Another Key Fob Question

[PhilH]

I have a dying key fob by the looks of it on 53 plate Galaxy TDI. It's the standard 2 button fob. It works intermittently.

 

I have 2 keys, one without a fob one with.  How interchangeable are these fobs. I have read about the steps to re-program and that there is a separate transponder chip (which I actually didn't notice when putting new batteries in, fortunately it didn't fall out).

 

My question is, can I buy one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-GALAXY-KUGA-S-MAX-C-MAX-FOCUS-REMOTE-KEY-FOB-FLIP-CONVERSION-CASE-UPGRADE-/251274513469?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a8120cc3d

 

and reporgram it? Can I interchange different fobs does the key and transponder part fit in other fobs? Do I need to know anything about the frequency they operate on?

 

Or am I better off looking for an exact match like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390611774801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

Any help really appreciated, thanks!

[BrianH]

I have a dying key fob by the looks of it on 53 plate Galaxy TDI. It's the standard 2 button fob. It works intermittently.

 

I have 2 keys, one without a fob one with.  How interchangeable are these fobs. I have read about the steps to re-program and that there is a separate transponder chip (which I actually didn't notice when putting new batteries in, fortunately it didn't fall out).

 

My question is, can I buy one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-GALAXY-KUGA-S-MAX-C-MAX-FOCUS-REMOTE-KEY-FOB-FLIP-CONVERSION-CASE-UPGRADE-/251274513469?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a8120cc3d

 

and reporgram it? Can I interchange different fobs does the key and transponder part fit in other fobs? Do I need to know anything about the frequency they operate on?

 

Or am I better off looking for an exact match like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390611774801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

Any help really appreciated, thanks!

The first link has the following vital point

 

"Arrived complete with a new blade but the electronics are not included, just use them from your old fob."

 

Depends whats wrong with your fob - if the switches are at fault this probabbly won't help as your reusing the guts of your old key anyway

 

Not sure how easy reprogramming is although i'm sure theres posts here about it. Have a look if the key is cheap enough that you feel ok if it doesn't work then go for that?

 

You might have more luck opening the key and seeing if you can find a repair kit with the switches to sort the one out you already have though?

[seatkid]

If changing batteries dont fix your fob, then its probably one of the many that just die of old age -  check for dry joints, but from my experience its a component drift issue (I suspect the ceramic resonator) and cant realistically be fixed.

 

So first item you list is an empty case, and your duff electronics wont even fit in it.

 

2nd item is "sold as seen" basically the seller is saying it works, but offers no guarantee of "compatibility" - which sounds a lot to me like my remote fob - press a key and the led flashes - but due to "non compatibility" (its fucked) - it doesnt actually open or close doors remotely...    take a gamble if you like.....

[PhilH]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know where to buy brand new ones at a reasonable price? I have changed the batteries, I'll take it apart later to see if there's any obvious dry joints.

[SilverBeast]

Did you re-pair it to the car after changing the batteries?  Mine needed this after I changed mine.

Edited June 18, 2013 by SilverBeast

[PhilH]

Hi no, I didn't need to, the batteries hadn't died and changed them over quickly. I think it's down to faulty buttons/electronics. The buttons work every now and then with the lock button working more often than the unlock button. In fact I don't think the unlock button works at all.

[daddyfixit]

just an idea, check the drivers door loom for break ???

mine would not unlock either and it was the looms kamikaze action again !!!!

[BrianH]

Hi no, I didn't need to, the batteries hadn't died and changed them over quickly. I think it's down to faulty buttons/electronics. The buttons work every now and then with the lock button working more often than the unlock button. In fact I don't think the unlock button works at all.

 

might be worth testing the button with a multimeter then - if you disassemble the key and connect a meter across the contacts see if the circuit completes or not (probably need someone to help by pressing the button while you do it).