remote key

I had a similar problem with my keys with the rubber coming off the buttons. I pulled both my keys open (a lot easier than some people think) and tried the silicon. It got very messy and I've since managed to get the silicon out and went down another route.

I went to the hardware and picked up some rubber grommets. Was very simple to put them in and have had no problems since. Didn't need to open up the key (pity I already had, so I just sealed them back together) and only took 5 seconds to insert them

 

What is the first sign that you need a new battery in the key ?

 

When you start loosing range when opening the door. Or if you frequently put the key in and turn it but nothing happens.

 

what is considered normal key range ?

 

quiksilvr3r - that's a great idea using rubber grommets. One thing I'm not sure about is how you put the grommets in as they are round and the button is a semi-circle. Is the key still water and dust proof? Thanks

 

i just got a new key today for my vs. rang the holden dealer and was quoted $69 for the key, then add on the cutting and coding.

went to mister minit and paied $90something all up. they gave me a set of instructions which told me to

not unlock the car with the buttons or to press the buttons at all.

use the old key to unlock the door with the lock itself, not the button

put the new key in the ignition

start the car with it

test the lock buttons

start the car again.


any ideas on that? it seems to have worked

 

if you have a good wrecker near by you can try them for "Keyhead spares" if you have stuffed buttons and the battery needs replacing go buy the battery and see if the wrecker will sell you a keyhead with good buttons.

Dont dick around pulling thebuttons of the wreckers keyhead, just use that whole half.

Three threads all in this section for Keyheads, this calls for a sticky FAQ FFS.

 

yeah, i have the same problem for my VR acclaim, the range is getting pretty bad, and sometimes it doesnt work at all, making me use the key manually.

Although i have read over the net (and tried it myself it works)...it may make you look like an idiot- put the key blade against your head then click the button. your body becomes a huge arial and sends the signal out alot furthar. I do it every now and then when people arent looking lol. But YES it works.

but its either look like an idiot with a key to your face- or pay for a new one... i'm eventually gonna choose the latter, and have the old one as a spare.

 

My locksmith put it in and turned it on without starting.
Left it 30secs and started it.
So I was lucky Rob?

 

the first commodores with remotes were able to be opened, but since all of the keyheads are non serviceable..

 

Some keyheads are able to be opened, the others have to be forced/ripped/cut/etc.
The batteries can be replaced with any 3v CR2032 battery (Costs less than $5).
The eeprom wil not die after a week, nor 6 months, nor 10 years. The complete 64 bit (8 byte) code for the remote will stay forever.
When you goto get the key copied, if you're battery is too dead, they can't do it! They can't read the code because the key sends no signal (the battery is dead after all).

Here's how the key storage works - From what I'm led to believe
The 8 digit "PIN" is placed in temporary memory when written by holden/locksmith/whoever (permanent, but can be removed and re-written). (Like a CD-RW)
If the "PIN" matches the BCM when the car is attempted to be started, then the 8 pin is written to a permanent area of memory - thus it can not be change (Like a CD-R)
If the PIN does not match, the car will not start, and the key can be re-programmed.

You should expect to pay $50-100 for a new programmed keyhead (it cost me $65 in Merrylands, Sydney)

Good luck!

 

I was really interested into looking into pulling my key apart and changing the battery over because I just wrecked a VS for a motor swap and my key head has died.

I even looked considered changing the BCM because I have a good working keyhead and I could just unscrew and swap the keys over. But I have to get a drill out to pop a rivit and I don't want to risk damaging my car.

After reading this forum and the quality of the keys after replacement, I just did a search on ebay for a keyheads and found the genuine keyheads with the hsv logo on the back which matches all the hsv stuff I put into my car.

$54.95 each though and I can't really afford them... but I bought 2 to save on paying postage twice... but bugger it, it'll make the car look good and I'll have a bit of pride when I go to unlock it.

 

Check out this mate. Pulling apart your key/changing the battery will not reset your key.
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/holden-commodore-how-tos/121345-fix-vr-vs-key-pics.html

 

VE Spare key trouble

I am having trouble with my spare key in my VE Berlina. my flick key works fine but when i try to use my spare key, my car won't even turn over, but both spare keys still unlock/lock the car. Can someone please help? Cheers

 

Sometimes the spare keys have to be programmed. But you'd be better asking this in the VE section, this is the VR-VS Section.