Freelander 2 keyfob battery replacement

[Pappa-Jakkals]

My sister in law bought a 08 Freelander 2 HSE.
We received the spare key, but the “remote” didn’t work
After a quick search found that various people has successfully changed the battery.

A battery (Panasonic VL2330-1hf) was sourced from RS component in Midrand for R53.00

We tried to open the remote at the space where the key goes in.
This was done with Leatherman and flat screwdriver; you have to be VERY CAREFUL.
With just too much force you will tear the plastic. (exactly what I did..)

So plan B was the “answer” used Dremel and cut a small incision at the top. This helped to get in screw driver and pop open remote.
Great care was taken not to damage the pc board. The battery is held with black plastic retainer at bottom and is soldered at 2 points.
Just enough heat was applied to get the soldered parts loose.

The new battery was put back and soldered again.

With a little super glue the 2 pieces of remote was put back together again.
As for the slight gap we used non other than Q-bond to mend it

The rough Q-bond was “sanded” with the Dremel to make it look good again.

Only thing is that the Q-bond section is not black but slight charcoal color

New remote is R2500 from stealers and fob was fixed at R53, luckily it’s the spare and we can live with the “repairs”

[mountainboy1974]

Cool, thanks for detailed explanation

[veedub]

Is there anyone in Jhb that can do this battery change? I don't trust myself with a soldering iron

[thabogrobler]

I have seen the repair on youtube but my search for the batteries was fruitless.

Thanks for the info - I will pick up new batteries today!

[veedub]

I managed to split the key fob apart...


RS Components in Midrand have the battery. Will go get it today.


I just need to find someone who can solder it for me.

[Telfred]

I managed to split the key fob apart...


RS Components in Midrand have the battery. Will go get it today.


I just need to find someone who can solder it for me.

I had a local electronics guy (TV repairs sorta person) do some micro soldering on my old Renault credit card key fob. Worked perfect.
Can you tell me the spec of those batteries my spare key charges after a long drive but then runs out in a day or so. Haven split it open yet. Perhaps I should read back through this thread.

[veedub]

Panasonic VL2330-1hf


I've decided to just buy a new one...R2500 for the key and R1000 for one hours labour

[veedub]

Went into Midrand Land Rover today (had to book the car in) and got my new key. All done in about 90 minutes.


I'll try and get the battery replaced on the old one and keep it as a spare.

[craig_campbell]

Thanks so much for the informative thread! Seems like I will need to do this myself soon. Just a question.. I see that RS components have a VL-2330/HFN in stock. Is this the same as the VL-2330/1hf, or is it a different battery entirely and shouldn't be used?

[PHIL CAD]

I also had the same problem ,however I replaced the battery and resealed the casing without any evidence.
So I am more than happy to help ,if you live in the Ballito area. Current cost to replace fob is +- R4000

[PHIL CAD]

I also had the same problem ,however I replaced the battery and resealed the casing without any evidence.
So I am more than happy to help ,if you live in the Ballito area. Current cost to replace fob is +- R4000. I will charge R600.