Discovery 3 manual key does not unlock car

[debo]

Hi all - my nephew has obtained a Discovery 3 but only has a single working electronic key. The spare key electronics is broken, but the actual metal key is there. When that is used in the passenger door key receptacle, it does not trigger the electronic car unlocking. We kind of need that to work as a spare in case the working electronic key is lost for any reason.

What would cause the manual process to not unlock the car? Any place to start looking?

New spare electronic keys cost a bomb!

Many thanks.

[Oohsam]

are you saying the manual key does not unlock the passanger door ?
or
That it unlocks only the passanger door and not the drivers door?

If it is the latter - then this means you have an issue with your motor on your drivers door, there is a fix for this to replace the motor/actuator.
I have this exact issue - my batteries for both keys died and i was using the manual lock/unlock for a few weeks until the parts arrived and I soldered thenewbattery on.

what I would do, is open my drivers door, then press teh central locking button to lock the doors - and then close the drivers door. Walk away do my business.

Upon returning, i would unlock the passanger door, reach in, press the central locking button to unlock teh drivers door, and that would unlock it, get in the driversand drive away.

If you can find someone close to you with a IID tool, you can easily program new keys that you can buy from ebay for about 40 dollars each.
Or if you want to buy the IID tool, it is probably still cost effective. there are tons of videos on youtube on how to do it,and its very simple.

Where are you located?

[Disco-tastic]

Does the main key unlock the passenger door? Can the spare key start the car? That will tell you if there is a problem with the key or if there is a problem with the lock. If the key is the issue new key blanks with cases cost $20 off ebay pkus the cost of getting it cut.

[debo]

guys thanks so much for responses - i am at work now but will double check on your questions - when we tried the key manually in the passenger door it would not unlock the passenger door

Encouraging about reprogramming a blank as dealers are asking $600 for that - and a proper electronic key will be the better outcome.

I am located in inner north Brisbane. This Disco has been a great performer with 216,000k so far.

[SeanC]

My key that doesn’t “work” will unlock and lock the passenger’s door only. When you open the passenger’s door the alarm sounds. Exactly the same with the key that works including setting off the alarm. Key that doesn’t work won’t start the vehicle.

[Oohsam]

My key that doesn’t “work” will unlock and lock the passenger’s door only. When you open the passenger’s door the alarm sounds. Exactly the same with the key that works including setting off the alarm. Key that doesn’t work won’t start the vehicle.

Same. That's the driver door actuator needs replacing.

[Bulletman]

guys thanks so much for responses - i am at work now but will double check on your questions - when we tried the key manually in the passenger door it would not unlock the passenger door

Encouraging about reprogramming a blank as dealers are asking $600 for that - and a proper electronic key will be the better outcome.

I am located in inner north Brisbane. This Disco has been a great performer with 216,000k so far.

See if someone on here is near you that has a nanocom or similar. you can program new keys off them as long as you have a working key to start with. Get a key blank and a 433hz remote( I am pretty sure that's the correct frequency but am sure someone will correct me ) off ebay or similar, and get the local key cutting place to cut the key and if you can find someone on here that can code the extra key or keys with their nanocom or possibly GAP tool if they do it , then it may be as cheap as a cold beverage of 3.

Bulletman

[ian4002000]

guys thanks so much for responses - i am at work now but will double check on your questions - when we tried the key manually in the passenger door it would not unlock the passenger door

Encouraging about reprogramming a blank as dealers are asking $600 for that - and a proper electronic key will be the better outcome.

I am located in inner north Brisbane. This Disco has been a great performer with 216,000k so far.


I had a look on Ebay and found three sellers of cheap keys that are locksmiths and are able to code a key fob. The three i found are in Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane.

I haven't found out the cost of cutiing and coding a new fob yet, hopefully i will ring the Melbourne locksmith tommorow.

Ian
Bittern

[debo]

great info folks and I am really appreciating the support

just retried the passenger door test to confirm, turning the key to the left (which should unlock) does not unlock the door

I am about to upload a photo which shows the three keys we have A, B, and C. So the working original is A, the busted original is B and looks like he has a aftermarket one already shown as C. Maybe as said above C can be programmed up.

Cheers to all.

here is photo link Microsoft OneDrive - Access files anywhere. Create docs with free Office Online. (https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aqi2SGWAQ5WjmJgM0csBpYwg1aKJog)

[debo]

Rang one locksmith - they want $220 just to do the programming?? sounds OTT. If anyone has a Brizzie contact or can program the aftermarket key from a working one, please let me know.

[Oohsam]

Rang one locksmith - they want $220 just to do the programming?? sounds OTT. If anyone has a Brizzie contact or can program the aftermarket key from a working one, please let me know.

Debo,
I know we are not in the same state (im in vic), but I can offer you my help.

I will happily repair your keys for you, but you will need to post them to me. I recently did this for my car (that I bought recently).

This is what we need :
1 of these (for each key)
3 Button Remote Key Case Shell Cover + VL2330 Battery For Land Rover Discovery | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-Button-Remote-Key-Case-Shell-Cover-VL2330-Battery-For-Land-Rover-Discovery/202876426313?)

if you want to post me 1 initially, I can order this for you (just paypal me the cost of the battery/shell and obviously I wont charge you for my efforts!) and I will repair it and post it back.
once you have a working key you can then send me the others and we can go through teh same process.

Let me know, i'm happy to help.

Cheers

[Narangga]

great info folks and I am really appreciating the support

just retried the passenger door test to confirm, turning the key to the left (which should unlock) does not unlock the door

I am about to upload a photo which shows the three keys we have A, B, and C. So the working original is A, the busted original is B and looks like he has a aftermarket one already shown as C. Maybe as said above C can be programmed up.

Cheers to all.

here is photo link Microsoft OneDrive - Access files anywhere. Create docs with free Office Online. (https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aqi2SGWAQ5WjmJgM0csBpYwg1aKJog)

That confirms that it is the door actuator that has/is failing. Before I replaced my actuator the door would not lock by shifting the lever inside, pushing the button on the dash or by inserting the key in the barrel like you have tried. It would only lock via the remote. Now I am able to lock it all four ways.

[debo]

Oohsam ,

Thanks for your kind offer which I would jump at except for one issue - as I am assuming I have to send the working key? It is the only key I have - so if I send it down I would be without it for a week (which is possibele) but also I just could not risk losing it through mail or some weird bad luck.

I think he need to find local help. And also find out more about the door actuator repair/replacement.

[Oohsam]

Oohsam ,

Thanks for your kind offer which I would jump at except for one issue - as I am assuming I have to send the working key? It is the only key I have - so if I send it down I would be without it for a week (which is possibele) but also I just could not risk losing it through mail or some weird bad luck.

I think he need to find local help. And also find out more about the door actuator repair/replacement.

No, not the working key.
The non working key is all I need. You will get back a working key.

What I will do is unsolder the battery, and transplant it to a new case. I was suggesting doing only 1 at a time so you have a spare key (should you lose the main key in the week that it will take to do!)

Cheers

[debo]

I guess I'm missing something obvious here - but are you saying it is possible to program the replacement key without the working original?

[Oohsam]

I guess I'm missing something obvious here - but are you saying it is possible to program the replacement key without the working original?

I don't believe you need to reprogram the key.

Those keys you have look very well uses. Which implies to me that they were working on the car.
But the battery went flat.
The battery in the remote is non replaceable - that is, they are soldered to the motherboard.
All they need is a new battery re soldered and the old one desoldered.

This was the same issue with both keys for my car.

Can you tell me - do those keys start the car ?

[debo]

OK - the keys do start the car (although I have not tried the aftermarket key) - now I understand the confusion as key marked "B" in the photo which is an original (and was the main key to start with) is all worn - the button in the middle is actually worn or broken away. I could try another photo. It's battery may even be OK. I understand why that one would not need programming. Even if the battery was flat and was replaced, the button is not there.

I am trying to reprogram key "C" which looks aftermarket.

Definitely thankful of your help/advice.

[Oohsam]

Yah send me some more pics. The kit I posted comes with 3 new buttons. They are harder to solder in as they don't use pins but can be done as I have the equipment.

If they keys start they car they don't need programming and Incan do them easily for you.

Let me know how you go.

[SeanC]

There must be a problem with either the passenger’s door lock or the key is worn. As you can unlock the passenger’s door with the battery disconnected it is a direct manual unlocking. No actuator involved.

[Narangga]

There must be a problem with either the passenger’s door lock or the key is worn. As you can unlock the passenger’s door with the battery disconnected it is a direct manual unlocking. No actuator involved.

Why would mine not lock with the original actuator but does lock with the new actuator?

[SeanC]

Why would mine not lock with the original actuator but does lock with the new actuator?
Maybe the actuator moves when manually unlocking the door even if battery is disconnected. A sticking actuator may stop the door unlocking.

[debo]

Hi again Oosam and all - here are closeup photos of the broken key and the aftermarket key.

And to confirm the broken key will start the car. So its battery is fine - just that the middle button is worn off the circuit board.

[K Rutz]

Rang one locksmith - they want $220 just to do the programming?? sounds OTT. If anyone has a Brizzie contact or can program the aftermarket key from a working one, please let me know.

I just had a Freelander 2 done by Amalagamated Locksmiths at Northgate. They had the electronic FOBs on ebay for $120 & charged an additional $100 to cut the key & program it. Have to take the car & working key to them & they did it while I waited - 10 mins. You can also pay the Ebay fee once they have done it so you know it works ok. Great service & works perfect! (Discovery 3 transponder only looks to be $60 on their ebay site)

[debo]

K Rutz - that's who I called and they quoted $220 despite the fact I already have the aftermarket. Technically it should be 220 - 120 = $100?

[Oohsam]

Hi again Oosam and all - here are closeup photos of the broken key and the aftermarket key.

And to confirm the broken key will start the car. So its battery is fine - just that the middle button is worn off the circuit board.


I see.
Ok so if the keys starthe car but won't unlock the doors they need new batteries. Not reprogramming
The one without the button needs s button soldered on. And a battery. Obviously new cases too which comes in the kit.

Let me know if you want to send it down and I'll do it for you d

[debo]

Spoke again to the Northgate locksmith - the aftermarket key can only be used with the barcode that came with it - as we do not have that barcode, the aftermarket key cannot be programmed - so the good news is I have a path forward now and that is to get a new programmed key from Amalgamated for $220 which is entirely reasonable.

[Oohsam]

Spoke again to the Northgate locksmith - the aftermarket key can only be used with the barcode that came with it - as we do not have that barcode, the aftermarket key cannot be programmed - so the good news is I have a path forward now and that is to get a new programmed key from Amalgamated for $220 which is entirely reasonable.


??
I don't understand at all.

I thought we established that your keys start the car and therefore do not need to be reprogrammed.
You just need a new battery in the keys and the button re-flowed onto the board. Total cost is $20 per key.

What is he quoting you $220 for?

[debo]

$220 is for a replacement fob and programming. (120+100)

The original key (A) is fine, key B the battery is OK as it starts the car - but as you say the buttons need to be 'flowed' back on. Key C is the aftermarket key that cannot be used as we do not have the accompanying barcode. So we are going ahead with above. Maybe when we have the replacement key, it might be worth checking about fixing those buttons.

[Oohsam]

$220 is for a replacement fob and programming. (120+100)

The original key (A) is fine, key B the battery is OK as it starts the car - but as you say the buttons need to be 'flowed' back on. Key C is the aftermarket key that cannot be used as we do not have the accompanying barcode. So we are going ahead with above. Maybe when we have the replacement key, it might be worth checking about fixing those buttons.

Just FYI
When you geta new key programmed, it actually reprogramms all your keys.

As you currently have 3 keys that start the car - these keys are all programmed to your car already. If you do not include them int he re-programming process, theywill no longer work at all.
You will effectivley be going from 3 working keys (2 that need minor repairs and no reprogramming) to 2 keys (one being yoru original that works now, and one being an aftermarket key provided by this mob).

You will still then have 2 keys that are useless which you may as well throw in the bin.
I don't think this is a good avenue but it is entirley your choice!

What is this thing about "barcode". I've never heard this before.
Let me re-iterate - You do not need any reprogramming to occur. You just need new key cases for each of your 2 keys which includes a battery (regardless if they are aftermarket or factory) and the button repaired on one of them.
They wil then both unlock doors and start the car as per normal.

All the best with your ventures! Let us know how you go.

Cheers

[debo]

OK today what i have is three keys - 3 turn in the ignition, 2 start the car, and just one unlocks the car with the transmitter. The one that does not start the car is the aftermarket key which I have been told cannot be programmed as I am missing a barcode. The one that does not unlock the car is missing the button.

So from tomorrow I will have 3 keys that start the car, and two that unlock with the transmitter. And a step closer. After that I may look at the button fix, and may look at getting this manual passenger door actuator sorted.

[debo]

All done now – we now have two fully operational keys - so now a lot less anxious about losing the working key…The locksmiths above provided a fully cut key and programmed from the original. Thanks for all the help, advice and offers here – much appreciated. We are less likely to proceed with fixing the passenger manual override unlocker, as it sounds as the actuator fix might be quite involved by pulling the door apart – and for now that does not seem so important since we have the two working keys. Cheers all - thanks again.

[Tombie]

It becomes very important when your battery dies!

[debo]

penny finally dropped about the car battery dying and importance of actuator!! thanks for the new headache...:)