2008 Fox remote locking key syncing issue.

[M3 Compact]

Baffled by this....

The car came with only one remote locking control key, which scyns ok using the method described in the manual (ignition on, press lock twice), but it only works two or three times until it needs syncing again.

New fob batteries and the central locking works perfectly from the driver's door lock. No fault codes logged.

Likely to be the receiver/control unit - or more likely to be the key?

TIA.

[M3 Compact]

Update...

The key always lights up when buttons are pressed, but the locking seems more responsive to a firmer press of the button, which goes against what I'm always telling my girlie & son about 'roughing up' On/Off switches LOL.

However - I ordered a new VW (Sharran) fob from eBay and installed the board + blade from the original and it made the situation worse.

I've investigated this further tonight and I'm confused by my findings....
To sum-up.... The key always lights up the 'transmission light' when buttons are pressed, but the sync & operation functions are sporadic; it always syncs & works ok when it's stripped and the buttons are operated directly.

Are the board's buttons a 'twin stage' thing? As in they operate the 'transmitting/operation light' on the fob before operating the lock/unlock function when pressed further?<-- This is the only logical explanation that I can come up with, because this key deffo doesn't always transmit when they light up.

The pikeBay VW replacement key/'fob' housing has smaller 'nipples' to operate the buttons, than the original VW key has.

New key or a genuine VW Fox 'key electronics housing' is now my guess.....

I think.

[a8 tech]

pm sent for fix

[M3 Compact]

Wow.

That's epic info yet again, a8 tech.

I've been a member of this forum for around 4 years and I generally only post when I'm seeking help/info, which I feel a tad guilty for, but you've helped me out every time and I'm extremely grateful.

I try to do the same on a couple of BMW forums + other places and I know how important it is to feel that your input is appreciated, when so many forum users just rudely read & run....

Thanks again for all your help.

[a8 tech]

Thanks, it does matter but I tend only to help members who are interested in there vehicles and not members who seek quick answers with no more to offer the forum.

I post on a few forums and there is little thanks for sure these days in fact some are abusive if more experienced technicians provide technical answers as the common attitude I find isn't that welcoming.

Having said that my answers are normally direct and as with most technical people I just try to get to the answer but for a good while I have ignored most of the other forums

The interesting thing is there are so many members who are now friends and those local use me for there repairs and retro fits and just general help

There are far wiser people than me and lots of people on all manner of forums who just like good old honest help and it’s not about self satisfaction, and I know better but in its simplest form helpfulness and good nature

[robskillz]

Hi Mr. Compact,
Newbie Fox owner here (well, new to me!) and I'm having the exact same problem with the remote fob as you describe above.
I have to press the buttons really hard (which I hate doing) and it only sometimes works, even though I changed the batteries and the 'transmit' light always lights up.

Did you ever get yours working properly and if so, are you able to give me any pointers? Mine's an 07 plate.

Cheers,
Rob

[M3 Compact]

Sorry Rob, but as yet this issue is unresolved and we've resorted to using the key in the driver's door lock.


The key still re-syncs ok if it's stripped to the board and it works ok if it isn't in the housing.