Help testing fob functionality

lucius · 06-12-2018, 07:12 PM

I'm currently having issues with my key fob.
Right now I can unlock the doors and release the trunk but am unable to lock my doors.
The doors can be locked using the center console button.

I have ncs-expert, ista, inpa, etc and would like to know if it's possible to test the key fob functionality?

06 E90 330i 6spd

Emilime75 · 06-12-2018, 07:17 PM

Bad button? Go to AutoZone, they have those battery check things for remotes. Try a known working button and confirm the LED on the tester lights up. Then try the suspect button.

lucius · 06-13-2018, 07:17 PM

The Autozones around here only test for battery, not what buttons work.
Is there a way to do this through INPA or INSTA?

Emilime75 · 06-13-2018, 08:18 PM

Don't think you're not getting it. They test for battery by watching for a signal from your fob. If your fob works, including all of the buttons, the LED on the tester will light up when you press those fob buttons. If it lights when you hit the unlock and trunk buttons, but not the lock...

lucius · 06-17-2018, 07:12 AM

Emilime75 Thanks for making me aware of this testing method.
Visited an AutoZone and all the buttons lit up except for the unlock. I will need to purchase another key fob.

Emilime75 · 06-17-2018, 07:35 PM

Cool, glad you were able to get it figured out. Bummer it is the fob, as they're pricy and involve dealer programming.

Might want to consider opening it up and taking a look. I've fixed bad remote buttons(not BMW fobs) before. There's usually a rubber pad, or bumper, between the fob buttons you press and the actual electronic switch. Those wear down and compress over the years making them no longer the right dimension to transfer your button press to the actual switch. Some remotes were fixed with a drop or 2 of super glue to build it back up. One remote used some sort of carbon insert in the rubber pad which we worn down, and a small piece of aluminum foil between the pad and switch fixed it. In either case, if it is one of the above, be careful with your choice of repair and how much you apply. Building it up too high will always put pressure on the switch, like you were holding down the button all the time.

06-12-2018, 07:12 PM	#1
lucius Second Lieutenant 201 Rep 288 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Mass iTrader: (0)	Help testing fob functionality I'm currently having issues with my key fob. Right now I can unlock the doors and release the trunk but am unable to lock my doors. The doors can be locked using the center console button. I have ncs-expert, ista, inpa, etc and would like to know if it's possible to test the key fob functionality? 06 E90 330i 6spd
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06-12-2018, 07:17 PM	#2
Emilime75 Colonel 1209 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: 2010 335i E92 LeMans Blue Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Merica! iTrader: (1)	Bad button? Go to AutoZone, they have those battery check things for remotes. Try a known working button and confirm the LED on the tester lights up. Then try the suspect button.
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06-13-2018, 07:17 PM	#3
lucius Second Lieutenant 201 Rep 288 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Mass iTrader: (0)	The Autozones around here only test for battery, not what buttons work. Is there a way to do this through INPA or INSTA?
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06-13-2018, 08:18 PM	#4
Emilime75 Colonel 1209 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: 2010 335i E92 LeMans Blue Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Merica! iTrader: (1)	Don't think you're not getting it. They test for battery by watching for a signal from your fob. If your fob works, including all of the buttons, the LED on the tester will light up when you press those fob buttons. If it lights when you hit the unlock and trunk buttons, but not the lock...
	Appreciate 1 lucius201.00 Quote

06-17-2018, 07:12 AM	#5
lucius Second Lieutenant 201 Rep 288 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Mass iTrader: (0)	Emilime75 Thanks for making me aware of this testing method. Visited an AutoZone and all the buttons lit up except for the unlock. I will need to purchase another key fob.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-17-2018, 07:35 PM	#6
Emilime75 Colonel 1209 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: 2010 335i E92 LeMans Blue Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Merica! iTrader: (1)	Cool, glad you were able to get it figured out. Bummer it is the fob, as they're pricy and involve dealer programming. Might want to consider opening it up and taking a look. I've fixed bad remote buttons(not BMW fobs) before. There's usually a rubber pad, or bumper, between the fob buttons you press and the actual electronic switch. Those wear down and compress over the years making them no longer the right dimension to transfer your button press to the actual switch. Some remotes were fixed with a drop or 2 of super glue to build it back up. One remote used some sort of carbon insert in the rubber pad which we worn down, and a small piece of aluminum foil between the pad and switch fixed it. In either case, if it is one of the above, be careful with your choice of repair and how much you apply. Building it up too high will always put pressure on the switch, like you were holding down the button all the time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote