156 key & alarm problem

Hi, I have been stupid enough to break both key-buttons on my Alfa 156
(2002). The button on both units has pushed right in and cannot be
activated. Can I open those and repair the faulty button? I can’t see
how they come apart, obviously they must. Also, how can i turn the
alarm off, as i have activated it with the remote and now can’t drive
it without it squealing.

Many thanks

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I have had this happen three times. In all three cases, the key has
been replaced under warranty. Coincidentally, I will be collecting my
third replacement key today. I am in the third year of the warranty,
so this is not something that is only covered in the two year
manufacturer's warranty.

The last replacement key I had was a different design to the originals.
I hope and believe that this redesign is to address the appallingly
poor design of the original. The reason for the switch failures is
that the switch is held to the PCB only by the two solder joints: every
time you press the button you are stressing those joints, and as the
switch isn't actually completely central under the button this problem
is exacerbated.

I had the last two faulty keys repaired - otherwise I would have been
stranded at work. To do this, you need to cut the button off the
keyfob in order to reveal the switch underneath. I did try to open the
keyfob along its seam, but failed. I even removed the small Alfa badge
and removed the screw that is underneath it, but could still not get
the keyfob apart.

I have not used the repaired keys more than I absolutely had to though
- I'm not sure how much I trust them. But it's better than nothing.

Good luck.

Mike

"Mike Ives" wrote:
> I have had this happen three times. In all three cases, the
> key has
> been replaced under warranty. Coincidentally, I will be
> collecting my
> third replacement key today. I am in the third year of the
> warranty,
> so this is not something that is only covered in the two year
> manufacturer's warranty.
>
> The last replacement key I had was a different design to the
> originals.
> I hope and believe that this redesign is to address the
> appallingly
> poor design of the original. The reason for the switch
> failures is
> that the switch is held to the PCB only by the two solder
> joints: every
> time you press the button you are stressing those joints, and
> as the
> switch isn't actually completely central under the button this
> problem
> is exacerbated.
>
> I had the last two faulty keys repaired - otherwise I would
> have been
> stranded at work. To do this, you need to cut the button off
> the
> keyfob in order to reveal the switch underneath. I did try to
> open the
> keyfob along its seam, but failed. I even removed the small
> Alfa badge
> and removed the screw that is underneath it, but could still
> not get
> the keyfob apart.
>
> I have not used the repaired keys more than I absolutely had
> to though
> - I'm not sure how much I trust them. But it's better than
> nothing.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Mike

Thanks Mike. You got it spot on as the solder joints had failed as you
said. Luckily I managed to open my key and get it soldered. Strangely
my other identical key would not open like the first so I will cut the
button out as you suggest.

Many thanks as i’m mobile again

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"steve-mac" wrote:
> Thanks Mike. You got it spot on as the solder joints had
> failed as you said. Luckily I managed to open my key and get
> it soldered. Strangely my other identical key would not open
> like the first so I will cut the button out as you suggest.
>
> Many thanks as i'm mobile again

Forgot to add that a replacement key & remote was going to cost me
£135 (UK Pounds) - same price as a playstation 2 and a decent mp3
player combined. (what’s that all about?). The Alfa dealership said
the keys could not be repaired.

Pop over to this forum...

http://forum.alfa156.net/

Then go to the tips section - there you'll find a document I wrote for
repairing the black flip key buttons. Basically though you've done it
already by resoldering the microswitch. Sometimes the switch falls
apart (wear and tear) and has to be replaced. I agree that it's very
poor design - the keys should be replaced free of charge as the design
is poor.

"michaeld" wrote:
> Pop over to this forum...
>
> http://forum.alfa156.net/
>
> Then go to the tips section - there you'll find a document I
> wrote for
> repairing the black flip key buttons. Basically though you've
> done it
> already by resoldering the microswitch. Sometimes the switch
> falls
> apart (wear and tear) and has to be replaced. I agree that
> it's very
> poor design - the keys should be replaced free of charge as
> the design
> is poor.

Thanks Michaeld, great article and site.

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