Re-Programming Key Fob

[wayne2508]

I know there's lots of posts about this but I can't seem to find an answer. I have recently got a '54 Alhambra, that came with only one key. The key let's me open the doors manually and start the car just not remote lock/unlock. I knew it wasn't working when I bought the car but thought it would be a simple fix. I have tried the key in the door lock method but the door light just stays on solid and doesn't recognize the key. I have even bought a second hand key of eBay that was supposedly tested before sending. My question is what now? The local dealer has quoted £93.60 for diagnostics and £46.80 for 1/2 Labour and £200 for a full key obviously I'd rather not pay that.

[csj]

I did mine with the key in the lock , it did take a few times before I got it to work though

[wayne2508]

The method I have tried is:-

 

1. Close all the vehicle doors.

 

2. Note:

Make sure the door lock cylinder is held in the unlock position for more than 0.5 seconds.

 

Insert the key into the driver door lock cylinder and turn the key from the rest position to the unlock position three times within five seconds.

 

3. The door lock light emitting diodes (LED)s will illuminate for 15 seconds during the remote transmitter programming mode, allowing the remote transmitter to be programmed.

 

4. Remove the key from the driver door lock cylinder and aim the remote transmitter at the interior rear view mirror.

 

5. Press and hold the LOCK button on the remote transmitter.

 

6. While holding the LOCK button down, press the UNLOCK button three times on the remote transmitter.

 

7. Release both buttons simultaneously.

 

8. Make sure the door lock LEDs flash five times, confirming that the remote transmitter has been programmed.

 

9. After a remote transmitter has been successfully programmed, the GEM will reset the programming mode, allowing a further 15 seconds to program the next remote transmitter

 

 

Is this the one you used? Also do daft question but do tinted Windows have an effect?

[BrianH]

I'd find it doubtful that you'd have the infra red key on a car of that age i'd suspect its going to be the radio type key personally. So those might not be the right instructions you have there (the bit about pointing it at the rear view mirror suggests its for the infra red type). Can you see a sender on the key (led bulb that is at the front end?)

 

Do you get the led on the door lighting up as the instructions above describe?

 

Tinted windows might have an effect? how tinted are they?

 

Maybe open the window first before you try to rule them out?

[wayne2508]

No there's no led bulb on mine, I don't have a manual for the car so wasn't sure if this was the right method. Do you know what the correct pairing method us for radio remotes?. They are only slightly tinted in the front (came as standard on the car I think?)

[BrianH]

try this

 

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?/topic/25585-mk2-central-locking-and-immobiliser-manual-pages/?hl=%2Bremote+%2Bprogramming

 

Don;t think theres much difference except the key sequence (press lock, hold lock, press unlock 3 times then release i'd read that to say) but check the led on the door does whats expected at each point.

 

Factory tint wouldn't make any difference, the fob you describe isn't the infra red type anyway so it won't matter.

Edited May 2, 2015 by BrianH

[wayne2508]

Ok thanks I will give that a try

[SilverBeast]

It took me a few goes too (linked post is of my manual!) when I had to reprogram mine after changing the batteries.

[wayne2508]

I will keep trying but no luck so far, I have plugged a scanner in to see if any codes came up there was a few!. But there was one for incorrect key programming 01179. I did try clearing it but it keeps coming back up every time I try programming the remote.

[GreenSharanTdi]

Not sure if it's any help but I had the same issue of only having 1 key with a Mk4 golf a few years back, somebody will probably shoot me down in flames but here goes...   As you said, the dealer quote is £200 for the key, plus X amount for programming it which is stupid!  Now if it's a 54 plate it will probably be the VW immo system rather than the ford pats system. If this is the case then the cheapest way to having 2 working keys is to buy a second hand (or new) flip key assembly with a new blank blade off fleebay (or similar), making sure the key has a new transponder chip in it. Then get a good local locksmith or key cutter to cut your new blade for you (normally charge around £20). Then you take your 2 keys and car to VW (or seat) and they should only charge you an hour or so labour to reprogramme your 2 keys to your car. Doing it this way should get you a second working key for around £100. I'm sure now i've said all this yours will be the ford system, but It's worth a go! If you do go down that route just make sure when you take it in if they ask you if your new key is genuine VW say yes as the don't like Ebay keys!!! although they are identical to look at

 

Good luck