Five Things Everyone Makes Up About Key Repair

How to Repair a Remote Key Although most remote key fobs boast an impressive battery life, they will eventually get worn out. Sometimes it's simple to replace the batteries in the device, but in other cases the issue can be more serious. Take apart the remote and clean the buttons. Then bend key repairs in and out. These techniques might be all you need to get your key fob working. Battery If the fob is still working it is possible to swap out the CR2025 or CR2032 battery. If it isn't accessible, you can take it off the fob and check the batteries' terminals and buttons to look for signs of wear or damaged parts. You should be able to solder the buttons and terminals back in place. However, you'll need to know what type of battery is used in your fob. If you're unsure if the battery is the problem you can use a backup fob to start or unlock your car. If you're able to do so, it's probably time to replace the primary fob. If it doesn't then you'll require a professional to examine it to find the issue. It could be as easy as reprogramming or it may require other types of repair. There's also the possibility that your car has lost your fob and isn't something you can fix on your own. Case Study The outer plastic enclosure of a remote is called the case. It is usually equipped with an additional button pad. It is recommended to purchase an entirely new case as the original is likely to be very dirty. It is crucial that the circuit board in the case is correctly placed. The circuit board is the main component of the key fob. It can be tested with a standard multimeter by setting it to RF (radio frequency) mode and then holding a radio scanner tuned to the frequency the key fob operates on close to it, and listening for pulsing signals upon button presses. Check the contact points on the keys on the keypad. They may be loose over time, or even broken. Carefully soldering them back in place will often restore them to their original function unless they completely snap off. Buttons If the buttons on your key fob don't work anymore or are difficult to press, a dorman or motormite remote key housing replacement can be bought inexpensively online for the year/make/model you have. Then, you can take the circuit board out of your old case and insert it into the new one. For certain models you may have to move the board slightly. The black contact points of the buttons can be adhered to with aluminum foil and double-sided tape. Programming The key fob and receiver in your car are paired, but this connection can be damaged. A professional will examine your vehicle to determine its year, make and model. They'll then use specialist equipment to recouple or program the transponder chip with a blank fob (or copy the key if possible). They will then test the remote to make sure that it works. When programming blank keys it is essential to take care. The process can be complicated and each manufacturer offers distinct instructions. It is easy to miss a key step or to take too long before exiting the programming mode. To reduce the chance of damaging your vehicle it is recommended to employ an expert with extensive knowledge of the security system of your vehicle. Some key programming tools can also read diagnostic trouble codes in your vehicle. This can help you repair or troubleshoot other issues.