Replacement Key Fob - Done!

Since having my Jimny, the central locking key has been problematic and quite often the only way to unlock the car was to hold it down for about 5 seconds (the dealer told me this was a security feature.... lol)

Just ordered a replacement fob from Amazon and fitted the electronics inside it. Works perfectly and no more holding down!

The original Suzuki blade doesn’t fit the kit but I’ll get a new one cut tomorrow, at least I’ve got a backup key blade now too.

That sounds like exactly the same issue as I have. Everything works but the button needs a firm hold down to lock it. The rubber button is pretty worn, but I assumed a firm press would compensate. No idea why it seems to work a second or so after you start holding it down, as though something is warming up!!

So, did you effectively just replace the plastic case? Could you have just replaced the rubber and top cover, so the old blade/bottom cover was still usable, or were they not compatible with the bottom cover?

Any pointers much appreciated - I was looking at the other threads here discussing a new key which needs coding and cutting, and this seems worth trying first!

Thanks

Nick

Nick,

Try taking apart and cleaning, then a new battery as the first port of call. amazing how much dirt gets inside the rubbers and surrounds. It makes the buttons stick on slightly and flattens the battery fairly quick.

Thanks Riccy,

I tried that, hoping they were carbon pads for switches or similar, but it made no difference. New battery didn't help. The unlock works perfectly, even from a distance. The lock works from a distance, it just requires a firm hold rather than a press.

I may try and replace the switch on it, but if LeighLo's issue went away with new rubber/plastic, that is worth a go (my detail soldering is not a pretty sight). Nice to have a new-looking key case as well

Cheers.

Nick

NickR wrote: my detail soldering is not a pretty sight

Mine neither!

I replaced the battery in mine only last week as it started workling/not working randomly.

I was a bit surprised to find that the battery was a CR1616 . Anyway it all works now, but looking at the internals while it was all apart, I would imagine that trying to solder anything would probably require some good soldering skills and a specialist micro-soldering iron. I reckon even some of my aviation avionics colleagues would look upon that job with some trepidation!

If cleaning, try using a cotton bud/ Q-tip dipped in isopropylalcohol

My remote works in a similar way. If I stand still and hold the button for a few seconds it will unlock / lock the car. If I am walking as I press the key its unlikely to do so.
I have taken it apart, the PCB resides inside a rubber bubble with the buttons moulded into it. The actual PCD buttons are surface mount switches, so are not that easy to clean. I gave the complete assembly a clean and reassembled, after which it worked with a short press whilst walking, so it can do this. Unfortunately it only lasted a few days and its back to the slow deliberate press.

Lieghlo changes imply that its the rubber bubble/ key moulding thats the issue, as thats the only items changed, the PCB and switches remain the same. We could do with this confirming.

So maybe its the rubber indenting or distorting with time preventing the button being pressed cleanly?

Just thinking out loud.