Fixing Car Key Fob Which Has Stopped Locking and Unlocking Suddenly

When I lost my vehicle in the car park, I was pressing the lock/unlock key many times to help me locate the car. Maybe that caused the battery to drain, I'm not 100% sure but I know it was at that time my car remote stopped working. I needed to get a replacement battery so I opened the remote fob and took out the battery - it was a 3V lithium battery (2016).

I paid £4.99 for a pair of these batteries at Sainsburys and they were probably expensive because they were of Duracell brand. I'm sure you can get them cheaper. Anyway, I replaced the battery in the remote and to my astonishment, it didn't work. I was gutted!

So I started searching online for ways to fix this and watched a few YouTube tutorials, none of which helped me. Some were advising on opening the bonnet and disconnecting the battery of the car to reset the keyless entry system but I didn't want to go that far with it. I was really losing hope and was about to order a replacement remote when I stumbled upon something which helped me which is called PLIP Programming.

Re-Programming the Keyless Entry System On Your Car

Please note it was for a Peugeot 206 that the problem was happening. If you have a different car, the steps may be different although it wouldn't hurt to try the procedure. I also have a 2-button car remote.

Steps for PLIP Programming

1. Remove the plip (the circuit) from the remote and close the case. You can skip this step if you have a spare key.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON with the key (but don't start the engine)
3. Press the large button on the remote (primary plip, the lock button) towards the front of the vehicle where the receiver is located
4. Then press the small button on the remote (unlock key)
5. Turn the ignition OFF
6. Wait for 5 seconds, and try locking/unlocking your car. It should work now.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to get the fob to work again. That saved me quite a bit of money because if a replacement remote doesn't work, it means a trip to the garage. I didn't realise how handy the keyless entry system was until it started raining and I'm trying to manually lock the car without getting too soaked. It's also helpful when you're not sure you've locked your car and you can check from a distance.

Ever Had That Problem Before?

If you've been in a similar situation, please share how you managed to get yours to work again, whether you've actually repaired it yourself or took it to the mechanic.