Remote key has stopped working

isisalar · Post by **isisalar** » 18 Nov 2009, 13:40

The remote alarm setting key on my xantia has always been a bit tempermental but always worked eventually.I changed the battery recently and that didn't make any difference.Of late it has only worked if I hold the key in a horizontal position(in my right hand)and push slightly downwards on the rubber thingy.
It packed up completely yesterday and looking at it now as I type this I can see that when the red light does come on it is flickering.
I am tempted to take it apart and give the contacts under the rubber cover a good dose of contact cleaner.
Is this wise?
Any advise would be very welcome.
Kind regards
Paul.

Old-Guy · Post by **Old-Guy** » 18 Nov 2009, 14:44

Paul

Assuming it's an Infra-Red 'plipper', I suspect that the main LED (the clear one that 'shines' along the key blade) has one or both 'legs' fractured.

Had the same problem myself, fixed it properly with a replacement LED. Full write-up "Plipper Repair" with photos on my web page. You do need to be reasonably nifty with a small electric soldering iron (i.e. 12 - 20W).

Guy

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 18 Nov 2009, 15:16

Another problem that comes with these older plippers IS WITH the main board..

What I have found, as you have by pressing a certain way on the rubber is to TRY and wedge a peice of paper or thin card under the circuit board, between the circuit and the body ofthe PLIP, this can hold the circuit in a certain way and make it work..

Unless you have a mynute soldering iorn theres not much you can resolder, Bar the LED and two switches, as the rest is surface mount stuff..

These PLIPPERS are cheap now, and are EASY programmed to your car yourself ....

Paul

isisalar · Post by **isisalar** » 18 Nov 2009, 17:13

Thanks for the reply's.Soldering is not a skill I have, so I would be very interested to know where I can buy one of these cheap replacements, and how one programs them.
Thanks
Paul

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 18 Nov 2009, 17:37

Majority are on ebay, but I was shocked last year when I bought one for a friend, of which the car I have now, I went to our local dealer and was charged a massive 8 quid or so, I was after a case to be honest, but got a FULL key with INNERS!!

Ive a couple of spare plippers here.. paring them has been discussed lately, but is quite easy, with your original key, switch on ignition so all the lights on dash are on, then with the new plip point and press the forward button AND HOLD IT ON for about 20 seconds - I also find that constantly pressing it for this time has the same effect, then do the same with the rear button the same - THOUGH you may need to switch ignition off and back on again before you do the rear button.. then key off, leave for a moment or two and try.. IF THIS DOESN'T work, try with the ignition with JUST THE BATTERY LIGHT ON...

And thats it..

Paul

isisalar · Post by **isisalar** » 18 Nov 2009, 17:47

Thanks citroenxm
Do you mean a Citroen main dealer?
I got one for my last Xantia from my local main dealer and it was about £60+£10 to program it.(about 5 yrs ago)
What about the metal key part,do you swop them over?
Thanks
Paul

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 18 Nov 2009, 17:49

Yes Paul, My local main dealer, maybee I was lucky and he didn't know..

The blades do swap over relativly easy too..

Rgds
Paul