[s-cars] Re: infra-red key

[William Noland]

A lister (Igor?) mentioned some time ago that Radio Shack carries some
sort of IR detector -- fairly cheap, I seem to remember.

Bill N

>I had a non-functioning IR key on a 95 A6 that I bought used.
>
>Just like your case, changing batteries didn't do anygood.
>I don't know about the IR bulb illuminating:  I can't see it
>illuminate even when it's working.
>
>In my case, I was able to get the key working again by disassembling
>it and cleaning the contacts on the button.  The contact on the
>key is made by a very simple switch that looks remarkably like
>the contacts on an Atari joystick from 1982.  A triangular piece
>of metal that is arched, and when you push down on the button this
>piece of metal is flexed and makes contact.  I think there was
>a piece of clear cellophane holding it in place.
>
>I took the contact piece off, cleaned it with a pencil eraser,
>and put it back together.  Wish I had a picture to send you,
>but I didn't have a digital camera when I did this two years ago.
>
>I can't remember exactly how the key comes apart, but I think
>the side with the button on it pops off like a cover, leaving
>the core of the key (with the batteries on it and the key shank.)
>Take the battery cover off and you'll see that latch that holds
>it together.
>
>You might also try cleaning the battery contacts first...
>