|
|
|
02-21-2023, 06:58 AM | #1 |
Major
200
Rep 1,075
Posts |
Key FOB is Dead
One of my key fobs has been rarely used and now will not lock or unlock the car (no comfort-access).
It will start the car if I insert the fob but it doesn't appear to charge. Do I need a new fob or is there a battery that can be replaced? As I understand it the fob battery charges while its inserted in the car and running so that leads me to believe its not just a normal fob battery.
__________________
2012 135 Convertible 6MT
2017 Acura MDX |
02-21-2023, 07:45 AM | #4 | |
Bowties r cool ▶:◀
1409
Rep 796
Posts
Drives: 09' 128i MT e88, 24'G05 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Chicago
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
mkeiser435.50 |
02-21-2023, 02:24 PM | #6 | |
Lieutenant
1003
Rep 473
Posts |
Quote:
I would try charging it while driving, maybe for 30+ minutes. If that doesn't work, may be time for a new remote. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-21-2023, 05:32 PM | #7 |
BMW Owner Since 1971
2257
Rep 1,406
Posts
Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia
|
They all look alike, but do you have a removable cover on the back of your remote? If you're sure you don't have C/A then you shouldn't have a remote with a battery cover on its back. If you're not sure, post your VIN and we'll let you know.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-21-2023, 05:42 PM | #8 | |
Private First Class
191
Rep 128
Posts
Drives: 09 135i
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Miami, FL
|
Quote:
I have the exact same issue on my second key and planning on trying it myself once I track down a replacement battery and someone with a soldering iron. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-22-2023, 06:50 AM | #9 | |
Major
200
Rep 1,075
Posts |
Quote:
I'm not sure I want to crack it open and try to replace it.
__________________
2012 135 Convertible 6MT
2017 Acura MDX |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-22-2023, 11:54 AM | #10 |
Brigadier General
295
Rep 3,350
Posts |
You will have to go to your dealer, and buy a new one. It will have to be coded into the car's computer. Up to 10 key fobs can be coded.
Last edited by Lester; 02-24-2023 at 12:36 PM.. Reason: Typo |
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2023, 12:30 PM | #12 |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
It's not THAT hard to replace the battery. I did it on both my fobs and they're still working just fine 3 years later.
You need a Panasonic VL2020, but you'll notice that the contacts don't match up correctly. Just solder a small jumper wire to the contact and Bob's your uncle. You can even get knockoff fobs pretty cheaply. Just transfer your circuit board to the new fob and you'll have an entirely new remote.
__________________
Official BMWP Whore - BMWP suspension kit w/ M3 arms, BMWP big brake kit, BMWP intake w/Mishimoto tube, BMWP exhaust, BMWP carbon strut brace, BMWP short shifter, and BMWP carbon spoiler. OZ Leggera HLT w/ 245 square setup.
|
02-24-2023, 01:26 PM | #13 | |
Private First Class
191
Rep 128
Posts
Drives: 09 135i
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Miami, FL
|
Quote:
Or, you know…just retrofit comfort access…which I might be doing. 😳 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2023, 08:34 PM | #14 |
Brigadier General
295
Rep 3,350
Posts |
May the force be with you. You'll need new FOBS, ignition switch, receiver/antennae, door handles, locks, covers, actuators etc. Big job. Some of the wiring harness may not be there.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-25-2023, 10:28 AM | #15 |
Enlisted Member
84
Rep 48
Posts
Drives: 08 135 6MT vert
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Charlotte, NC
|
Same as other posters, my 14 year old second key did not get enough use and would only start the car. Replacing the sealed battery was actually quite easy.
Order a pair of batteries and black “moldable glue”. No need to heat, just carefully cut open with a razor blade. When soldering to release the old battery and install the new, I covered the circuit board with painters tape to avoid unintentional short circuits. Works like a charm. $30 all in with glue and 2 batteries. Will definitely do my primary key when it dies. |
Appreciate
3
|
02-25-2023, 03:31 PM | #16 | |
Private First Class
191
Rep 128
Posts
Drives: 09 135i
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Miami, FL
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-25-2023, 08:08 PM | #17 |
Brigadier General
295
Rep 3,350
Posts |
Check this out.
(2 Pack) Remote Key Fob Battery for BMW Remote Smart Shell Smart VL2020 (2006-2014) 1 3 5 6 Series, M3 M5 M6 X5, X6, Z4 E39 E46 E60 KR55WK49123 KR55WK49127 with Instructions (Without Comfort Access) https://a.co/d/8YNFv5y |
Appreciate
0
|
02-25-2023, 09:35 PM | #18 |
Enlisted Member
84
Rep 48
Posts
Drives: 08 135 6MT vert
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Charlotte, NC
|
Be sure to check the number of connections on the battery that your fob has. My 2008 has the old two prong battery. I opened mine up before I ordered to confirm. Regarding using the moldable glue, it comes in 3 foiled seal packs. You only use a small amount from one packet. Keep something heavy on the key (or clamp) while curing for 24 hours, being careful not to keep any of the buttons depressed causing your new battery to drain.
|
Appreciate
1
ResinThirteen190.50 |
02-26-2023, 06:17 AM | #19 |
J
367
Rep 697
Posts
Drives: BMW 128i
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Connecticut
|
Just went through this. Amazon had a cheap soldering iron, the battery in it's correct orientation (the posts need to be 90⁰ apart), and they had a OE looking key surround that snaps together and permanently stays closed so it won't fall apart. About $60 later I had a key. Took ten or so minutes.
Don't go buy the key if you can afford the 10 min to DIY and have a great looking and feeling OE style key that works 100% as well as the $350+ one you're going to get at the dealership. To the guy worried about solder and the battery. You put a dab of the solder on the board and then slide the battery post into the hole. The battery itself never touches the solder. It's very easy to do this and not mess it up. I've included the links that helped me finish this job. Repair video - https://youtu.be/-d0TJ-PEbRs key plastic - https://a.co/d/4uOJjpc battery - https://a.co/d/gw75eAA soldering iron - https://a.co/d/0kA9EDn |
Appreciate
4
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|