My remote key fob stopped working over the weekend after 5+ years I figured it was the battery. I've just had the battery replaced and it still doesn't work - the fob flashes red when you press it but it doesn't open or close the car.

any ideas?

Possibly the key has become out of sync with the car so the code it sends isnt the one expected by the car.

There is a vague section in my FL manual that trys to explain how to re-sync the key but its not very clear. Think it involves placing the key in the door lock and munualy locking /unlocking the car whilst also pressing the keyfob. Hopefully someone who has managed it can explain it better

I looked in the car handbook about this - it said that the remote can become out of synch when replacing the battery but it was far from clear how to rectify it.

I phoned up Rivervale (Brighton) my nearest dealer who actually replaced the battery and they told me that I would have to bring the car plus the 2 key fobs (spare and the one with the problem) into them to reset on their VAGCOM and that there would be a charge for this.

I subsequently spoke to Birchwood (Eastbourne) and the helpful technician said that before they got to the stage of resetting on VAGCOm they would try the following:

1 – check that the old key opens and closes manually by inserting key into door to lock (anti clockwise) lock clockwise.

If 1 OK do 2 and 3 below if not just try 2

2. put key into drivers door turn lock left (lock) and hold lock down for 5 secs.

Do opposite to unlock.

Repeat twice.

If does not work

3. put good key in ignition and switch on.

Then repeat as in 2 (if locks in place need to unlock manually hence 1).

4. If above fails then needs to be reset diagnostically – both keys and car required at a cost of £100 plus VAT.

Anyway I am pleased to report that the key was reset using 2 above and that Birchwood's advice has saved me £120 that I presume I would have had to pay had I just driven down to Rivervale.

Cheers, this sorted mine which worked one minute and then 3 miles later didnt lock the car!!

I just did a lock manually, then unlock, holding for 5 secs or so then repeat, yank the key out and test!