Key fob battery

[skategoat]

My key lock/unlock buttons are working erratically. Mostly, they don't work at all but sometimes the unlock button works. Sometimes the trunk button works.

So I was just about to pry the thing open to replace the battery when I read that the battery is rechargeable and not your run-of-the-mill button type.

True/untrue? Any sources other than the dealership?

My other remote works fine so I'm sure it's a remote issue and not an actuator problem. BTW, it's an e46. I haven't updated my sig in a while.

[pawcio]

from what i know the battery recharges every time you put your key in the ignition and when it finally stops recharging as all batteries eventually do then you gotta replace it...and from what i know the only source is the dealership. they may actually say you'll need a new key but i'm not 100% on that. i don't know what model year the rechargeable batteries started being used in the key fob but i know that mine has it for sure.

[damameke]

Originally Posted by skategoat

My key lock/unlock buttons are working erratically. Mostly, they don't work at all but sometimes the unlock button works. Sometimes the trunk button works.

So I was just about to pry the thing open to replace the battery when I read that the battery is rechargeable and not your run-of-the-mill button type.

True/untrue? Any sources other than the dealership?

My other remote works fine so I'm sure it's a remote issue and not an actuator problem. BTW, it's an e46. I haven't updated my sig in a while.

I am having intermittent issue with the FOB too and there is a thread on this >> http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128506

Guy that started the thread replaced his key and he is fine now.. I presumed..

[E46Titan]

Search E46 fanatics, there is a way to replace the battery if it is dead. The dealer will not replace the battery only offer a new key and thats mega bucks.

You can also try the re-initialization procedure, which might be the issue

Try re-initializing your key:

Get in and close all doors.
Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.
Remove the 1st key.
Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna - someone else suggested this).
Hold down the unlock button (which is button 1 on my key) and press the lock button 3 times (center button on my key). Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.
Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.
If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key1, vs 1 then 2.

[skategoat]

I went to Maranello and ordered a new key. I think it came to $180 all in with MaxBimmer discount. Expensive but I didn't want to dick around with this too much. Having an disfunctional remote is surprisingly inconvenient. How did our Dads ever get along without remote locking/unlocking?

[damameke]

Originally Posted by skategoat

I went to Maranello and ordered a new key. I think it came to $180 all in with MaxBimmer discount. Expensive but I didn't want to dick around with this too much. Having an disfunctional remote is surprisingly inconvenient. How did our Dads ever get along without remote locking/unlocking?

Let me know if it resolves the issue with the new key.. $180 is a good price, I was quote $300 by the same dealer a while back...

[pilot_alex]

Hey, You can pry it open and replace it. I personally did this and have no problems. This will help.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...hlight=key+fob

[slemmer]

If it's your primary key then the battery may be suspect. If not primary try using it for a bit to bring up the charge level and see if that corrects the erratic behaviour.

[Ceeker]

Originally Posted by skategoat

I went to Maranello and ordered a new key. I think it came to $180 all in with MaxBimmer discount. Expensive but I didn't want to dick around with this too much. Having an disfunctional remote is surprisingly inconvenient. How did our Dads ever get along without remote locking/unlocking?

The same way I do now. I get out....put the key in the lock and turn..wow that was hard...and utterly amazing!!!! lol. problem isn't the system..the problem is we're spoiled.

Do you have remote locks on your house?