260
Reprogramming an RV8 alarm fob to the ECU
Jeff Swann
(Woodcote Green 0519) from Leicestershire describes the do-it-yourself method
for programming the RV8 alarm fob to the car's ECU. (May
07)
Many
RV8s returning from Japan to the UK (including mine) are missing the elusive remote
alarm fobs without which the multifunctional car alarm and engine Immobiliser
will not work unless a new fob is sourced and programmed to the vehicle's ECU.
It is debatable in fact whether RV8s exported to Japan were
ever issued alarm fobs in the first place as it seems that the
vehicle's alarm system may have contravened Japanese noise pollution
laws and as such was 'outlawed'. In cases where the car is without
an alarm fob, it was necessary to take the vehicle to a specialist
equipped with the Rover Testbook equipment to have a new one
programmed to the car. However, after conducting extensive research
into the operation of the RV8 alarm system it became apparent
that owners can perform this simple task themselves.
This
sequence for programming the alarm fob is as follows and MUST be carried out within
eight seconds.
| 1. | Switch
ignition on | |
2. | Switch
ignition off | |
3. | Open
boot with key and leave open | |
4. |
Switch ignition on | |
5. | Switch
ignition off |
If the sequence
is followed correctly and within the time limit, the horn will
sound briefly and the red LED on the upper right of the dashboard
will light and remain on for about 20-30 seconds indicating
that the alarm ECU is in 'LEARN' mode. It is now possible to
programme a maximum of two key fobs whilst the light is on.
Continuing:
|
6. | Press
and hold down the button on the first key fob until the red LED on the dash flashes |
|
7. | Repeat
instruction 6 for the second key fob if required. |
| 8. | The
red LED will extinguish if both key fobs have been installed correctly. |
|
NOTE: If only one fob is programmed, after instruction 8 turn the ignition on
and off to finalise programming.
Obviously it is better to have two keys
and a helper to open the boot whilst the other person operates the ignition, but
it is possible for one person to do it alone.
It
is strongly recommended that owners keep a spare set of fob batteries in the vehicle
glove box.
Both perimetric and volumetric alarms now function perfectly as does the
immobiliser, but it is important to remember that for the volumetric side of the
alarm to function correctly there must be no movement or displacement of air inside
the car for 15 seconds after arming the alarm. Additionally, all Rover alarm/immobilisers
use a 'rolling code' system which means that if the remote button is pressed whist
you are away from the car, the vehicle will lose its code and the fob will not
function. If this happens, press the remote fob three times next to the vehicle
and on the third press the fob will re-synchronise and operate normally. This
also applies if you change the battery in the fob.
Copyright
reserved by the V8 Register
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Getting
a new RV8 alarm remote or plip
Back in 2003 Keith Baylis, who was the
parts manager at what was then Ames MG in Bury St Edmunds (before the collapse
of MG Rover), provided the following information on RV8 replacement plips:
Replacement or additional
transmitter units were reported to be available under part number YWX10007
despite reports from a member that his local Rover dealer had told him they were
unavailable for the RV8. But in May 2003 the enthusiastic spares manager at Ames
MG Rover in Bury St Edmunds, Keith Baylis, reported in a V8 Bulletin Board posting
that the old unit was "banned by the EU" - something to do with its
frequency. So he set about locating and obtaining supplies of a new remote for
the RV8. In July 2003 he reported he had traced some new RV8 remotes under part
number YWX000320 which were then made available at Ames MG Rover at £38.70
plus VAT. |
Alternative
source of replacement RV8 remotes or plips
As a sequel to RV8NOTE260, Jeff
Swann sent a note to say "just to let you know that I found the original
packaging and part number for my RV8
replacement alarm remote and it is exactly the same as the one
advertised on Automotive Electronics website which has the part
number for LUCA-418-1a. I
think the part number/s you had was/were the part number MG
Rover allocated to the replacement part some time ago".
(24.8.07)
Replacement RV8 remote from Automotive Electronics. | |
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