Help wanted Diamante remote unlock/circuit board resoldering

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Rikkitic

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Topic # 216691 8-Jul-2017 13:27

My questions never fit the available categories. This is the best I can do. Otherwise I have to shove it all in off-topic.

My car is a 2003 Diamante. It works well for me and I am happy with it. But I have a problem with the remote unlocker.

I have two of them. One is completely broken. The other is on the way out. The problem with both is a micro-switch on the circuit board that operates the unlocking mechanism when pressed. The remotes each contain three identical micro-switches for different operations. The switches have five tabs, soldered on the surface of the circuit board. On both remotes, the switch that operates the unlocking mechanism is faulty. On one it has frozen completely. On the other it is very sticky and barely makes contact when pressed very hard. Often it doesn't work at all.

I see three (financially reasonable) ways of fixing this:

1. Get a remote from a dismantler or someone else and reprogram it to my car. I have no idea how to do this or what is involved.

2. Replace the faulty switch with a good one from the extra remote.

3. Buy a third-party remote and replace the existing one.

If (1) could be easily done that would be best. Otherwise my preferred solution would be (2) but I need help for this. I am not up to soldering work on tiny circuits. From past experience I know that if I try I will destroy the remote. I need someone who does this professionally or as a hobby with the right equipment and skill. It is not difficult for someone who knows what they are doing. One good switch needs to be unsoldered from the broken remote, and then used to replace the failing switch on the working remote. I am prepared to pay someone a few dollars to do this.

Alternatively, if anyone knows what is involved in getting another remote to work with my car I would be interested in that. Advance thanks to anyone who can help with this.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. - Adam Savage

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Reply # 1815874 8-Jul-2017 14:13

What region do you live in? Can you post some pics?

Sounds to be a relatively simple job assuming it's easy to pull the case off the remote. It may be possible to replace with new new switch rather than use a second hand switch.

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mdf

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Reply # 1815878 8-Jul-2017 14:30

You can find OEM remotes on the likes of ebay, but you do have to be prepared that you will receive a lemon. See e.g. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-MITSUBISHI-GALANT-ECLIPSE-KEYLESS-REMOTE-ENTRY-FOB-OUCG8D-525M-A-/291784814250?fits=Make%3AMitsubishi%7CModel%3ADiamante&epid=547760903&hash=item43efbaeeaa:m:m4FadooIUtju9H2AMqZdi3Q&vxp=mtr

If you're inclined to fix, I had a similar issue with the microswitches in a Ford Focus - came off the circuit board. Fortunately it was still inside the remote casing. The guys at Streetsoundz (Wellington) fixed it pretty quickly. Cost about $20 from memory. But Wellington only unfortunately.

richms

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Reply # 1815879 8-Jul-2017 14:32

are there clones available on ebay/aliexpress? I got some really cheap for my falcon and it was just a case of following some very basic instructions to get the remotes to pair with the car involving turning the key on and off and the demister button. If you have a look then it may be something similar to enrol them.

edit: this makes it seem like you just need to jumper a wire as part of the process. http://freeremoteinstructions.com/mitsubishi/mitsubishi-diamante-1999-2004/

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Rikkitic

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Reply # 1815882 8-Jul-2017 15:00

Technofreak:

What region do you live in? Can you post some pics?

Sounds to be a relatively simple job assuming it's easy to pull the case off the remote. It may be possible to replace with new new switch rather than use a second hand switch.

Yes it is easy to pull the case apart. I live in Hawkes Bay but it would be easy to do this by post. A new switch would be fine, I just wasn't sure how easy it would be to source. I don't think it would be difficult to remove the old switches in any case. I will try to get some photos but it may take awhile. If you think you might want to try this I would be interested. It doesn't hurt to have a couple of back-ups.

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Rikkitic

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Reply # 1815883 8-Jul-2017 15:02

richms:

are there clones available on ebay/aliexpress? I got some really cheap for my falcon and it was just a case of following some very basic instructions to get the remotes to pair with the car involving turning the key on and off and the demister button. If you have a look then it may be something similar to enrol them.

edit: this makes it seem like you just need to jumper a wire as part of the process. http://freeremoteinstructions.com/mitsubishi/mitsubishi-diamante-1999-2004/

Hey, thanks for that richms. I will also definitely give this a go if I can find a suitable remote.

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robjg63

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Reply # 1815884 8-Jul-2017 15:04

richms:

are there clones available on ebay/aliexpress? I got some really cheap for my falcon and it was just a case of following some very basic instructions to get the remotes to pair with the car involving turning the key on and off and the demister button. If you have a look then it may be something similar to enrol them.

edit: this makes it seem like you just need to jumper a wire as part of the process. http://freeremoteinstructions.com/mitsubishi/mitsubishi-diamante-1999-2004/

This is the american model you are looking at in these instructions so that's not likely to be useful.

The NZ model was built in Australia (Adelaide).

The NZ Diamante was known as the Magna/Verada in Australia and just renamed Diamante for export from Aussie. Diamante being the international model name.

Google Mitsubishi Magna and you will find correct info for your car.

I had a 2002 model and had a fob switch break - I think the dealer charged about $120 for a replacement fob and wanted to sell me 'reprogramming' as well. Fortunately I had read the owner manual and could see its a 10 second job - yes - a real 10 seconds!

If you source a new remote fob (I am assuming your 2003 still has the fob with a half green half red round button), then you can pay someone to reprogram or you can do it yourself in about 5 seconds.

This thread has the details that I vaguely remember:

http://www.tasweb.org/remote

If you dont want to read that thread this is what you need to do:

What you have to do is jump in the car and shut the doors. Put your key in the ignition then turn it to ON, back to ACC, back to ON, back to ACC and then back to ON again. The indicators should all flash. Now press any of the buttons on your remote. The indicators should flash again. Your done.

From memory the car could 'remember' up to 10 remotes and after that the oldest ones just get dropped from the memory.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

robjg63

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Reply # 1815888 8-Jul-2017 15:13

Does this look like your remote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDhZB5qwKEc

If so looks like you can just fix it for a couple of bucks.

He shows you can just pop the switch apart and replace the little metalic membrame. The video has a link to an ebay site and you can buy 20 of those little switched for $1.82AUD (plus postage).

EDIT: links for switches:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171907390718?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10pcs-4-5-4-5-3-8-mm-4Pin-SMD-Tact-Button-Switch-for-PCB-Mount-/400991626786?hash=item5d5cf6a622&_uhb=1

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Rikkitic

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Reply # 1815892 8-Jul-2017 15:44

robjg63:

Does this look like your remote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDhZB5qwKEc

If so looks like you can just fix it for a couple of bucks.

He shows you can just pop the switch apart and replace the little metalic membrame. The video has a link to an ebay site and you can buy 20 of those little switched for $1.82AUD (plus postage).

EDIT: links for switches:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171907390718?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10pcs-4-5-4-5-3-8-mm-4Pin-SMD-Tact-Button-Switch-for-PCB-Mount-/400991626786?hash=item5d5cf6a622&_uhb=1

Amazing. That is exactly the same switch and exactly what I need. I will give it a try. Thank you so much.

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richms

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Reply # 1815893 8-Jul-2017 15:54

before going to all that hassle, try dousing it with some contact cleaner to wash out all the crud in it. can of that from bunnings/supercheap etc is pricy but you can do it now.

Richard rich.ms

Rikkitic

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Reply # 1815894 8-Jul-2017 15:58

Good idea. Will do.

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robjg63

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Reply # 1815895 8-Jul-2017 15:59

richms:

before going to all that hassle, try dousing it with some contact cleaner to wash out all the crud in it. can of that from bunnings/supercheap etc is pricy but you can do it now.

Yep - worth a shot as a first step. If the fob has been rattling around in your pocket it could just be dirty.

But I think those little membrane switch bits just break down after a while - hence the repair video. I am sure there is probably somewhere in NZ that sells a suitable (cannibalisible) switch - maybe Jaycar or similar - but its probably easier to just order online if those ones are reported to do the job. At those ebay prices you could afford to pay for premium freight!

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cadman

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Reply # 1815930 8-Jul-2017 16:08

As above just replace the tactile SPST-NO switch. They're very easy to do. I did a neighbour's one a few years back and I recently "reconditioned" some Logitech mice that the button micro switches (OMRON) had crapped out on too.

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Rikkitic

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Reply # 1815951 8-Jul-2017 17:39

Well, I tried using cleaner on the switch and that didn't make any difference so I tried changing the internal bit as in the YouTube video above. Actually changing it was pretty easy and the switch clicked normally afterwards, but after I put it back together it wouldn't work at all. The unit is completely dead so (of course) I must have managed to screw up something. This kind of thing seems to happen a lot to me in my old age.

I have gone over the unit several times, battery in and out, checked the connections with the meter but it is just dead. I have no idea why. It was worth a try, I suppose.

I get very discouraged from this sort of thing though it is not actually a biggie. The central locking still works okay, I just have to use a key now. I will see if I can find another remote on line and try getting that to work. Hopefully I won't break the car in the process.

Thanks to all for the tips. There were some good ones, I just wasn't good enough to make them work.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. - Adam Savage

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Reply # 1815989 8-Jul-2017 19:05

Rikkitic:

Technofreak:

What region do you live in? Can you post some pics?

Sounds to be a relatively simple job assuming it's easy to pull the case off the remote. It may be possible to replace with new new switch rather than use a second hand switch.

Yes it is easy to pull the case apart. I live in Hawkes Bay but it would be easy to do this by post. A new switch would be fine, I just wasn't sure how easy it would be to source. I don't think it would be difficult to remove the old switches in any case. I will try to get some photos but it may take awhile. If you think you might want to try this I would be interested. It doesn't hurt to have a couple of back-ups.

I can solder a switch on for you I also live in Hawkes bay probably the best place to find a replacement switch would be Jaycar in Hastings

robjg63

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Reply # 1815993 8-Jul-2017 19:13

EBay.com.au looks to have plenty of replacement remote fobs for Mitsubishi magmas, so that might be the best place to try and buy. There is one second hand diamante remote fob on trademe right now. It's got around $11 on it so far.

Might still be worth buying some of those little switches though if you can get them cheaply. Maybe the conductive bit has worn out so cleaning just didn't work.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

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