Remote locking

[Tux13]

Toyota remote-locking controls may be DIY repairable. Right under the button is some sort of chip or switch, which would apparently not stay soldered but may be soldered e.g. with an 8W USB soldering iron. But how does the switching work in the first place? Anyone with experience and/or know-how about such repair?

[(mr2)]

It will be a tactile switch soldered on to the PCB. You can solder new buttons on which are fairly cheap but just make sure you don't damage any of the components on the remote, otherwise you are up or a new remote :)

[Tux13]

Hi, Brendan, thanks. Yes it is a 6.3 mm tactile switch; and now soldered back - the remote locking works! But...

I want to fix the second remote; and I need a second 6.3 mm tactile switch (it is 3.6 mm wide). Now:

The esteemed Alibaba sells minimum lots of 100 such switches for around $70 and I might have to buy 100 - against paying more to ... you know who.

The unsettling thing is that the original factory soldering is impossible to emulate - so lousy it is; and I will have to keep 99 switches.

[(mr2)]

That is way too expensive for the switches, I normally get them in lots of 50 for a lot less than that. Can you post a picture of what you need as I don't think I have any Toyota remotes to check, I most likely have a a few switches.

As for the factory soldering it will be hard to match with an 8w soldering iron. I have a 70w Hakko which is very good but I do use it all the time. A bit pricy if you only use one now and then.

[Tux13]

The switches can be seen here:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/car-keys-tact-switch-button/106640_1388494394.html

I am contactable on ditar.eish@gmail.com and I will be so glad to obtain one of the switches pictured on the link above.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/car-keys-tact-switch-button/106640_1388494394.html

[(mr2)]

Free postage and will give you a couple of spares

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-x-SMD-SMT-PCB-2-Terminals-Momentary-Push-Button-Tactile-Switch-6x3-5x2-5mm-/331212496293?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item4d1dcd9da5

I think this is a better deal than sending 2 over.. I can though if you like as I do have some.

[Tux13]

Hi, Brendon, yes: Ebay sent 10 tactile switches for $5.

The original soldering seems to have kept the switch a fraction of a mm above the PCB and the soldering metal is not great on fatigue. But I soldered the switches at a slight angle to the original position, while firmly clamping down the switch to the PCB before soldering.

The Ebay's $10 USB 8W soldering iron seems adequate for this particular job; well, another $25 for a 12W (2.4A) USB power supply; but intrepid DIY-men could use their computers' USB ports. 8W heat the tip in 15 seconds; switching is by touching a metal pin up in the handle.

Members who are not keen to pay $280 for replacement of remotes, are welcome to contact me for further debate.