After finding out my TJ VR-X's remotes had the common problem of broken solder joints under the battery clip i set out to fix the problem rather then spend the cash on new ones. Resoldering them wasn't that hard and with a good solder it should last quite a while.

Prying apart the remote is easy just don't use a small screwdriver otherwise you will damage the plastic use a large blade that fits neatly in the groove then twist it, once its apart this is what it will look like.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e249/supra_t/P1040321-1.jpghttp://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e249/supra_t/P1040323-1.jpg

Ok so once apart you will see the battery clip sitting on the board, under here are the two contacts that connect your battery. If your battery clip moves over the board then your solder joints are broken.

Resoldering the contact on one side is easy as the contact is easy to reach, here is a pic of mine once i resoldered it.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e249/supra_t/P1040334-1.jpg

Soldering the other contact will require trimming the bottom of the battery clip so theres room for your iron, i did this using a sharp snap off blade. You will need a soldering iron with a tip that tapers to a small point. And here is the pic of mine after resoldering.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e249/supra_t/P1040328-1.jpghttp://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e249/supra_t/P1040329-1.jpg

You can see in these photos where i trimmed the battery clip with a knife.

I hope this helps people having probs with their remotes, if you are having problems i would highly recommend this fix rather than a new remote as this is obviously a common problem and with a good solder job will last longer than a new poorly soldered one.

Both my remotes had broken solder joints and after fixing them both are now working absolutely beautifully.
Remember after having your battery out for a period of time you may need to reprogram the remotes.

There is also a how-to here...

http://martybugs.net/magna/remote.cgi

There is also a how-to here...

http://martybugs.net/magna/remote.cgi

I've seen this but thought i would post mine to show its not necesary to cut an entire corner off the battery clip losing a lug that holds the battery in.

Just to add something. I did mine a couple of years ago exactly like Supra_t's method, but for added security of the battery holder, after I resoldered the joints and checked that it was working, I added copius quantities of hot melt glue around the battery holder. Still working fine though I try really hard not to drop my keys as I reckon that is the major cause of the joints breaking.

regards
bollie7

Good point just try and leave a gap incase you do ever need to resolder otherwise it would be impossible.

Hey guys,

Thanks heaps for the tutorial.

My dad's spare remote for his GTVi has been playing up for ages and I never knew why - until this thread!

All fixed now - somehow managed to do without even having to cut away the plastic.

Also took fre00z advice and added the hot glue for extra strength.

Thanks again.