Key Fob not working.

C

Callahan

Member
Sorry to be a pain but if anyones got any ideas I can try it would be much appreciated!
One key fob works fine i.e. lock/unlocks properly and starts the car. The second key is the problem child! It starts the car no problem but makes no attempt whatsoever to operate the central locking. I tried all of the reprogramming tips to no avail, so I replaced the battery...also to no avail!! I'm pretty much all out of ideas so if anyone can help that would be great!

Cheers!
 
don't know what your year is but according to the manual for the 2003 the key battery is charged by the car ignition. It says you should charge the key battery by going on a long run.
 
Thanks for the reply. Yes I do have an '03 so replaced the battery with a proper rechargeable unit. I left the car running with it in the ignition for 20 minutes to try and get some juice in it but no cigar!! Perhaps a long run will do it but I think I'm clutching at straws!!
 
all keys need to ber charged reguarly by going on a long run, personally i would not want to have the car sat running with the engine running for 20 minutes, get yourself on a nice weeked drive
 
I had the same problem with my spare key and sent it to" Automobile locksmith" on internet.
They charge £28.00 and did it by return of post.Excellent job and I wish I had gone there first instead of trying myself.
Give them a try.
 
Live and learn - I didn't know the keys were charged through the ignition.
Explains why the spare key wouldn't unlock remotely.
 
I've got the same issue with my E86 key.

BMW said it was around £150 to replace. I've tried recharging the key on some long runs but with no luck yet.
 
cherrym said:
I had the same problem with my spare key and sent it to" Automobile locksmith" on internet.
They charge £28.00 and did it by return of post.Excellent job and I wish I had gone there first instead of trying myself.
Give them a try.
Click to expand...

That's brilliant thanks. I'm going to take it for a run tomorrow and see if that does anything...although my money would be on not! Next port of call will be Automobile Locksmith.
 
Callahan said:
cherrym said:
I had the same problem with my spare key and sent it to" Automobile locksmith" on internet.
They charge £28.00 and did it by return of post.Excellent job and I wish I had gone there first instead of trying myself.
Give them a try.
Click to expand...

That's brilliant thanks. I'm going to take it for a run tomorrow and see if that does anything...although my money would be on not! Next port of call will be Automobile Locksmith.
Click to expand...

The reviews are all very good. Let us know how you get on!
 
Split the key and solder in a new rechargeable battery. I've done it on mine and works as good as new.
The battery is 13 years old so no surprise it stops accepting a charge
 
cj10jeeper said:
Split the key and solder in a new rechargeable battery. I've done it on mine and works as good as new.
The battery is 13 years old so no surprise it stops accepting a charge
Click to expand...

I soldered in a new one today but no joy? I'll take the car for a spin tomorrow and see if that charges the new battery.
 
Other option is to contact Ben at the following and get yourself a nice Bentley style flip key...if you are in the east london area.

http://www.bmkeys.com/
 
I have the same issues with the spare key from time to time. A good Sunday drive, 100 miles or so, has always sorted it thus far. :thumbsup:
 
This post has just made me think!!
I have only ever used one of my keys in nearly 4 years of owning the car, just gone and tried my other key and opened car and started fine, surely it would be discharged in nearly 4 years of no use.
 
Russ59 said:
This post has just made me think!!
I have only ever used one of my keys in nearly 4 years of owning the car, just gone and tried my other key and opened car and started fine, surely it would be discharged in nearly 4 years of no use.
Click to expand...

Clearly not, unless someone drives it while you work or sleep :)
I'm not sure why it should be flat. Some batteries hold their charge for years
 
Well I went for an 80 mile trip today and the fob still doesn't work. As such I'm sending it to Paul at Automobile Locksmith to see what he can do. Will report back next week with the results.
 
Callahan said:
Well I went for an 80 mile trip today and the fob still doesn't work. As such I'm sending it to Paul at Automobile Locksmith to see what he can do. Will report back next week with the results.
Click to expand...

Good stuff :thumbsup:
 
mattyp said:
Other option is to contact Ben at the following and get yourself a nice Bentley style flip key...if you are in the east london area.

http://www.bmkeys.com/
Click to expand...

That sounds a real good option as I only received one key with my Z. Don't suppose anyone knows of someone more Midlands based who offers this kind of service? A google search didn't bring up anything from what I could see. :?
 
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