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MG MGF Technical - Remote Unlocking Problems

Hi all,
I'm having a bit of a strange prob with my MGF...

Yesterday I went to the local supermarket and when I came back out I was unable to unlock my car with the remote. After a bit of messing around I was able to open the door with the key, turn the ignition, then use the LOCK button to disable the immobiliser and start the car.

The strange thing is, the car locks fine with the remote, it's just the unlock button that isn't working.

Stranger still, I changed the battery in the remote and the guy in the car shop tested my remote - both the lock and unlock buttons were sending a signal successfully. So for some reason, the car just won't unlock even though the remote is working. I assume the car uses the same sensor for both the LOCK and UNLOCK signal, so I don't understand what's going on here...

Anyone have any ideas ?

I have a 98 (R reg) MGF VVC.

Thanks

Chris
C Aldridge

Radio interference is probably the answer Chris - some locations are far worse than others when it comes to remote unlock range on my car. Newer systems don't seem to be anything like as badly effected.
Rob Bell

I've heard that someone else had a similar problem in the same location. There's some sort of transmitter round there or something.

Problem is, the unlock button hasn't worked since. No matter where I am.
C Aldridge

Oh - missed that. Not sure why that would be the case? You may need to get the immobiliser ECU checked out - it's a Lucas 5AS unit. An MG dealer may be one option, or an alarm specialist perhaps? Not a problem I've come across before I'm afraid.
Rob Bell

Hi Chris,

Worth disconnecting the battery overnight to let the ECU power down, and see if there's any improvement when you re-connect. Disconnect the horns first though, and have any radio codes handy.

If that works, review your choice of supermarket ;o)
Mike Hankin

Chris,

Perhaps the ECU and key fob have lost their synchronisation.

As Mike suggests, power down the ECU for a while.

I think there is a set up procedure for the key fob in the manual.

Sam
Sam Murray

Yeh I agree as Mike and Sam suggest power down the ECU for a while.
Dick Pullar

Manual (for the TF anyway) says something about using both fobs to re-programme/ synchronise each other when you change the batteries on them? Pretty sure I didn't dream that, I KNOW I've done it before though...
Timmeh

Found it!

To synchronise the fob....

Lock the car take the battery out of the fob,press either button to discharge the fob. Replace the battery,open the car with the key not the remote,then press the close button quickly 4 times.

Sam
Sam Murray

Tried that already sam - resynchronising the fob - it doesn't work. The fob still resyncs after I push lock for the 4th time but no joy with the unlock button.

Have to try unplugging the battery overnight - problem is I'm not sure if the stereo is code protected - if it is, I don't have the code :-

In the mean time, any suggestions are welcome :-)

Chris
C Aldridge

If it's a MG Rover head unit, there ought to be a card in the Owner's Information wallet with the code on it. Dealers can provide the code from your chassis number, but whether they'll charge you for that depends on your powers of negotiation ;o)
Mike Hankin

This thread was discussed between 04/05/2006 and 05/05/2006

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