Now my remote plip has stopped working

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 22 Feb 2011, 17:14

It's been working trouble-free since I got the car a few years ago so when it failed last week I assumed battery though was conscious of it suddenly dying instead of getting weaker as I'd expect from a failing battery.

Today, I replaced the battery with a good one, tested the remote on a draper bit of kit at the motor shop, tested it on the car (including the re-synch procedure in the handbook) and finally tried to re-synching it with the Lexia but they're all showing it's no longer transmitting.

I've pulled it open and there's continuity when the buttons are pressed and continuity from battery terminals so I'm completely stumped now. Guess I need a replacement?

pugsick · Unread post by **pugsick** » 22 Feb 2011, 17:20

Hi Mike

I can offer no mechanical help but if you source one and need it collected or delivered let me know as i normally have drivers throughout the country. They could bring it to me and i would glady drop it off. That said i guess a stamp is just as quick so i will go off and sit in the corner....

Deanxm · Unread post by **Deanxm** » 22 Feb 2011, 18:25

What about your spare blip Mike, just pop the battery in that and re sync it and all should be well?.

D

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 22 Feb 2011, 18:29

On my previous Xantia I had this prob. but reverted to using the key in the lock. A bit awkward sometimes but no different to how things were 20 years ago.

But I was never sure how much 'protection' the car had if I locked it in this way.

And also, with the 'blipper' working properly, is there any extra protection if you press the blipper twice to lock the car?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 22 Feb 2011, 19:00

have you pointed your plip at your mob phone/digi camera as they can read/see IR,

mine plays up now and then and i give it a tap/bash this gets it to work 9 out of 10 times,

i think the switch's are dieing, i have tried switch cleaner also with no change,

regards malcolm

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 22 Feb 2011, 20:10

Jamie: Thanks for the offer, I'll keep it in mind. Have you seen this "sticky" yet? http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=28148

Dean: Sadly, I need RF as I've got a MK2.

rmunns: Yep, forced to use key. Is a pain in the dark though and to your question, yes the alarm is only set via the remote! Why, oh why!

Malcolm Mine's RF, Malc. But I need to get good batteries before I can test the IR one for Dean in the manner you suggest.

Alternatively, I discovered today my local motor shop have a Draper Car Remote Tester - works on both IR and RF which mine showed dead as a do-do, no signal sent. Also, Jim has stated I can use my radio scanner to tune into something like 430mhz for the RF version.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 23 Feb 2011, 07:48

ok Mike i was just going by the year of your car as mine is 98 on an R and is IR,

my son is asking if Jim or anyone knows which modulation the RF plip use's,

regards malcolm

pugsick · Unread post by **pugsick** » 23 Feb 2011, 09:08

Mike

I travel daily beyween Camberley (Surrey) and Fareham/ Southampton so please feel free to add me.

Shout me if i can be of any help.

Also i manage a courier/ logistics company so please feel free to contact me if you have any special requirments as i am sure i can help..

xmexclusive · Unread post by **xmexclusive** » 23 Feb 2011, 09:19

I have a few (5) poor condition cases, keys and pcb's for these RF plips going spare. These are all odd ones collected over the last few years to see how they compare with the earlier XM Mk2 type RF plips.
Unfortunately they were sufficiently different to be of no use for spares.
The XM RF dates from 1994 and uses rolling code data for security which makes each plipset unique. The codes cannot be read or obtained from Citroen so the remote sets cannot be mixed or reprogrammed.
The Xantia Mk2 RF sets were designed a couple of years later and first used on the Xsara and Synergie. The security system changed to a coded chip in the key read using a aerial around the ignition switch. The plips should be capable of reprogramming and mixing sets. The security chip is in the plastic head of the key blade so moves with the key not the plip when sets are being matched up.
As with all Citroen electronics of this age the pcb's and components on them have serious reliability issues making them difficult to maintain and keep working. For XM's I tend to use Chinese aftermarket RF sets as these are much more reliable and far more secure.
Compared to IR the RF sets have much greater range and do not require line of sight to the car receiver so there is a good case for replacing IR sets with the Chinese RF ones as they cost around £25 for a set.

John

i3 · Unread post by i3 » 23 Feb 2011, 11:11

John, where can these RF sets be found?

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 25 Feb 2011, 17:25

To complete this thread, I got a pair of used fobs off ebay. One of them is working, (the other needs a new battery) and was programmed courtesy of Lexia so I've now got a working alarm again and no more fumbling in the dark to open/lock the car - yay

i3 · Unread post by i3 » 25 Feb 2011, 18:37

Mike, think i saw that pair on ebay...were they the ir or rf ones?

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 26 Feb 2011, 11:08

i3 wrote:Mike, think i saw that pair on ebay...were they the ir or rf ones?

RF. IR would be no good to me.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 26 Feb 2011, 15:28

Next issue is Swapping key blades:

Swapping key blade (with transponder) from remote to remote was relatively straightforward (rivets actually unscrew) as they're a direct fit but looking at my spare key (without remote plip) I'm not sure it's the same under the cover as those with the plip.

Does anyone know if they're the same underneath and what is the best way to split the blade from it's holder?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 26 Feb 2011, 17:42

i might be wrong Mike (wont be the first time) but i dont think the blade comes out of the plain chiped key's non remote,

regards malcolm

French Car Forum

Now my remote plip has stopped working

Now my remote plip has stopped working

MikeT please add me.