is repeated key programming harmful ??

[TOSKA]

HELLO ALL.

1998 2.7 TDi

I have a problem with repeated loss of key fob codes.
Not yet sorted reason / nothing else seems faulty.

Both sets of keys lose remote ability occasionally, but both work manually all OK. Both will re-program OK as per workshop instructions.

QUESTIONS ?? ......

Q1 ... I have seen on here somewhere that up to 16 keys may be programmed (?? ) Is that then it ... or does 17th key get retained and 1st key is lost ??

.... this would mean I can re program to my hearts content !!

Q2 ... Are there any issues known / seen with just continually using the key manually .......... ( ie do not bother re programming )

Q3 ... Can key programming be lost if no battery for several days ??? ...... I am in habit of disconnecting battery when I do weld repairs >>> these repairs can often be 1 week plus ( though I cannot confirm if programming is lost then ... or later ..... )

::::::::::::::::::::

and YES .... I have dropped the keys in puddles / beer / sink / and several washes at 40 deg C >>> (" cleans even at todays lower temperatures " !! )

..... anyone got any info ??

Thanks as always,
TOSKA

 

[solarman216]

From memory you can only have 4 or maybe 6 keys for one vehicle, disconnecting the battery even for a year or so will not lose the code, removing the fob battery for a few mins will require that fob to be re set, which brings me to your problem, I would suggest that as they have been in wet conditions the battery contacts have become slightly corroded so causing the battery to disconnect randomly so losing the code, I would dismantle the complete fob and give it a good clean up, Rick

 

[TOSKA]

Thanks for replying Rick
That would seem to answer the vehicle battery disconnect part ....

I have stripped the fobs / cleaned contacts / and fitted new fob batteries.

I accept that cleaning contacts can need several attempts.

at present I'm using key manually, because I'm unsure if there is a limit to how many times I can re program ??
........ but that raises the question of whether constant manual key use has been an issue ??

anyone else know ?? / or had similar problems ??

TOSKA

 

[solarman216]

Constant manual key operation is not an issue unless the alarm horn goes off, but guess in your case it has been disabled or you would have said, the only other issue is the hazards flash till you inset key in ignition and turn on, as for key programming I am not aware of any limit, Rick

 

[TOSKA]

Thanks again, but neither of those things happen ??

I'm not aware of any secondary horn, ( none under rear seats area) so assume alarm on mine is through ordinary horn circuit (?)

Using key manually does not activate hazards either ( ?? )

I know alarm works due to dogs activating it if I forget to press dashboard disable switch when they are left in back ( no dogs were harmed in the making of this Thread !! )

Thank you for the quick replies
I'll try cleaning the fobs again and see how I get on

Rgds
TOSKA

 

[solarman216]

The alarm horn is behind one of the rear side panels, Rick

 

[TOSKA]

Thanks
I'll have a look

TOSKA

 

[elty001]

The alarm horn is behind one of the rear side panels, Rick

From memory its behind the boot panel on the drivers side:thumb2