same frequency that the key fob uses next to it, watching for pulsing signals when a pressing the button.
Examine the contact points of the buttons on the keypad. They could be loose over time or have been damaged. Carefully soldering them back in place will often restore the functionality of the keypad unless they break completely.
Buttons
If the buttons on your key fob no longer work or are difficult to press for any reason, a motormite or dorman key housing replacement for your remote can be purchased for a low price online for the year, make and model of your. Then, pop the circuit board out of the old case and put it into the new one. You may need to adjust the position of the circuit board for certain models. You can then apply aluminum foil with double sided tape to adhere to the black contact points on the buttons.
Programming
The key fob and receiver in your car are linked however this connection could be ruined. A professional will assess the vehicle to determine the make of the vehicle, year of manufacture and model. They use specialist equipment to re-pair or program a blank fob or transponder chip (or duplicate a key in the event that it is possible). They will then test the remote to confirm that it functions.
When reprogramming keys that are blank, it is important to take care. The process is complicated and each manufacturer comes with slightly different instructions. It is easy to skip a step or wait too long before exiting the programming mode. To minimize the risk of damaging your car it is recommended to hire an expert who has vast knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Certain programming tools are also capable of reading diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle, which can help repair or troubleshoot other issues.