E38 Keyfob alarm problem - not working?

[morningside]

Most strange thing has just happened. Both my keyfobs now refuse to remote unlock the doors etc. I know how to override the alarm etc but has anyone any idea what is going on and how to get it working again? I only drove it across the road

"N" reg. 750iL

[blackspider]

Do the red led's light up on both key fobs-if you have the later keys?
Chances are both keys have low batteries and your second key has gone out of sync.(depending how often you use it.
Its worth replacing the batteries and trying to re initialize the keys first before wading in and replacing things.
The batteries are easy to get and replace and the initialization process is easy although im not going to post it.But your local indy or dealer can do it in 30 sec's flat.
If theres no response then its in for diagnosis..General module is favourite

[morningside]

blackspider said:

Do the red led's light up on both key fobs-if you have the later keys?
Chances are both keys have low batteries and your second key has gone out of sync.(depending how often you use it.
Its worth replacing the batteries and trying to re initialize the keys first before wading in and replacing things.
The batteries are easy to get and replace and the initialization process is easy although im not going to post it.But your local indy or dealer can do it in 30 sec's flat.
If theres no response then its in for diagnosis..General module is favourite

Thanks. They are early generation 'fobs so no led.
I will replace the batteries and find out out to re-initalise them. Hopefully I dont need some 'red key'? As I never got one with the car. It has been on and off for a few days so perhaps it is battery problems (I hope!)

[blackspider]

When you replace the batteries try and remove and fit the new one within 60 seconds this will save the key memory if the key is still intialized.
The initilisation is a door,ignition a key pressing sequence.

[derin100]

I think somewhere in the handbook it will tell you how to re-set the keys.

[morningside]

I saw the warning on the 'fob about 1 minute to replace batteries. I will have to find out this key sequence.

IF I disable the alarm system I presume I can reset it at anytime without any problems?

Without giving too much away. I think I have found the key sequence. Just a couple of questions.
Do I need to lock the doors when I get in or just close them?
Do I need to start the car or just turn the ignition on.

Thanks for your help so far.

[blackspider]

morningside said:

I saw the warning on the 'fob about 1 minute to replace batteries. I will have to find out this key sequence.

IF I disable the alarm system I presume I can reset it at anytime without any problems?

Without giving too much away. I think I have found the key sequence. Just a couple of questions.
Do I need to lock the doors when I get in or just close them?
Do I need to start the car or just turn the ignition on.

Thanks for your help so far.

Just close the doors and just position 2-dont start.
You can reset the alarm any time by switching ignition on and waiting for a few seconds

[morningside]

Thanks again. Flipping thing is working OK again this morning. VERY . Anyhow I will change the batteries and see what happens next?

[morningside]

OK. Batteries changed. Sequence run. Doors now lock/unlock OK. It WAS coming up with
"Remote Battery Low" (or words to that effect) but now it all seems ok and working.

Thank you.

[morningside]

Odd this. I have found this problem only seems to happen on damp (very wet) days, otherwise its fine.

[peaktorque]

Mine un-locks from the remote key fine, everytime, but the "lock" button doesn't work. Could this be due to battery?

[morningside]

Thats roughly what I was finding as well. Would lock/not unlock or other way round or nothing at all.
You could try resetting the key (in the owners manual) - dont forget the spare!

[peaktorque]

morningside said:

dont forget the spare!

Never had a spare! Thought about buying one off of
e-bay for £15 and getting it re-cut/programed, although I have heard mixed reports of these working. Would be nice to have a newer style key though.

[peaktorque]

key-fob battery! New one fitted, all is nowfine!