P38A Key fob problems

Hi all,
My key fob is acting up. The lock button works fine, but the unlock button is intermittent at best. Replacing batteries did not help. If I stand next to the car, furiously pushing the unlock button dozens of times it will finally unlock, but I can see the day looming when it doesn't work at all. I suspect that the actual switch has gone bad - have any of you attempted surgery on one of these units? A new fob is outrageously expensive, so I hope it can be repaired, either by me or someone you recommend.

Cheers!
Henrik

Have stripped a few and replaced cases. And a few solder repairs. I suppose the switch could be changed with a bit of deft soldering. Plenty of micro switches on the bay of E. If you are cutting the case open DO NOT cut near the LED. Break that bit away. I cut from key ring end towards battery position then prize the case open. You will need a new case. But take care you retain the small metal clip for battery contact that fits in the lid. Most new cases you get don't have this included. You will also have to remove the key blade and fit it to the new fobs pivot.

I think there`s a guy on fleebay that repairs them, it might be mr sporty on here, might be worth checking out.

Thanks Wammers, I'll give it a whirl. Hopefully, I'll be able to build one working fob from my two duff ones.

H.

Henrik97 said:

Thanks Wammers, I'll give it a whirl. Hopefully, I'll be able to build one working fob from my two duff ones.

H.

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If you cock it up and end up with neither working just disable EKA and immobiliser in BECM and use the key until you get a working one.

That sounds simple enough, but would require a faultmate or something similar right?

Henrik97 said:

That sounds simple enough, but would require a faultmate or something similar right?

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Or Nanocom.

Sorted!
I'm bleeding from three fingers after prying my two fobs apart - they are seriously well stuck together - but I now have one that works. I swapped one of the switches over and now all is well. Very fiddly soldering, but it can be done after a beer or two. New case is on order, but the old one will do for now. I just saved over £400 for a new key, so I believe I have earned another beer...

Thanks for your help!

Henrik

Henrik97 said:

Sorted!
Very fiddly soldering, but it can be done after a beer or two. New case is on order, but the old one will do for now.
Henrik

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I recommend the BIg Job from St. Austell brewery. Drink straight from the fridge n this hot and muggy weather. Perfect.

Henrik97 said:

I just saved over £400 for a new key, so I believe I have earned another beer...
Henrik

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New key from the Main Stealer should be about £165 (and that includes the dreaded VAT). Who quoted £400?

I'm in Norway, so nothing from St. Austel brewery and very expensive parts (and beer). It would be next to impossible to get a new key for a Norwegian car through a UK dealer. All else I get from the UK at half the price or less.
BTW, the new case in question is an empty key fob shell, not a case of beer..

Henrik97 said:

I'm in Norway, so nothing from St. Austel brewery and very expensive parts (and beer). It would be next to impossible to get a new key for a Norwegian car through a UK dealer. All else I get from the UK at half the price or less.
BTW, the new case in question is an empty key fob shell, not a case of beer..

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If I were to go with the VIN number surely I'd be able to get one? And then post it, perhaps? They did ask for ID for mine but when I turned up they never bothered with it.

I think the keys come from Germany. Hoff, perhaps? May be possible to contact directly? £400 is just robbery.

You're absolutely right and I thank you for your kind offer, but I fixed it so now there is no need