My keyless entry stopped working so on my last tript to FOT I had them check it out and it needed replacing. They replaced it and when I got it back I programmed it and it worked. Within a week it quit working. FOT said that it sounds like the battery went out in it and told me to remove it and change it. First off it should have had fresh battery right. FOT said well these items stay on the shelf for a good while and that is why....really! Now to change the battery....Isee that the unit is siliconed in place in addition to the 4 screws. I realize the silicone is to keep moisture out. However I now need to figure out how to remove it without scratching the adjacent finish and then if I am successful I will need to know what silicone should be used for re-install. Anyone have relevant experience and advice?
Still have not done this yet. Any advice out there?
Hi - sorry to hear of such a frustrating situation / expensive non-fix. Hope a new battery takes care of it. Would recommend first taping the immediate area surrounding it with a few layers of blue painter's tape, then use a new utilty razor blade to carefully "cut the seal" of silicon. Remove the device, then use a volt meter to check the voltage of the existing battery(s). Obviously, more troubleshooting will be necessary if the batteries are not low/weak. If battery is low, determine if replacement with lithium batteries would be possible since they last so long in certain applications. As far as removing the remainder of the silicon, I would carefully use a razor blade, then after removing as much as possible, go by a hardware store and purchase liquid silicon remover. Using some type of liquid silicon remover will ensure a good RE-seal since silicon will not stick to itself. Good luck, and again, sure hope the battery is the fix. P.S. - I personally always need help when applying new caulking etc and have found taping off both side of what I want to caulk helps. By this I mean I tape off both sides of where I want the new caulk to be with blue painter's tape creating a channel or form where I want the caulk to go, then smooth it out with a wet finger. Have found this keeps the silicon where I want it, with a better final result...
Another couple of thoughts... Only use a new razor blade as want it to be very sharp. If you have a hardware or automotive store nearby, see if they have any VERY small plastic scrapers. They can still scratch, but might work well.