Inoperable Key Fob fixed

[RichardK]

have had my 2nd key fob inoperable for a year or so, I think mainly through lack of use, so I thought I should do something about it before my only good one died of battery failure leaving me stranded and having to go to the dealers and fork out many hundreds of dollars for a new one.

I trolled through the threads on BBS (Blackbox Forums) and disco 3 UK for information and managed with a little difficulty to split the fob, ordered a new empty fob from China at the massive cost of $12 odd and a new battery out of the UK for $11 odd plus postage.

After much fiddling I managed to de solder the old battery and solder in the new one, put the lot back temporarily to try out........ the ignition turned on but the starter wouldn't engage due to the fobs' security and the doors wouldn't lock.

So the final stage was to get out the Faultmate and have the Fob "relearn" the system. After about 2 minutes the "relearn" was done and all is good..... I now have 2 sets of keys again:D and all for under $30

[bbyer]

I note your use of the word "relearn".

What I assume this means is that the presumed dead battery meant the memory within the key fob erased itself or something like that, (went to sleep), but with the Faultmate "relearn" software, that you will able to "reawaken" the old programming.

I differentiate this from actually programming a new key fob. I guess what surprises me is that this suggests when in the past we have figured a key fob was defective, it could probably live again once a new battery was installed or the existing one recharged and then the "relearn" process applied. This knowledge is real progress as it suggests the dealer could also attempt the relearn process first rather than the "you have to order a new key" response.

[RichardK]

There were some aspects of the fix that I learnt to look at before assuming anything, if there is a next time.

The first is that my assumption that the battery was flat because the Fob wasn't working was not a good assumption, after I removed the battery I checked the voltage of the new one, 3+ volts, then I thought I would check the old one..... 2.98 volts, certainly not flat but at that stage I had taken it out.

So, I can now assume that in fact the Fob had lost touch with the vehicle for one reason or another and perhaps all that was needed was to "relearn" the connection.

So if this happens again my first step will be to do the relearn first, as there is no way of checking the voltage other than splitting the case that then will be my secondary line of attack if the relearn doesn't work.

It's a learning experience.......................