Recently had a problem as the dock on my FL2 would not release the key fob. Tried to pull it out but end of fob and emergency metal key came away leaving most of fob still docked (but with a plastic tag protruding). . It was still usable and didn't affect the starting etc -just meant that the key fob was stuck in the dock. So , locked car with spare key fob (with other key fob left in place in the vehicle). Anyway, i found that by using pliers on the plastic key fob tag (which appears after the end of the key fob/emergency metal key is removed) i could pull out the key fob by using mild force . Lots of advice out there about changing the battery and taking it in to main dealer for expensive repairs- OUCH!! Anyway, I gave the docking slot a dose of wd40 (which they say you shouldn't use) then inserted a pencil in the docking slot and poked around - especially in the 2 corners at the bottom of the docking slot. The car made a few clicking noises as though I had triggered something but I guess that it freed up the blockage or stiffness inside the docking slot!! Hey presto key fob now goes in and comes out as intended. No further problems - all working perfectly and has been perfect this past 2 months. So, can't say my approach to this was orthodox but hey, it worked perfectly for me. I cancelled my booking at the main dealer -nice one !!
FL2 Key fob sticking in dock
- Thread starter B690
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brianp38dse
Well-Known Member
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Hello and welcome
atleast it was a cheap fix
atleast it was a cheap fix
FIRST WARNING in my case I did not need to use much force to release a reluctant key fob from the dashboard dock -it was just a question of pushing and wobbling it. Advice on the website of a Land Rover agent indicated that release problems could eventually lead to the security system kicking in and preventing you from starting the vehicle.
This may have happened in my case but was resolved, without too much thought, by reinserting the key fob. It seemed an expensive key dock replacement might be on the cards.
Sprayed some WD40 on fob and inserted it in dock (not recommended!). It resolved the problem for a short while.
Read elsewhere on these forums (through a Google search) that dirt in the key dock would give these difficulties.
Many discussions on sound engineer forums about the best cleaner and lubricant for electronics.
Best price and availability from those suggested was for me Servisol Super 10 but others may have different suggestions.
Whilst awaiting delivery of the Servisol wanted to minimise risk of being stranded by the Freelander not starting.
Decided to clean dock with a microfibre cloth dampened with METHYLATED SPIRIT and in doing so could feel various small rollers .
WOW this seemed to do the trick and the key fob was entering the dock and enthusiastically entering start procedures and the key fob was being ejected like toast from a toaster!
WARNING TO THIEVES or ambitious cleaners - do not then do as I did put the microfibre cloth on the circular end of a meat skewer and try to clean the back roller or contacts. The security system dropped down on me like a thief rather than an owner. Fortunately did not need to call out the garage!
This may have happened in my case but was resolved, without too much thought, by reinserting the key fob. It seemed an expensive key dock replacement might be on the cards.
Sprayed some WD40 on fob and inserted it in dock (not recommended!). It resolved the problem for a short while.
Read elsewhere on these forums (through a Google search) that dirt in the key dock would give these difficulties.
Many discussions on sound engineer forums about the best cleaner and lubricant for electronics.
Best price and availability from those suggested was for me Servisol Super 10 but others may have different suggestions.
Whilst awaiting delivery of the Servisol wanted to minimise risk of being stranded by the Freelander not starting.
Decided to clean dock with a microfibre cloth dampened with METHYLATED SPIRIT and in doing so could feel various small rollers .
WOW this seemed to do the trick and the key fob was entering the dock and enthusiastically entering start procedures and the key fob was being ejected like toast from a toaster!
WARNING TO THIEVES or ambitious cleaners - do not then do as I did put the microfibre cloth on the circular end of a meat skewer and try to clean the back roller or contacts. The security system dropped down on me like a thief rather than an owner. Fortunately did not need to call out the garage!
