A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT KEYS/REMOTES.

[DT-P38]

My keys have pretty shabby internals with contacts worn or missing making them really inconsistent in daily use... I have replaced batteries and covers with the cheapie kits on e-bay and added some tin foil here and there which helps for a little while but constant messing with them is getting to be a bit of a drag... I have been told new keys can cost around $500 to 600 each from LR dealers and take months to get hold of.

Is there an alternative?

Does anyone rebuild them?

Can a new set of locks and keys from a wreck be swapped into another vehicle relatively easily?

[willem]

Swapping keys/ locks etc is not a simple thing. The keys are coded to the BeCM (Body electronics Control Module - the computer that runs all the electronics in the car itself), and if you change the keys you have to change the BeCM. andy e on this forum has more expertise in this area than I do, as do Scouse and justinc, so they may want to comment further.

Willem

[Scouse]

The basic internals should be repairable. The switches inside are nothing special & I'm sure the battery contacts could be reworked or even replaced with something suitable.

The casings is a bit of a challenge to separate (Ron has posted some hints before) but if you're handy with a soldering iron, you should be able to pop into Jaycar (or similar) & replace what you need.

If you're not confident of doing the soldering, a decent car radio repairer (are there any left?) should be able to do the work.
LAB might be able to help too:
LAB Electronics Electronics for the Automotive Industry (http://www.labtronx.com.au/)


Remotes are around the $300 mark but you need to be 100% sure that your lockset has not been replaced or your alarm frequency changed.

[wayneg]

I have been told new keys can cost around $500 to 600 each from LR dealers and take months to get hold of.

Is there an alternative?



I was quoted 450+gst for a number 2 key plus 2 months.
I got it direct from the UK for 150 pounds. It was in the dealers 3 days after ordering and thankfully worked fine.

[Hoges]

Hi Wayne
that's excellent service and a vg price... would welcome the UK contact to arrange...

I have only ONE key at present... likewise I have been quoted upwards of $550 and seven weeks by the local dealer...
cheers

[DT-P38]

Thanks gents... I guess I'll have a go at the seperate and Jaycar repair option from Scouse, nothing to lose after all! If that dont work... well I guess Wayne it wopuld be really nice if you could post that UK contacts details here. Thanks again for all the advice. Hoo roo, Dave. :cool:

[willem]

You can get a key cut locally, but you can't get the remote. That's what I did, because only one key was a bit scary for me. The locksmith only cuts the key blade - you have to supply the holder. I bought a secondhand remote off eBay for a few dollars and used that as a holder. The remote part doesn't work, of course, but the key still works as a second key.

Willem

[wayneg]

Keys from the UK.....
I am from England so obviously am at an advantage. I found a dealer via online yellow pages UK closest to a relative and phoned them for a quote from here. They still wanted a copy of the reg document but that was e-mailed. Paid up front via credit card and my relly picked it up. I am sure the dealer would post as long as you paid up front. The dealer i used was...Barretts (Canterbury) Land Rover | Map & Directions - New and Approved Used Land Rover, servicing, finance, test drive. (http://www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk/control.cfm?MREQ=app_mapAndDirections&varPassedDlrId=4708&mainNav=home)

[Zorba]

G'day All
Is there a definitive way/method of finding out which set one has as I believe most people have only the one set complete with a working remote unit.
There are some specifics regarding the colour of the remote but I can't see much difference between the grey/charcoal/black.
Would the dealers be able to check somehow against the VIN?
Any help appreciated as it seems the cheapest way around a replacement is to get direct from the UK but this would be an expensive gamble if not sure as to which set to order.
TIA

[Scouse]

A dealer can check what frequency your vehicle originally had & they can also check the LR warranty system to see if it has been changed for some reason.
This was mainly for the earlier cars (up to 1999 or so) that were affected by interference. Some were changed to 415MHz but a lot weren't.


I haven't been able to pick any colour differences between #1 & #2 remotes on cars out here (and I've seen hundreds of them). If you're unsure, just order a #3 or #4 remote.

[33chinacars]

Hi Guys

Dont know if this will help but have seen an add on Ebay in England for Keyfob repair service. Approx $82 plus $10 postage. May be an option, check them out. Looks like they offer a full rebuid service.

www.automobilelocksmith.co.uk (http://www.automobilelocksmith.co.uk) This link may not work so goto ebay & type " range rover key fob" scroll down till you find the one that says "Repair " & click on the item.

Both my keys #1 & #2 are black. Cant pick the difference except for little stickers to tell me.

Gary

[Keithy P38]

I got mine from a mob on the Sunshine Coast for a few hundred to my door (no more than $500 from memory). Works the charm! But they never had good range from remote to car to start off with! I need to be within 2m of the car to lock/unlock it with my old and my new remote!

Keith

[p38arover]

I can unlock my car out on the street from inside my house.

[Scouse]

I need to be within 2m of the car to lock/unlock it with my old and my new remote!

I can only dream of 2m. Ours only works within 1m of the O/S/R 1/4.
I've disconnected the aerial from the window & made/extended a new one up the C pillar to no avail :(.

[p38arover]

I think it is an interference issue. My car will not lock/unlock at work. I think it is due to radio interference something around railway stations where I work.

It could be the transmitters we use at work to talk to trains but I'm not sure as they are not used continually.

[Junosi]

I think it is an interference issue.

I reckon that too, I can never lock/unlock my car in my local Bunnings carpark. Works fine most other places - close range still though

[Keithy P38]

Interesting to note... Hmmm!

[33chinacars]

Had problem with my key today too.
Tried to lock car but it wouldn't. Displayed "Key in ignition " thats while I was standing beside it with Key in hand . Mucked around for awhile then got back in and started car. No problems to lock car after that .
Has anyone else had this happen. What's going on

Gary

[Scouse]

There's a microswitch in the column lock that detects when the key in in the ignition.
This can stick but it could also be the barrel itself sticking. Lube it with a bit of graphite powder first & see how it goes.