I love my MINI, and there are very few things I would change about it. But one issue I have had for some time is the range my Key Fob has for windows and locks ect....\\

Photos and how to removed.

You can thank Robb M. From Internet Boards for that.....

 

great pictorial... Might have to try this out, as the distance has been a problem with me too.
I can say that I have looked like a tard' with it up to my chin

 

Seems I get little better distance than I would normally holding it against chin.....My driveway from gate to garage is about 65' so there was no way to do the chin test now. If I had walked any further away I would be crossing road and in neighbors land......So I will do that particular test on my next trip to the grocery store.....

 

is it any different on a 05-06 key? i know there are different buttons (05-06 has trunk button) and there inline. Im just wondering if the circuitry is different.

 

You have changed the antenna wave length and the load on the output circuit. Have you experienced any drawbacks from your alteration? My keyfob is a little different with a boot release button. I haven't opened it up yet but wonder if there will be any problem identifying the antenna chip.

BTW, just the rubber eraser itself should polish enough if really fine grit paper is not at hand, and a spot of flux should be enough for solder to flow.

 

The shape of the circuit board may be different, but procedure is the same. The antenna for all key fobs should be very similar. Our key fobs are manufactured by Valeo Inc I think.

Just pop open back of yours and give a look. If you can take a picture and send it to me I can help further if needed.

 

Voice of another electronics guru. Yeah, I been using the pencil eraser for board contacts and alike for 20 years too...lol.

But the 2000 grit paper ensures a decent enough bond and will prevent nervous modders from having to do it over again....

Yes changing wave length like going from a roof top CB antenne to a 102" whip off the bumper.....no issues. I tried using a Log-periodic antenna but it kept getting in the way of the steering wheel when driving....

Antenna chips in these little gadgets are almost always the same as in the picture so it should not be hard to identify. And the extra button for the trunk should not matter. They all work off of the same antenna.

 

I like the idea of the built in antenna but I would probably short circuit the device and have to shell out $100+ for a new one. A simpler solution that doesn't make it look like your trying to drill a hole in your chin with the key is to just touch the key to your arm. It seems to increase the range comparably to the touching the chin (touching the chin has about 10% greater range). I can get about 150 feet of range by the arm.

 

Thanx for the pictorial and reassuring info. This is good to know. I hate pressing the key fob 2 0r 3 times.

 

As one who appreciates the occasional "political incorrectness" and ignoring the obvious dis to our "intellectually challenged" friends, family, etc. I would submit the correct contraction should be " 'tard" instead of "tard' "! I know picky, picky, picky!!!

 

How do you manage it in the winter time ? Next time you use the "arm" method, just for kicks measure the distance out....150' feet is a fairly long distance to achieve.

 

If you connected they key fob directly to your chin what would the range be

Great "how to"

Mark

 

LOL

Good writeup, but I like holding the key to my chin.

 

LOL, that would depend On, How many amalgum fillings you had in your lower jaw, and if you wear braces or not......

 

my name is mike.... i am a chin extender......

 

Don't let this mod prevent you from continuing to look like a dork. Do the mod AND hold it to your chin, and you'll get even more range! Better yet, hold the metal part of the key (not just the plastic handle) and wave it overhead.

 

Thank you for photograph of your key groove.
I will now copy it and come and steal your car!
lol











ooops, don't know wher you live!
booger

 

Np, IF you are able to get past King.......you can have it.

 

Amazing surgery. How can you open a 3-button fob? I want to swap the metal key part between a 3-button and a non button. Thanks

 

Not sure, I would have to see one to figure it out.

The only other type of key fob I have seen are the new round POD style docking fobs.

 

Has anyone ever successfully made a folding key, or separated the metal part from the remote fob with both still functional?

I sure hate having a 3-1/2" key poking holes in my pockets.

 

great instructional DIY =)

 

i hope i dont sound dumb asking this..but how in the world do you take apart the newer keys? im assuming the 05-06 keys?
the older keys look like you could wedge it and lever it open..
but the newer ones there's not really anywhere to do that.
i was wondering if anyone opened up their (newer) keys yet..and if you have any tips if you have

 

+1 - My Jaguar's Key flips out of a fob like a switch blade knife....

 

Not sure about swapping out the circuit board though. But I would first try using a key fob from an early 2000 model year VW Passat. They used a similar key design including size, and may work nicely. All you would need to do is remove or drill out the pins, and replace with same friction pins from hardware store.



Here's the key fob I was talking about using: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...1%7C240%3A1318