Keyfob not working!!?

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 10:15 AM

Hi guys,

Right I believe the keyfobs are charging when in the car. I started to use the spare as the main one stopped locking and unlocking also one time had to use the emergancy key to get in whilst the alarm went off embarassing myself in the street like a theif in my own car

Now the spare key has stopped working after a week using it

whats going on?! I believe you can't change the batteries in them, atleast I tried to open the keyfob and its not happening. After a search around it appears I may need a new set of keys?!

!!!

Has anyone else had this?

Cheers,
Am.

Boyd1963 · 11-14-2011, 10:29 AM

Yes I had it last week! I got both of them to start working by

1. Open car with key (setting off alarm)
2. Insert key fob into slot to stop alarm
3. With the drivers door open try to lock and unlock car

This seemed to fix the problem.

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd1963

Yes I had it last week! I got both of them to start working by

1. Open car with key (setting off alarm)
2. Insert key fob into slot to stop alarm
3. With the drivers door open try to lock and unlock car

This seemed to fix the problem.

How did you try to lock and unlock the car, pressing the button on the dash or with the key still in the door?

Thanks!

obert · 11-14-2011, 10:44 AM

You can change the batteries..........there is a small cover on the back that comes off. I replaced the shell of the key because mine was missing the back when I bought the car. I took apart the hole think and put the insides it the new shell.

Boyd1963 · 11-14-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Singh

How did you try to lock and unlock the car, pressing the button on the dash or with the key still in the door?

Thanks!

No use the key fob.

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obert

You can change the batteries..........there is a small cover on the back that comes off. I replaced the shell of the key because mine was missing the back when I bought the car. I took apart the hole think and put the insides it the new shell.

I tried to open mine, and it just doesn't open. I assume they would be different to a normal CR2032 battery because these are charging batteries?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd1963

No use the key fob.

OK I will go try it now!

xenon · 11-14-2011, 10:58 AM

You can only replace batteries on fobs used for comfort access, which doesn't get charged obviously. The keys that go in the slot are not replaceable.

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 11:02 AM

OK tried the technique Boyd1963 suggested, didn't work.

Yes, my fob is the non comfort access type so appears to be sealed.

Does seem like I'm looking like having to get 2 new keys!

Boyd1963 · 11-14-2011, 11:08 AM

I presume that the button on the dash still work? I only did this to see if I could hear any clicking inside the car and was amazed when it appeared to fix both my keys.

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd1963

I presume that the button on the dash still work? I only did this to see if I could hear any clicking inside the car and was amazed when it appeared to fix both my keys.

Yes, if the doors are shut the central locking button works on the dash for all doors. If the door is open it does nothing just a faint click.

Boyd1963 · 11-14-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Singh

Yes, if the doors are shut the central locking button works on the dash for all doors. If the door is open it does nothing just a faint click.

And presumably your key fobs do nothing regardless of whether doors are open or closed?

obert · 11-14-2011, 11:24 AM

Seems a little weird that you could not change the battery if it goes bad on any FOB.

I would just call the dealer and ask them. If you can change them and you have to get a new FOB and have it programmed that would be BS. Hundreds of dallors just because your battery dies ?

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd1963

And presumably your key fobs do nothing regardless of whether doors are open or closed?

Correct, sat in the car you can press the buttons all you like with the 1 fob pushed in or out, all the buttons do nothing

Could it be possible that the key slot isn't actually charging the fobs? but then again it allows the car to start and run though that portion of the key might be working fine from a transmitting point of view. Though clearly they are not charging?

Boyd1963 · 11-14-2011, 02:11 PM

Looks like you are going to have to pay a visit to your local dealer I'm afraid. Are you still under warranty?

dirtydarthdub · 11-14-2011, 02:46 PM

As a side note, is it best to swap the fobs over every few months? Bit daft that you have to watch out for the keys!

Mr Singh · 11-14-2011, 03:34 PM

Yes it appears so, unfortunatley no warranty. 4 weeks almost to the day of owning the car and both keys give up the ghost!

Brian mc21 · 11-15-2011, 03:02 PM

I have a 320d with the fob that doesnt come apart. My lock button stopped working on one of the fobs but the rest of it was fine. I have a mate who is a bit of a genuis on the electronics front and he was able to prise the fob open and diagnosed a faulty micro switch on the lock button which he replaced. Problem solved.

sorry thats no help to you.

obert · 11-15-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian mc21

I have a 320d with the fob that doesnt come apart. My lock button stopped working on one of the fobs but the rest of it was fine. I have a mate who is a bit of a genuis on the electronics front and he was able to prise the fob open and diagnosed a faulty micro switch on the lock button which he replaced. Problem solved.

sorry thats no help to you.

So when he got it apart was there a battery in it that could be replaced ?

So it is posible to take them apart with out breaking them ?

Brian mc21 · 11-15-2011, 03:24 PM

Forgot to ask him about batteries but i will post on this thread when i find out. Yes he was able to open mine without breaking it. I would say he probably cut it open.

moar · 11-15-2011, 03:56 PM

Sonicare trick?

Im sure there must be a way into that key, tbh if you literally have no choice but to go to a dealer, then you might aswell try cracking open your key, could super glue it together aswell...

Mr Singh · 11-15-2011, 04:53 PM

Booked on Thursday to diagnose the problem... hopefull its something else other than the fob. Makes no sense why 1 works for 3 weeks and dies.. another for 1 week and dies too. Either crud batteries, which means new fobs.. or the batteries are flat from the key slot NOT charging them? or they seemingly need re-programming, latter making no sense but who knows. We will find out soon enough!

Mr Singh · 11-17-2011, 05:49 AM

UPDATE:

Had the car check on Autologic diagnostics, and the keys both work. The problem seems to be with something inside/under the rear roof spoiler. Either broken wire in the harness near the tailgate hinge or some sort of module which accordiing to PCS is a common fault initiated by damp. I will need to rebook it in for them to fully investigate which it is i.e. module or a broken wire.

Does anyone know where I can get an exploded view or guide of how to remove the rear spoiler? I'm pretty nifty when it comes to auto electrics, if its something I can do myself I would gladly prefer to save the outlay on labour costs, and should this module have failed - remove it and replace it.

11-14-2011, 10:15 AM	#1
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	Keyfob not working!!? Hi guys, Right I believe the keyfobs are charging when in the car. I started to use the spare as the main one stopped locking and unlocking also one time had to use the emergancy key to get in whilst the alarm went off embarassing myself in the street like a theif in my own car Now the spare key has stopped working after a week using it whats going on?! I believe you can't change the batteries in them, atleast I tried to open the keyfob and its not happening. After a search around it appears I may need a new set of keys?! !!! Has anyone else had this? Cheers, Am.
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11-14-2011, 10:29 AM	#2
Boyd1963 Major 30 Rep 1,301 Posts Drives: 2011 320d e92 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bournemouth iTrader: (0) Garage List Sep 2011 E92 [0.00]	Yes I had it last week! I got both of them to start working by 1. Open car with key (setting off alarm) 2. Insert key fob into slot to stop alarm 3. With the drivers door open try to lock and unlock car This seemed to fix the problem.
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11-14-2011, 10:44 AM	#4
obert Brigadier General 1781 Rep 4,456 Posts Drives: 2013 328i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Seattle Wa iTrader: (49)	You can change the batteries..........there is a small cover on the back that comes off. I replaced the shell of the key because mine was missing the back when I bought the car. I took apart the hole think and put the insides it the new shell.
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11-14-2011, 10:58 AM	#7
xenon Major General 1399 Rep 8,083 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	You can only replace batteries on fobs used for comfort access, which doesn't get charged obviously. The keys that go in the slot are not replaceable. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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11-14-2011, 11:02 AM	#8
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	OK tried the technique Boyd1963 suggested, didn't work. Yes, my fob is the non comfort access type so appears to be sealed. Does seem like I'm looking like having to get 2 new keys!
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11-14-2011, 11:08 AM	#9
Boyd1963 Major 30 Rep 1,301 Posts Drives: 2011 320d e92 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bournemouth iTrader: (0) Garage List Sep 2011 E92 [0.00]	I presume that the button on the dash still work? I only did this to see if I could hear any clicking inside the car and was amazed when it appeared to fix both my keys.
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11-14-2011, 11:24 AM	#12
obert Brigadier General 1781 Rep 4,456 Posts Drives: 2013 328i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Seattle Wa iTrader: (49)	Seems a little weird that you could not change the battery if it goes bad on any FOB. I would just call the dealer and ask them. If you can change them and you have to get a new FOB and have it programmed that would be BS. Hundreds of dallors just because your battery dies ?
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11-14-2011, 02:11 PM	#14
Boyd1963 Major 30 Rep 1,301 Posts Drives: 2011 320d e92 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bournemouth iTrader: (0) Garage List Sep 2011 E92 [0.00]	Looks like you are going to have to pay a visit to your local dealer I'm afraid. Are you still under warranty?
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11-14-2011, 02:46 PM	#15
dirtydarthdub Private 2 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 320D M Sport Plus Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	As a side note, is it best to swap the fobs over every few months? Bit daft that you have to watch out for the keys!
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11-14-2011, 03:34 PM	#16
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	Yes it appears so, unfortunatley no warranty. 4 weeks almost to the day of owning the car and both keys give up the ghost!
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11-15-2011, 03:02 PM	#17
Brian mc21 Major 39 Rep 1,031 Posts Drives: E91 320d M Sport Join Date: May 2011 Location: Belfast. Northern Ireland. iTrader: (4)	I have a 320d with the fob that doesnt come apart. My lock button stopped working on one of the fobs but the rest of it was fine. I have a mate who is a bit of a genuis on the electronics front and he was able to prise the fob open and diagnosed a faulty micro switch on the lock button which he replaced. Problem solved. sorry thats no help to you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2011, 03:24 PM	#19
Brian mc21 Major 39 Rep 1,031 Posts Drives: E91 320d M Sport Join Date: May 2011 Location: Belfast. Northern Ireland. iTrader: (4)	Forgot to ask him about batteries but i will post on this thread when i find out. Yes he was able to open mine without breaking it. I would say he probably cut it open.
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11-15-2011, 03:56 PM	#20
moar First Lieutenant 14 Rep 391 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: sheffield uk iTrader: (0)	Sonicare trick? Im sure there must be a way into that key, tbh if you literally have no choice but to go to a dealer, then you might aswell try cracking open your key, could super glue it together aswell... __________________ 2007 330i M Sport Saloon Le Mans Blue Active steering - Comfort Access - Bluetooth -TV - Heated Electric Memory Leather Seats - Auto - Logic 7 - Pro Nav - Adaptive Xenon Headlights BMW Assist - iPod integration - Swirl free .
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11-15-2011, 04:53 PM	#21
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	Booked on Thursday to diagnose the problem... hopefull its something else other than the fob. Makes no sense why 1 works for 3 weeks and dies.. another for 1 week and dies too. Either crud batteries, which means new fobs.. or the batteries are flat from the key slot NOT charging them? or they seemingly need re-programming, latter making no sense but who knows. We will find out soon enough!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2011, 05:49 AM	#22
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	UPDATE: Had the car check on Autologic diagnostics, and the keys both work. The problem seems to be with something inside/under the rear roof spoiler. Either broken wire in the harness near the tailgate hinge or some sort of module which accordiing to PCS is a common fault initiated by damp. I will need to rebook it in for them to fully investigate which it is i.e. module or a broken wire. Does anyone know where I can get an exploded view or guide of how to remove the rear spoiler? I'm pretty nifty when it comes to auto electrics, if its something I can do myself I would gladly prefer to save the outlay on labour costs, and should this module have failed - remove it and replace it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote