Remote central locking weak

My remote central locking is really weak, I have to stand so close I could litterally put the key in the lock and do it that way (but apparently that doesnt arm the motion sensor thingy inside the car - handy for leaving your dog in the car without the alarm goin off mind!) I put in a new battery into the keyfob about 10 months ago but it didnt make a difference. What can be causing this?

Also and probably more annoying the rear doors door pins will quite often not quite lift up high enough and so I will have to open the front doors and pull the pins up slightly, theyre ok locking. Lazy/weak springs? easy to sort? Cheers.

Yup, weak/broken springs. Little circular buggers, that are a git and a half to change ..

They're also handed, so get a full set ...

Springs

I thank you kind sir, but what of the dodgy central locking.....

Sorry, dunno, mine increased distance with new keyfob batteries ...

Maybe worth replacing the battery again in case it was an old/weak 1 perhaps?

My two fobs have always only worked from about 6-8ft from the car I think that is a common fault with the D1 fobs unlike some cars that can be unlocked on the other side of a car park.
If after you have replaced the fob battery, and use a good make of battery not a 50p job off ebay, you still have so stand next to the car then that would suggest that the fob has gone out of tune, it could it could be that the fob has been droped at some time which doesn't help.
"Remote Key" do a fob refurb in which they replace the cristal in the fob so that is an option for you.
Although you can lock and set the alarm using the door key you will still need the fob to unlock and unset the alarm, if you try and unlock with the key you will set off the alarm.

Just tried an old trick from Top Gear and it works, If i put the keyfob against my head it works from about 8 foot away! mad! but i cant keep doin that i'll look a knob! maybe i can work out a cool "scratch head and press button" technique

I've had half a dozen discos and they're all the same. I reckon it's just a sh1t system. Changing batteries makes little difference.

Pressing the fob into the palm of your other hand and then pressing the button also increases the signal range.

To be honest I don't see it as a problem. If I want to unlock it I'm about to get in it so I don't need to open it from the other side of the flamin car park. Likewise if I want to lock it it's usually when I've just got out of it so happen to be stood next to it. It just ain't a problem.

hughesy said:

To be honest I don't see it as a problem. If I want to unlock it I'm about to get in it so I don't need to open it from the other side of the flamin car park. Likewise if I want to lock it it's usually when I've just got out of it so happen to be stood next to it. It just ain't a problem.

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I agree...but try tellin that to the ball and chain....its easier to make the remote work from farther away than it is to shut her up

If it's any consilation, mines just as crap.

Disco Moneypit said:

If it's any consilation, mines just as crap.

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Fob, or ball and chain?



Mine wouldn't work unless I was within a couple of feet, able to touch the bodywork, but changed batteries and it now goes up to about 10 feet away which is a bit mor euseable as I can open the Disco from inside the caravan when the kids want to get something out, and more importantly, lock it when they've done!

I also did a change of keyfob plastics, to a new one as the button rubber was wearing, didn't increase the distance, but made it far easier to use.

I agree if you need to lock or unlock it you will be by the car anyhow.

However I could sell you a GSM device which will lock and unlock it from anywhere you and the car can get GSM signal if it is that much of an issue?

You may want to look at the ariel/antenna for the alarm/Central Locking Unit and make sure its not rotten or broken and the soldered connections are not dry.

the daddy said:

I agree if you need to lock or unlock it you will be by the car anyhow.

However I could sell you a GSM device which will lock and unlock it from anywhere you and the car can get GSM signal if it is that much of an issue?

You may want to look at the ariel/antenna for the alarm/Central Locking Unit and make sure its not rotten or broken and the soldered connections are not dry.

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Hi I am new to the site and having the same problem, this may be a silly question but where can i find the central locking antenna as mine is so intermittent i can be stood there for a few mins trying to get in.

dmlilleyman said:

Hi I am new to the site and having the same problem, this may be a silly question but where can i find the central locking antenna as mine is so intermittent i can be stood there for a few mins trying to get in.

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Hello and Welcome,

You have revived a really old thread from 2009.

Might help if you state what engine your motor is and the exact problem you are having.

Cheers

hi sorry it is to do with a weak remote signal or reception from the central locking sensor / unit. and the vehicle is a series one discovery 300tdi regards dave

dmlilleyman said:

hi sorry it is to do with a weak remote signal or reception from the central locking sensor / unit. and the vehicle is a series one discovery 300tdi regards dave

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The model year would be helpful more than the engine fitted, as there were two types of security systems fitted to the D1 which is identified but the number of buttons the remote fob has.

OK To answer to your question is, the antenna is attached to the security ECU on both systems.
Send your fob to Remote key for testing, see my post #6

Thanks, it's a 1994 model, it's the location of the security ecu I am looking for to complicate things it has an after market imobiliser. I think it is just the receiver that is at fault as both fobs work in the same way.

Ok then the single button fob system. The ECU on the left side of the glove box which u may have drop down to get access, it's a black box with a tv coax style plug for the antenna. Central locking, alarm and immobiliser are all part of the ECU.