Infrared Key
 

Hello!
My key stopped working last night. I rushed to bestbuy to get new batteries and that did not help. The LED on the remote is not blinking.

I went to dealership and they said it will cost me $150 + Tax to get a new one. Does the price seem right?

I know that the battery is the right one and it is placed the way it should be.

Thanks

///S320

///S320, My remote did the same thing. There was a bad solder joint on the ckt. board. I repaired it my self. Works great now. Norm in FL

S 320 Remote key
 

I just purchased my infrared remote key for $112.00 today. from dealer. Mine went bad after several drops on the ground.
It had been drop several times before, but this last time was one more to many. New batteries can't help this time.
You might want to check other dealerships in or around your area. my remote only has one large button, 96 s320, I have a 98 S320 which has 4 buttons (unlock, lock, trunk,and panic) this may cost more.

gfdent

hey guys,
thanks for the reply. I dont know how to sold wires.. actually apart frm opening the battery compartment, i dont know how to open the rest..

Yes, my key also has one large button. Does your 98 S320 keys work on ure 96 S320? i mean does the panic and all the other features work with older models?

Thanks and have a great holiday!

Im not sure about that, sorry!!

did you try to re-sync the key?
There is something in the manual regarding synchronizing keys.

Hi sab,
i dont think re-sync would work as the little red light inside the key does not blink anymore.

If the light does not blink, either:
1) The battery is dead/depleated
2) The battery and/or contacts are dirty, or
3) Your key needs to be repaird. If this is the case, then it is likly solder joints that have gone bad. This is caused by dropping the key (it is an electronic device after all).


-Bryan

Hi Bryan,
Do you know if someone fixes this? Or do i have to buy a new one?

Bad solder connections are repairable by anyone familiar with repairing pc boards with surface mount components. A local electronic repair shop might be able to help you out.

If it has been damaged by water or static electricity, than it would probably be cheaper to replace it.

If you have extended warranty, or insurance coverage, look for clause which covers replacement keys. I only pay < $35 so it's not as painful.

I took apart my old key as suggested by John. Using a flat screw driver and hammer I was able to open the joints of the key.

The micro switch had become detached from the board (see attached picture) small square piece in middle of picture.

I soldered the four tags on the switch to the board. The key started working.

The next thing to do is to synchronize the system as per the Owner's Manual.

I hope this will help others in an emergency as it is time consuming to order new key.

Parry

Thanks Parry!!
I cant get to open the key.. i dont know where the opening is. I do know how to open the battery compartment.. not anything else..

Thanks!!

infrared key dissassembly
 

I also am having trouble seperating the housing from the electronics in my 2nd infrared key (95S420). Key does not look exactly the same as above, but close. I don't have a location for the keychain attachment on either key. Currently freshly installed batteries last two days before depleted, but the remote works. Both batteries are dead when removed. I suspect just dirt shorting out the batteries internally, but without having the plastic off, I can't confirm.

How did you seperate the halves. I've pried, pulled and cursed to no avail. Anybody dissassembled the older infrared keys please chirp in.

Thanks

If your key is simalar to mine, the two halves are sealed on its edges with some sort of glue. This seal needs to be broken. I used a sharp knive to cut deep all around and then used a screw driver with small hammer to pry open. Be carefull with spring, button and flick key, paying attention to see which way around this is suituated. On reinstalling this I just snap clipped the two sides to gether.

Parry