Thread: Discovery 3 manual key does not unlock car

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

Originally Posted by 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?

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 ?

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.

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.

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.