My 2008 S started acting weird (like trunk unlocking spontaneously, windows, etc.). Turn out to be two problems...first was a sticking trunk latch, second is supposedly that my CA key buttons don't always pop back up. Dealer tried to sell me a new one for over $300, so I thought I would seek another solution first. So, Q1 is has anyone opened these things up, and can you remove the electronics inside so you can thoroughly clean the key? Apparently, the ones with CA have a replaceable battery, which means you have to open it. Have not gotten it back from dealer, but assume you can open, whether you can lift out the electronics if a different question. Q2 - if I cannot get this one working, was thinking about buying a non-CA key, since I am the only one who drives the car. In these newer types, can you program those non-CA keys yourself, or do you have to go to a dealer and get ripped off like they do for everything else?

Thanks in advance.

 

Get some Tuner Cleaner from Radio Shack and spray it around the buttons - may clean the contacts and pocket lint out of the crevices. Change the battery in it too. Compressed air in a can or small compressor may do the trick, or help, too. Last thing I'd do is buy a new key.

 

Thanks Mike - I was planning on the cleaning attempt first...just had not been inside the darned thing. Would be MUCH easier to totally clean if I can take the guts out and put them back in later...I know the previous vintage keys with replaceable batteries CAN be totally disassembled, just don't know about the newer ones....if they can, I can get a brand new case (if needed) on ebay for about $30...per the dealer, everything works fine, the contacts just don't pop back up (presumably because the little rubber key does not pop back up).

 

CA has a battery, but opening the thing doesn't expose the electronics at all, you just see the battery. Like he said above try something simple. I assume you didn't get/have the second CA fob they give new owners. And finally I doubt that it would save money to use a non-CA fob because anything would have to be programmed at the dealership you can't do it yourself. The cost isn't the fob, it's what the dealers rape you for the programming.