[MarcG]

Most mornings my key remote will not open the car, the car just doesn't register the use of the remote.

But If I then unlock the car with the key the remote suddenly starts working again (so I can click unlock to disable the alarm before I open the now unlocked door).

The remote will then continue to work for a random period (sometimes it won't be working be the time I've walked my daughter into school, today it' still working nearly 4 hours later.)

It's very annoying!

Any suggestions on how to solve it?

 

[Vromm]

Possible a low battery ...try a new battery in the key fob ..
does it happen with the spare fob too ?

 

[MarcG]

Possible a low battery ...try a new battery in the key fob ..
does it happen with the spare fob too ?

It's not battery as it works fine once i've opened the door with the key.

My car didn't come with a spare. That's another large expense to come...

 

[159john]

My car didn't come with a spare. That's another large expense to come...

£205......bin there; done that

Just a thought - if the car's under warranty, and the key doesn't work properly, you might be able to swing a new one under warranty?

 

[Vromm]

Should have explained ..had same issue on a previous car ( Mazda ) . The fob battery was low and it only worked intermittently. I remember it worked ok after I opened doors with key same as you said. As soon as I replaced battery it worked just fine. So hopefully might be worth a try !

 

[Nev]

You don't want to be driving around with access to only 1 key.

Loose it and it's going to cost you an arm and a leg.
(More than getting a replacement and programming it.)

 

[Hunter]

Get a replacement key asap.

The cost of losing your old (half) working key isn't worth risking.

Sounds like your fob needs a new battery.

 

[MarcG]

Get a replacement key asap.

The cost of losing your old (half) working key isn't worth risking.

Sounds like your fob needs a new battery.

OK, will sort out a new key asap.

Still can't see how it can be battery on the current fob though. As it works as soon as I unlock the door with the key. It's not a range thing.

I will however get it changed to rule it out. Hopefully it is just that...

 

[Hunter]

Hmmm, sensor fault

At least when you get a new key sorted you'll be able to see if its the old key or the receiver unit in the car.

 

[MarcG]

Still haven't got this issue fixed. I now believe it requires a new body computer and just can't afford that right now.

The interesting thing is, since the weather has improved, it now works again! (and on the odd day it's been around zero in the morning it hasn't).

So it seems my body computer is bit weather sensitive. Not sure how, as it wakes up and works as soon as you use the key, but that is the best I can deduce so far....

 

[Baz159]

I have had this problem during the cold weather. first had to unlock with the key then all was okay. There is a fix because Alfa know about the problem and they replace the slot in the dash where the key goes with an updated version. had my 06 done under warranty about a month ago, no problems since

 

[MarcG]

I have had this problem during the cold weather. first had to unlock with the key then all was okay. There is a fix because Alfa know about the problem and they replace the slot in the dash where the key goes with an updated version. had my 06 done under warranty about a month ago, no problems since

Really? Where did you get it done, as the places I talk to have no knowledge.

I'm not under warranty though...

 

[Baz159]

Black and White Garage, Cold Ash Near Newbury/Thatcham

 

[MarcG]

Black and White Garage, Cold Ash Near Newbury/Thatcham

Thanks.

Did you have a 4th year of warranty then?

Oh, and welcome to the forums!

 

[Baz159]

Thanks
No 4th year but garage warranty, only bought it in Jan

 

[Alfa6599]

Hi, my 159 appears to be suffering from exactly this! Baz, can you give me an idea of the repair cost? The warranty I've been provided with my Alfa "doesn't cover existing faults" and of course I knew about this when I purchased the car!

 

[AlexT]

another important aspect of having two copies (at least back in Italy!) is insurance: if you have only one key and your car gets stolen, the insurance may not pay you cos in theory the other key could have been used for the theft and it's your responsibility to make sure you have all the car keys.

 

[MarcG]

The new slot fixes the issue.

The bad news is a new slot is around £250 and an hours labour on top of that to fit.

Get an indie to do it if you have to pay as the hour will be a lot cheaper.

 

[Alfa6599]

The new slot fixes the issue.

The bad news is a new slot is around £250 and an hours labour on top of that to fit.

Get an indie to do it if you have to pay as the hour will be a lot cheaper.

Thanks for that, I'll see if I can put up with it until the new year. Was there any fob re-programming do you know?

 

[MarcG]

Thanks for that, I'll see if I can put up with it until the new year. Was there any fob re-programming do you know?

No. It's a straight replacement and probably quite easy to do.

I lived through one and a half winters and it drove me nuts, so in the end it didn't seem too expensive.