Experiencing issues with your Peugeot Key Fob can be frustrating, especially when it suddenly stops working. Many Peugeot owners encounter problems with their remote key fobs failing to lock or unlock their vehicles, sometimes after a battery replacement. Let’s explore a common scenario and potential fixes for your Peugeot key fob troubles.
One Peugeot 308 owner faced this exact situation with their 2-button remote key. Initially, the key fob became intermittent, requiring multiple attempts to lock or unlock the car. Eventually, it ceased to function altogether. The first logical step, as recommended in most car manuals, is to replace the battery and reinitialize the key.
A new CR1620 battery was installed, and the re-initialization process was followed according to the Peugeot 308 owner’s manual:
Switch OFF the ignition
Switch ON the ignition and immediately press and hold the LOCK button on the Key
Hold it for a few seconds
Release the LOCK Button and turn OFF the ignition
Take out the Key and it should be working now
Despite these steps, the Peugeot key fob only worked when in very close proximity to the car’s receiver, believed to be near the manual lock switch inside the vehicle. Operating the key from the driver’s seat or outside the car proved unsuccessful. This pointed away from a simple battery issue, as a brand new battery had just been installed and the key re-initialized.
Further investigation revealed a crucial detail: the key fob began working at a reasonable distance (5-10 meters) when the cover was removed, exposing the circuit board. Applying manual pressure to the circuit board towards the battery contacts restored the remote lock/unlock functionality. However, reassembling the key fob with the cover immediately caused the problem to return.
This strongly suggests a potential issue with the battery contacts within the Peugeot key fob. While visual inspection might not reveal obvious corrosion or damage, the scratched appearance of the (+) contact on the circuit board could indicate a problem. It’s possible that a weak connection due to wear, slight misalignment, or microscopic corrosion is preventing consistent power delivery when the key fob is fully assembled. The pressure applied manually likely compensates for this weak connection, allowing the key to function when the circuit board is pressed against the battery.
Potential Solutions to Explore:
- Battery Contact Cleaning: Even if no visible corrosion is present, carefully clean the battery contacts on both the circuit board and the key fob housing. Use a contact cleaner or a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
- Contact Enhancement: Gently bend the battery contacts on the circuit board outwards slightly to increase pressure against the battery when the key fob is assembled. Be extremely careful not to damage the contacts.
- Professional Key Fob Repair: If cleaning and contact adjustment don’t resolve the issue, it’s advisable to seek professional help. A car key repair specialist or a Peugeot dealership can diagnose the problem accurately. They may be able to repair the circuit board, replace faulty components, or reprogram the key fob if necessary.
- Key Fob Replacement: In some cases, the damage might be too extensive for repair, and a new Peugeot key fob might be the only option. Consider the cost of repair versus replacement when making your decision.
Before considering a replacement, thoroughly examine and attempt to clean and adjust the battery contacts. This simple step might be all that’s needed to restore full functionality to your Peugeot key fob and avoid unnecessary expenses.
