Key fob syncronization

[2mbb]

Hi. I have a 2001 X5 4.4i. I have three key fobs. One stopped working (electrically) so I replaced the battery. Now I think I need to sync them. My Bentley manual explains the procedure but it also says that from the factory the keys are numbered (1,2,3) and the keys must be all synchronized at the same time in that order (1,2,3). Is there some way around this? I’ve tried the process with a random order and now none of the keys will open the doors and only one willl open. If you know how this works please help! Thanks

[andrewwynn]

Find a YouTube video to see the exact sequence.

You have to have the doors all unlocked i think (last time i think i had it backwards).

You can do them in any order you just need to do them all at the same time.

If any button is not working you can't sync the key. That's often the hiccup


–awr–

Using Tapatalk VIP on iPhone

[2mbb]

My experience with YouTube videos is that they don’t know the sync procedure. The Bentley manual does have the procedure and that is what I’m following. Thanks for the reply.

[2mbb]

So I have a foxwell scanner that does provide some information about which number a key has. Apparently I have a key 1, key 2 and key 5, jumping over keys 3 and 4. I’ve tried syncing key 1,3,5 in that order but it doesn’t seem to work. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

[andrewwynn]

Order doesn't matter but the sequence very much does.

Start with whichever key was the last working key.

The main cause of failure is a key button not working.

You can test if the buttons are working at a store that sells key fob batteries and has a signal tester.

Confirm the lock and unlock buttons can light up the tester. If any button didn't work you can't sync.

It often takes a couple attempts be persistent.


–awr–

Using Tapatalk VIP on iPhone

[2mbb]

Ok. Thanks. I believe my key buttons work because when I try the sync process for each key by pressing both the unlock and lock buttons, when finished the door locks do cycle locked then the driver’s door unlocks.

If the order which key is synced first second last then maybe I don’t know how to end the sync process?

[andrewwynn]

The process is ended by either waiting long enough or putting key back in the ignition.

For the second key you only do the key out steps. If you put the key back in and turn the key and take out you've just re-started the process.

If the doors lock/unlock that's the feedback that the key sync was successful.


–awr–

Using Tapatalk VIP on iPhone

[2mbb]

Thank you. I’ll try that!