How to Repair a Remote Key
Although many remote key fobs have an impressive battery life, they will eventually wear out. Some times it is as simple as replacing the batteries inside the device, but in other cases the issue can be more serious.
Take apart the remote and clean the buttons. Then bend them in and out. These steps could be all you need to get your key fob working.
Battery
Car key remotes utilize CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, and they can often be swapped out when the fob is operational. If it's not accessible, you can take it off the fob and check the batteries' terminals and buttons to look for signs of wear or broken parts. It is usually possible to solder the terminals and buttons back into their original positions. However, you'll have to know the type of battery is used in the fob.
If you're not sure if the battery is the problem you can make use of a backup fob to start or unlock your vehicle. If it's possible then it's time to replace the primary fob. If it doesn't require replacement, you'll require a professional inspect it to determine the issue. It could be a simple reprogramming, or it could require other types of repairs. There's also the possibility that your vehicle forgotten your fob that you can fix on your own.
Case
The outer plastic enclosure of a remote is known as the case. It usually comes with an additional button pad. It is crucial to get a new case as the original one is likely to be pretty grungy and it is vital that the circuit board is installed correctly in the case. The circuit board determines the function of the key fob. You can test it by using 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 contact points for buttons on the keypad. These could have become loose or broken over time. Soldering them back into place will often allow them to return to their original function, unless they break completely.
Buttons
If the buttons on your key fob do not function anymore or are difficult to press you may need a dorman or motormite remote key housing replacement can be purchased for a low price online for the year/make/model you have. Then, you can take the circuit board out of the old case and into the new one. On key repair service may be necessary to adjust the board's position slightly. The black contact points of the buttons can be adhered to aluminum foil using double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob and receiver in your car are connected however this connection could be ruined. A professional will inspect the car to determine the manufacturer, year, year and model and use specialist equipment to re-pair or program a blank fob or transponder chip (or duplicate a key should this be possible). Then they test the remote to be sure that it works.
When reprogramming keys that are blank it is essential to take care. The process is complicated and each manufacturer offers distinct instructions. It is also possible to miss a step or wait too long before exiting the programming mode, so it is best to use an expert with a thorough understanding of the security system of your vehicle to avoid harming the car. Certain key programming tools can also detect diagnostic trouble codes in your vehicle. This will help you solve other issues.