Land Rover Repair: Remote Entry/Alarm, key fobs, diagnostic computer

Question
Sorry to pester you with a simple key fob question but I have a 97 Disco with a two-button remote.  One button locks, the other unlocks.  I bought an extra fob for my wife but haven't tried to program it yet.  Will the sequence as posted work for a 97 and if so do I push the lock or unlock button ?

Thanks, Chris

Answer
Hi Chris,

I've posted the single button key fob reprogramming sequence before. For the two button, the method is different.  The dealership plugs your Disco into a diagnostic computer via the port underneath the steering column.

It does not take very long but they went through several steps as prompted by the program.  For two button key fobs, it is the only way.

Once connected to the testbook, here is the sequence that is performed:

HANDSET INITIALISATION
The Theft Alarm Unit (Z163) must be programmed
whenever handsets are replaced. The serial
communications line is used to activate the “learn
mode” of the Theft Alarm Unit (Z163). Then the
handset(s) to be initialised must be made to transmit
their coded data to the Theft Alarm Unit (Z163).
NOTE: All handset(s) must be programmed during
the same learn mode period. It is not possible to
simply add a handset to the Theft Alarm Unit (Z163)
which has been programmed to other handsets.
When the “learn mode” of the Theft Alarm Unit
(Z163) has been accessed, the handset(s) are
programmed using the following procedure:
1. Starting conditions: Theft Alarm disarmed and
vehicle mobilised.
2. Press the handset unlock button a minimum of 8
times.
3. If the handset has been correctly programmed,
the horn will briefly sound and the hazard lamps
will flash once.
4. The next handset, up to a maximum of 4, can
now be programmed using the same procedure.
NOTE: It is very important that each handset be
programmed separately. If the Theft Alarm Unit
(Z163) receives key presses from two handsets,
then neither handset will be programmed.
The “learn mode” is terminated using the serial
communications line. If the Theft Alarm Unit (Z163)
would not accept reprogramming, the original
handset(s) will still function.

So, you'll have to get the dealership to do this OR you could pay $10,000 for a diagnostic testbook system and do it yourself.  Sorry, I don't mean to be cruel...its been a long day (and its only 2:00pm)!

Best of luck, Chris.  I wish I knew a way to bypass the security and activate the LEARN mode on you your Disco.  But I don't know how.

Regards,

JohnMc