How to Repair a Remote Key
Although most remote key fobs have excellent battery life, they will eventually wear out. Sometimes it's simple to replace the batteries in the device but sometimes the issue could be more severe.
An easy fix that could help is taking apart the remote, cleaning the buttons and moving them in and out. These techniques may be all that you need to get your key fob back in working order.
Battery
Car key remotes use CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, and they can often be replaced when the fob is operational. If not, you can look at the battery terminals and buttons to see if there are any loose parts. The terminals and buttons can be re-soldered back into place, but you'll need to be aware of the kind of battery the fob is using.
If the battery isn't the problem, try using a backup key fob to determine if you can unlock or start your car with it. If you can, then it's time for a replacement of the primary fob. If it doesn't then you'll require a professional assess the fob to identify the issue. It could be as easy 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 on your own.
Case Study
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 a new case, as the original will probably be a bit shabby and it is crucial that the circuit board is installed correctly inside the case. The circuit board is responsible for the operation of the key fob and is tested using a standard multimeter by setting it to the RF (radio frequency) mode and holding a radio scanner tuned to the same frequency the key fob is using next to it, listening for signals that pulsate upon pressing the button.
Another thing to look at is the button contact points on the keypad. They could be loose or damaged in the course of time. how to repair car key fob soldering process to put them back in their original position can usually restore them to full functionality unless they break completely.
Buttons
IF your key fob buttons don't work anymore or are difficult to press for any reason, a motormite or dorman remote key housing replacement can be purchased online for a reasonable price for the year/make/model you have. Then, you can take the circuit board out of your old case and put it into the new one. For certain models it may be necessary to adjust the board's position slightly. The black contact points of buttons can be adhered to with aluminum foil and double-sided tape.
Programming
The key fob is linked with the receiver inside your vehicle. This connection can become corrupted. A professional will assess the car to determine the make, 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). Then they test the remote to make sure that it works.
It is important to be cautious when programming the blank key, because the process is often complicated and different manufacturers have certain steps that are slightly different. 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 the security system of your vehicle to reduce the chance of damaging the car. Certain key programming tools can also detect diagnostic trouble codes on your vehicle. This can help you solve other issues.