Key fob remote failing - fixable?

hogweed · 30th January 2020, 14:59

My original remote fob had been used so much there was actually a small hole worn in the “open” button, so a few years ago I got Terry at TS Autos to do me a spare, and have been using it ever since. However, today it failed to open the car. Eventually, after much shaking and pressing, it did, and I ran for home.

The little red light didn’t flash as I pressed either key – then eventually it did, and got the car open. Now it isn't again. I changed the battery, but that didn’t help.

It’s working intermittently, so I’ve reverted to the original old key. Do I need to get a new spare, and go through all the same palaver with getting the EWS unit taken out and read etc, or is there anything else I can do?

Ta

vitesse · 30th January 2020, 15:07

Take the remote board out and examine, sounds like one of the switches has failed.
I've used secondhand remote boards and reprogrammed them with Toaf using MarinaBrian's hack (or Trevor's). No need to remove anything and all done in five minutes.

Regards

Ps. The EWS is just for the transponder side of things, the remote board talks to the BCU (body control unit)

hogweed · 30th January 2020, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitesse

Take the remote board out and examine, sounds like one of the switches has failed.

Thanks – don’t think so, sadly… when it stops working, neither switch flashes the red light or operates the car lock. I did take it out, but can’t see anything obviously wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitesse

I've used secondhand remote boards and reprogrammed them with Toaf using MarinaBrian's hack (or Trevor's). No need to remove anything and all done in five minutes.

Ah, OK, so maybe I could slip somebody here a few Shekels to do that for me…

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitesse

Ps. The EWS is just for the transponder side of things, the remote board talks to the BCU

Gotcha, thanks for clearing that up

roverbarmy · 30th January 2020, 15:37

If you are handy with a mini soldering iron:-
repair kit

marinabrian · 30th January 2020, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by roverbarmy

If you are handy with a mini soldering iron:-
repair kit

The switches aren't right though

hogweed · 30th January 2020, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by marinabrian

The switches aren't right though

And I can't see them both failing at once, Brian

MarkS · 7th February 2020, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitesse

Take the remote board out and examine, sounds like one of the switches has failed.
I've used secondhand remote boards and reprogrammed them with Toaf using MarinaBrian's hack (or Trevor's). No need to remove anything and all done in five minutes.

Regards

Ps. The EWS is just for the transponder side of things, the remote board talks to the BCU (body control unit)

Where does one find this hack/how-to ?

vitesse · 7th February 2020, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkS

Where does one find this hack/how-to ?

https://www.mg-rover.org/threads/toa...r-free.816233/

Regards

clf · 25th February 2020, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogweed

OK… so I tried to follow Brian’s procedure, but sadly didn’t get very far. And now no Brian

First I soldered pins 7&8 together, and got TOAF connected straight away.

Unfortunately, however, when I click the BCU button in TOAF, it tells me the BCU isn't present… anybody know what to do now?

Try a different version of toaf. I think the second of the three versions does the keys.

Sent from my SM-A600FN using Tapatalk

hogweed · 25th February 2020, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by clf

Try a different version of toaf. I think the second of the three versions does the keys.

Thanks Alan... -43 is the one that's supposed to do keys, but trouble is, both versions say the BCU isn't present.

I don't have any BCU malfunctions, as far as I know - everything in the car seems to work...

30th January 2020, 14:59	#1
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	Key fob remote failing - fixable? My original remote fob had been used so much there was actually a small hole worn in the “open” button, so a few years ago I got Terry at TS Autos to do me a spare, and have been using it ever since. However, today it failed to open the car. Eventually, after much shaking and pressing, it did, and I ran for home. The little red light didn’t flash as I pressed either key – then eventually it did, and got the car open. Now it isn't again. I changed the battery, but that didn’t help. It’s working intermittently, so I’ve reverted to the original old key. Do I need to get a new spare, and go through all the same palaver with getting the EWS unit taken out and read etc, or is there anything else I can do? Ta __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes. Last edited by hogweed; 30th January 2020 at 15:03..

30th January 2020, 15:07	#2
vitesse I really should get out more....... Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gävle Posts: 2,537 Thanks: 395 Thanked 823 Times in 652 Posts	Take the remote board out and examine, sounds like one of the switches has failed. I've used secondhand remote boards and reprogrammed them with Toaf using MarinaBrian's hack (or Trevor's). No need to remove anything and all done in five minutes. Regards Ps. The EWS is just for the transponder side of things, the remote board talks to the BCU (body control unit) Last edited by vitesse; 30th January 2020 at 15:08.. Reason: more info

30th January 2020, 15:37	#4
roverbarmy This is my second home Roverless + 1.7D Sportage Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: East Norfolk Posts: 7,050 Thanks: 729 Thanked 2,021 Times in 1,449 Posts	If you are handy with a mini soldering iron:- repair kit __________________ Oil in my veins!