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Domatron
20-05-2016, 05:56 PM
Hey guys

I just got to the dog park and now my car won't unlock. It's a 2009 R36 wagon. It's never done this before. Unlocked perfectly 5 mins ago when I left the house. When I press the unlock key nothing happens. Even if I hold it down for a while. If I push the lock key the lights flash. The auto tailgate still opens with the key but the doors stay locked when I do that.

Is the problem my key or could it be something else?

Please help!

Thanks


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Domatron
20-05-2016, 06:23 PM
Sorted. YouTube to the rescue...

Looks like the unlock button on my remote is stuffed though :(


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Domatron
20-05-2016, 06:50 PM
Confirmed. Just got home and tested the spare key. Everything works as it should.

Does anyone know if these keys can be repaired? Or do I just have fork out for a new one?


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Umai Naa!!
20-05-2016, 07:05 PM
Try a new battery in the remote.

ope126
20-05-2016, 07:22 PM
Glad you got it sorted, but yeah; might be time to also change the batteries in both sets of keys!

Domatron
20-05-2016, 07:26 PM
Thanks will give that a go


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snerlo
20-05-2016, 10:09 PM
I had exactly the same issue about two months ago. I just got the spare out and I am using that now!! Might try a new battery but it is a little weird that the other two buttons work and the unlock doesn't!!

AALocksmiths
21-05-2016, 12:32 PM
You can pull it apart and check the tactile button on the remote PCB, your key isn't really old enough for this to be broken but if this is the only button not working then this is probably your problem. replacement buttons can be bought fairly cheap and you will need to be able to solder on the new button.

Wolfgang
21-05-2016, 06:52 PM
Out of interest, did you try unlocking it the old fashion way of turning the key in the lock?

Domatron
21-05-2016, 08:33 PM
Out of interest, did you try unlocking it the old fashion way of turning the key in the lock?

Yup. I always knew about the key I just never knew where the keyhole was until watching the YouTube video...

Domatron
23-05-2016, 06:26 PM
You can pull it apart and check the tactile button on the remote PCB, your key isn't really old enough for this to be broken but if this is the only button not working then this is probably your problem. replacement buttons can be bought fairly cheap and you will need to be able to solder on the new button.

Thanks for the advice. Would I be able to get replacement buttons from somewhere like Jaycar? And if not where's the best place?
Cheers

Hillbilly
23-05-2016, 07:59 PM
Probably but you would need to take the circuit board in to get the correct one

AALocksmiths
24-05-2016, 07:36 PM
Thanks for the advice. Would I be able to get replacement buttons from somewhere like Jaycar? And if not where's the best place?
Cheers

I have a couple of genuine Passat keys in stock, if I remember tomorrow I can pull one of them apart and have a look as I most likely have the correct buttons for them too.

AALocksmiths
31-05-2016, 08:06 PM
Sorry for the slow reply. Attached is one of the PCB's from an OEM remote that I have, if you look on Ebay for tactile buttons you should be able to find them as this type is common.

Hillbilly
31-05-2016, 08:20 PM
10 X Momentary Tact Tactile Round Push Button Switch SMD SMT Press KEY 4x4x2 5mm | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-x-Momentary-Tact-Tactile-Round-Push-Button-Switch-SMD-SMT-Press-Key-4x4x2-5mm-/391252281682?hash=item5b18740952:g:yg4AAOSwGotWroq R)
Here you go

AALocksmiths
31-05-2016, 09:54 PM
Hillbilly, those are too high

These are the ones.
DC 12V 0 2A PCB SMT SMD Momentary Motion Micro Tactile Switch 5x5x1 5mm 8 PCS | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-12V-0-2A-PCB-SMT-SMD-Momentary-Motion-Micro-Tactile-Switch-5x5x1-5mm-8-Pcs-/301198539515?hash=item4620d4fafb:g:li0AAOSw--1Wq8V5)

Domatron
31-05-2016, 10:33 PM
Hillbilly, those are too high

These are the ones.
DC 12V 0 2A PCB SMT SMD Momentary Motion Micro Tactile Switch 5x5x1 5mm 8 PCS | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-12V-0-2A-PCB-SMT-SMD-Momentary-Motion-Micro-Tactile-Switch-5x5x1-5mm-8-Pcs-/301198539515?hash=item4620d4fafb:g:li0AAOSw--1Wq8V5)

Thanks mate

I'll orders set and let you know how I go...


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snerlo
02-06-2016, 12:00 PM
Might give this a go myself too Dom. Thanks for the link guys.

Hillbilly
02-06-2016, 12:28 PM
Just be careful removing the old ones as its easy to pull the traces off the PCB if not careful

Have had some interesting experiences when I used to repair and chip Playstations.

snerlo
02-06-2016, 09:28 PM
What's the tip then when trying to remove the old buttons and putting new ones on.

Hillbilly
02-06-2016, 10:25 PM
I use unsolder braid and a 25 watt fine tip iron and no more heat than necessary. If you can get a fine tweezer just under it might be enough weight to lift the pins when heated without the braid. Dont leave iron on for too long as it will lift the pads off the board.


Easier to do it than explain it

Domatron
09-06-2016, 06:46 PM
Hey guys. So I just replaced the battery in my remote this evening and all the buttons now work perfectly. No need to solder anything. Thought I'd try the easiest/ "most obvious" solution 1st and I'm glad I did...


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snerlo
10-06-2016, 12:10 PM
Well well. Might have to try myself. So was there any issues with the remote not working after changing the battery? Reason I ask is that I have heard that some people have had issues after changing batteries which I found a little weird. Any idea what battery it is off hand so that I can purchase one on the way home tonight?

ASR36
10-06-2016, 01:37 PM
Mine died on Monday this week while I was out (had to use the key to open the car).

The battery is a CR2032

Domatron
10-06-2016, 04:20 PM
Well well. Might have to try myself. So was there any issues with the remote not working after changing the battery? Reason I ask is that I have heard that some people have had issues after changing batteries which I found a little weird. Any idea what battery it is off hand so that I can purchase one on the way home tonight?

Nope it worked perfectly. Which I'm happy about because not having a working spare made me nervous.

The battery is a CR2032


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snerlo
10-06-2016, 04:44 PM
Cheers guys. Will give that a go first.

snerlo
10-06-2016, 09:00 PM
Well, I'm with domatron. New battery and away she went. Unbelievable! Anyhow, thanks for the tips guys.

R3666
02-08-2019, 02:47 PM
Well, I'm with domatron. New battery and away she went. Unbelievable! Anyhow, thanks for the tips guys.

Hey I know this is a super old thread, just wanted to thank everyone for the useful tips.
Had the exact same problem with my R36 today (lock button working, unlock button not).
Knew about the key hidden in the fob, but could not find the key hole anywhere.

Bit of a worry that VW owners on the internet are more helpful than the VW service dept. at my local dealer.
Not only did he not mention the key or key hole when I told him I had to climb in through the tailgate, but he also specifically said that the battery would NOT be the issue as I would get a low key battery warning msg on the dash. Suggested I book it in for diagnostics and most likely fix was a $700 actuator. Will try a $5 battery first after reading this thread.

Thanks again.