focusmanmark Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Hi all, my 1999 mk1 focus ghia has just stopped being able to be unlock using the unlock button on the remote key. The remote key is the 3 button type - unlock button, lock button, boot release button. The remote will lock all doors and open the boot but it will not unlock the car. I can unlock the drivers door only manually by inserting the key into the door lock. I can unlock all doors by inserting the key into the passengers door lock. All doors lock okay using either method (remote / manual). I have gone through the central locking test procedure of pushing the switch in the door frame part of the lock (that operates the interior lights) 6 times within 4 seconds and the indicators flash okay on opening and closing each door, including the boot, and if I press the lock and boot release button on the remote but NOT if I press the unlock button on the remote. I have also tried the reprogramming of the key (key in ignition to position 1 three times etc...). I've also sprayed oil in door locks etc. To me it seems like it's the remote key at fault, possibly damaged / broken circuit for the unlock button part as the central locking system itself all seems to be working as it should. So what I am asking for is either confirmation that I am correct in thinking that it is a failure in the remote key and I need to get the key repaired or replaced or is there any other thing that could be causing it? I can get a new remote key on eBay for £30, shouldn't need to have the blank cut as just split the key and use original key with new remote part and programme the new remote to the car..... if it's that simple!?? The only other central locking issue I've had with the car is every now and again in hot weather the car will suddenly lock itself, all doors will suddenly lock, even if you are driving along at the time! This has only ever happened it hot weather, it has never been any trouble in cold or wet weather. I hope that all makes some kind of sense and isn't too long winded! I just want to be sure of things before spending any money! Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WES180 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Welcome to the site. You should have started your thread in the Focus section rather than here in the Newbies. Anyway, can the key be opened up to see if you can press the button on the circuit board without the cover on? Sometimes on remote keys the back of the plastic wears and fails to make contact with the button on the circuit board. It happened to me with my motorbike alarm fob and I ended up putting a little plastic shim between the 2 parts to bridge the gap and it worked perfectly again. I do not have your type key so cant look if that may work for you sorry. Moderators might move this thread to the right section later today and then you will get more replies there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
focusmanmark Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Hi Wes, sorry I thought I had posed it in the Focus section, my mistake. Yes I know what you are saying, I had the same problem on a dvd recorder remote control and had to do the same thing! I've opened the key right up and as far as I can tell everything looks okay, the plastic tabs on the back of the offending button look fine and the micro-switch is operating okay, you can heat it 'click' when pressed the same as the other buttons. It wasn't possible to test the operation of the button once it was all pulled apart but there was nothing visually obviously wrong that I could see, although it doesn't mean to say that there isn't something wrong with the micro switch or the circuitry. The only other thing I can think of is the control module in the drivers side door but after the tests I've done I can't see why it should be that although if anyone knows differently....? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artscot79 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 The remotes are well known to wear out on my old one it was also the unlick button on the remote simply buy a new one carefully transfer the chip from the old one to the new one and programme it using the method you tried Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
focusmanmark Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 At 16 years old I'm not surprised it has worn out when you think of the thousands of times it must have been used. How easy or hard is it to swap the chips over, I'm not sure if I know what the chip actually looks like? Would simply buying a new key and programming it to the car not work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artscot79 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 The chip is inside the remote either a carbon chip or a cylindrical glass one both are easily swapped over you can buy it with the key or on its own without the chip the immobiliser wont switch off so yes you must swap it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
focusmanmark Posted May 10, 2015 Author Share Posted May 10, 2015 Yes I'm with you now, my key has the glass type transponder that's housed next to the battery part of the key fob under the bit of rubber; so really all I need to do is get another used key fob that's been tested to be fully working and just swap over the electronic piece with the micro switches and circuitry on it and programme it for the central locking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 Yes I'm with you now, my key has the glass type transponder that's housed next to the battery part of the key fob under the bit of rubber; so really all I need to do is get another used key fob that's been tested to be fully working and just swap over the electronic piece with the micro switches and circuitry on it and programme it for the central locking. That is correct, the immobiliser transponder is totally passive so needs no power source of it's own. It is merely positioned on the battery side as there is more room for it. Just the button side needs swapping and can be programmed by you in seconds. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
focusmanmark Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share Posted May 16, 2015 Just to update to say that the problem has now been fixed by buying a second hand key and swapping over the electronics and reprogramming to the car (put a new battery in while I was at it for good measure). Thanks to everyone that responded to my post, appreciated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Just to update to say that the problem has now been fixed by buying a second hand key and swapping over the electronics and reprogramming to the car (put a new battery in while I was at it for good measure). Thanks to everyone that responded to my post, appreciated. I love it when a problem gets resolved happily. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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