XK8 Remote problems

[Harsh]

My workmate has a 97 XK8 conv,

recently it's become harder to get the remotes to do what they're meant to.

assuming it was the batteries, both were treated to new batteries and the contacts were cleaned however the problems are still occuring.

he has to wave the remote around and press the button harder (not sure how much that actually achieves..but it makes him feel better) before it either locks or unlocks. the boot release seems to work more often that the rest, but it's still not great. he has to be really close to the car and then it still only works intermittently.

even the top gear trick of putting it against your head doesnt help

any ideas what might be causing the problem?

[melhook]

Well, if you have done as you have said, in renewing the batteries and cleaning up the inside contacts, I am afraid it looks like the remotes have just worn out. Things dont last forever you know !! They have done 10 years, thats not bad going.

Edited by melhook on Tuesday 2nd October 01:06

[Psychlist]

Have you just cleaned the battery contacts? Have you tried cleaning up the switch contacts on the little board and the underside of the buttons where they press on it?

[Harsh]

Good suggestions guys, will try the cleaning of the contacts.

he understands the 10 year old thing, however one of them is actually only 4 years old (batteries replaced anyway)

is there anyway it could relate to the module that receives the signal inside the car?

[melhook]

Will not be the module in the car if the central locking works ok with the ignition key. Also will not be the module if the boot and headlamp operations work ok, as these are all recieved by the same module as the lock/ unlock command.

[Trooper2]

Worn out transmitters would be my first guess as well.

There is also an antenna connected to Security and Locking Control Module in the boot that can be damaged and affect how well the remotes work. We had an XJ with a damaged antenna when I was in school and you had to be right next to the car before it would unlock.