Keyless entry - low/weak signal or new keyless remote?

[ScottN]

Hi everyone, I have a 1997 900 Turbo and want to get my keyless entry working again.  Both of the remotes I have are being a pain in the rear end with signal or just working easily.  I have to press hard on the button to have the light start flashing on the remote or even if then that won't work, I have to pop out the battery for a few seconds the pop it back in, press and hold the remote until the car beeps at me but then the next time the signal may be weak again.

When I got the car a few years ago the keyless entry would work from about 50 feet away pretty easily, it has slowly gone down and now I have to almost stick the remote above the windshield to make it work.

What are my options here?  New remote or clean the existing remote with new batteries?

Thanks

[Volvo Aero]

Are the batteries new or somewhat new?  In other words, have you replaced the batteries?

Sent from my iPhone

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[ScottN]

I have replaced the batteries and it improves a bit but the buttons are still hard to press to make the remote even work and eventually (Faster than you would expect) the signal/range drops off and I'm back to using my key to lock/unlock.  Actually a couple times I couldn't even get it to work and just standing there trying to make my remote work (take out battery, even hit it a few times) looking like a dumby :) and you know, if you use the key to unlock with alarm set, you get honky honky from car looking like a car thief trying to disable this stupid alarm :)

[philip park]

@sCottN

I had the same problem on my 1997 900s. I was going to just order a new remote but it's pricy like on saabsite. I took it apart and found that the switch (button type) the action and parts inside had gone bad. I ordered a new switch on ebay (had to get like 20 in a pack) and after desoldering the old one off and resoldering the new one on it now actually clicks when i press down and works. I also had to resolder the battery connection because it runs the length of the remote and then through the center and I noticed that the solder point though pretty hefty new was well worn. If you want an extra switch or two you can email me at philip...@gmail.com and i'll just mail you one or you can stop my the office :)

-phil

[Volvo Aero]

Clean the battery contact point with alcohol and Qtip.  If that does not help, buy a new one or two or get it used.

Sent from my iPhone

[philip :)]

I also had some pics of the actual repair but can't seem to find them. here are the switches. 

[ScottN]

Holy crap, $117 on thesaabsite...

After taking the remote apart, both of the unlock switches are shot.. one of the switches just fell off when I was cleaning it with a q-tip..  on both of them the round rubber button that have the icon of trunk and key are worn out too, wonder how to replace those or make those work with something else...

So, yah, I'll email you and we can go from there on the switches :)

[philip park]

You can buy the one piece rubber round button press on ebay or saabsite i think for like 20 bucks, the switches are free :)

[philip park]

I would say that this switch is a product of GM engineering. They are horribly designed. When you push down on the button the you are essentially pushing down on the entire switch which is lightly soldered to the board in two places. Over time you have to press harder and harder as the switch itself gives out and the rubber wears out leading to the connection points having too much stress placed on them as place holders rather than just current carriers. They should have been placed in carriages where no matter how hard you press you aren't putting pressure on the actual connection... but that would require twice as many parts and probably cost GM three times as much soooo

[ScottN]

Actually, as I was taking the thing apart I was thinking exactly this... the solder points are so small for how many times pressure will be applied to that remote over time.. hopefully my re-solder attempts will beefen it up a bit to hold a bit more.. I'll checkout ebay for the rubber button replacements, do you know of a part number?  I wouldn't even know where to start on a search string in ebay for those things.. lol

[philip park]

I don't have a part number on that part. make sure that you use a low wattage soldering iron, and a good vacuum desolder or wick, the board is pretty flimsy. 

[Tyler M. Hall]

Hello everyone,

I have a 2007 9-3 2.0T, Convertible.  I'm needing to get it smog checked, but I keep getting the O2 Sensor "Not Ready"...  I've driven it in city traffic, and up to 32 miles round-trip in one fell swoop...  and still nothing!  What do I need to do to get this O2 sensor to be "ready"????  

HELP!

Thanks!

Tyler

Tyler M Hall 
Producer | Story Producer | Field Director
310.766.2960 Mobile
206.309.4567 efax
TheTVP...@gmail.com