key fob issues

[Majorslow]

Hi All,

I have a 2006 MK3 "5"

I am having problems using the key fobs (both of them) to lock and unlock the car.

I have to press many times to eventually get the car to react and the key fob to flash.

What is the easiest and cheapest way to replace them if that is what is required?

I have already replaced the batteries

cheers

[Nickp82]

So is the little red light not always flashing when you press the button?

I ask because the door actuators failing is a very common problem on Mk3s so if the red light flashes but not a lot happens then that is likely the issue.

[Majorslow]

Many thanks for the reply, but (imagine you are speaking to a 5 year old) how easy and cheap to fix, and confirm that maybe the problem

[Nickp82]

They’re pretty easy to replace, they sit behind the inner door card . You basically just need a 10mm socket and extension and a couple of screwdrivers.

Used ones are about £30-50, new look to be about £130 from MX5parts albeit out of stock

https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/door-latch-actuator-ass...

As I say, if the light on the key is flashing but doors not unlocking that’s 99.9% likely to be the cause.

You can do it cheaper by replacing the motors in the actuators as that’s the root cause but obviously more faff involved.