Problems with keyfob...

R

ric

Hi guys,

I bought my Almera (W-reg, "new" shape, Sport+) just over a year ago. When I bought the car, I only recieved 1 key (it says NATS on it), and the remote central locking buttons were pressed in and werent working. I lived with it for a year, just using the key in the door to lock/unlock the car.

Over the last month or so, the key has been extremely intermittent unlocking the door. Locking seems to be OK, and the ignition works first time every time, so I decided to sort out the remote central locking once andfor all.

After looking on the net for some guides, I ordered a new key fob cover and battery (just incase!). I've replaced the battery, and the cover, but nothing seems to work still.

My first problem is that when ive taken the key apart, the board which the buttons press into doesnt look right, as if they aren't pressing anything (if that makes sense?). Does anyone have a picture of the inside of the key? I've been searching all over the forum and the internet, but I cant find one anywhere!

The second problem is that the instructions I have dont seem to do anything? I have tried both types of instructions I have found (key in and out 6 times in 10 seconds, and key on and off 6 times in 10 seconds) and neither makes the indicators flash??

I've searched the forum, and the internet, but everyones explanation of the key and what they do seems to contradict each other, and non of them are like mine, eg. I dont have red or blue buttons, just a block key with 2 press in rubber buttons.

If anyone could help with the above, that would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
 
Sounds like you've got the remote fob with the 2 half moon shaped rubber buttons. The biggest problem with these are the internal micro switches tend to become detached from the circuit board.
You won't be able to code the key to the car coz both buttons/micro switches need to be functional.
This should be the correct procedure with a functioning key:

1. Turn the ignition switch from position OFF to ON, 6 times within 10 seconds (see notes below).
2. Leave key in OFF position.
3. After 2 seconds the system will enter programming mode and will flash the warning lights twice. Take key out of ignition.
4. Press and HOLD the unlock button on the fob.
5. While pressing the unlock button, press the lock button 3 times.
6. Release the unlock button.
7. The warning lights will flash once to indicate successful programming.
8. Repeat procedure 4 to 7 for up to 4 fobs.
9. When completed, insert any key in ignition and turn to ON position. The warning lights will flash 2 times.
10. Remove key and check all plip keys for correct operation.
** Make sure you do this with all the doors unlocked using the internal central locking switch on driver's door **

If you are handy with a soldering iron you can do it yourself.
The correct micro switches can be bought from Farnell:
C & K - KSR231G LFS - TACTILE SWITCH, MINIATURE SEALED

If you are not handy with a soldering iron then i think there are still people who repair these fobs on Ebay.
Cheaper to do it yourself though.
As for the unlock problem with the door using the key, try a little squirt of contact cleaner through the key hole. Might do the trick.
If you need any more info, just ask :)
 
Cheers for the reply mate. I dont think the switch has come away from the board, its more like the switch has been pushed in on itself. Tried to search Farnell and I get 0 results, is that definately the code for the switch? Found various "C & K" things, but nothing with those codes on. Don't have a link at all do you?

Also, when you mention the correct procedure for a functioning key, how do you mean?
Do you mean the key has to have a functioning set of buttons? or just that the key has been coded for the barrel?

The only other thing is when you say from OFF to ON 6 times, do you mean one turn of the barrel, or 2 turns so the instrument panel lights up and everything starts working?

Appologies for all the questions :O

Cheers in advance,
 
In fact rewind... It wont be cost effective buying them from Farnell as you have to have a minimum order of £20. The reason i know this is that i used to repair these fobs and i had to buy hundreds of the micro switches.
You can buy them in small quantities on Ebay but make sure you get the ones that have the numbers 3-1 stamped either side of the tactile button. There are lots of these switches that look the same but have different operating pressures. 3-1 is the correct one

Link to correct one: http://tinyurl.com/yhrn652


Reference the second question, you will enter programming mode with the key whether the buttons on it work or not. But without working micro switches/buttons, that's as far as you will get.

Third question: As far as you can turn key without starting engine i.e. all lights on dashboard.

Feel free to ask away, that's what this forums for :)
 
Perfect, thanks for your help. Having re-looked at the micro-switches it looks like thats where the problem is (The "buttons" on the top look to have been destroyed, so they are flush with the metal casing :( )

Do you still repair them? If so, how much? :lol:

Cheers again,
 
Unfortunately i don't do the repairs anymore. There are similar services on Ebay. Search for ' almera key fob repair '
They usually solder new micro switches on the ciruit board and replace the cover and battery. It'll be like owning a brand new fob and you'll regret not having done it sooner :D
 
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