Hi everyone,

I bought myself a 2nd hand 2001 TJ Executive today from a dealer. I noticed this evening that neither of the 2 keyless entry fobs I have are working. I checked the batteries and they both look pretty new. I also tried the reprograming trick but I wasn't even able to get the car to initialize after the 3 clicks from ACC to ON.

Is it possible that the previous owner may have disabled the keyless entry, and if so, how can I re-enable it?

How many times have you tried the reprogramming trick? Try it a couple of times, door open or closed, foot on or off the brake etc, it should work. The indicators flash when you get it, including the arrows in the dash. I cant remember if its 3 times in 5 seconds or 5 times in 3. If the indicators flash after key thing but neither of them program in, they may be broken, I dropped my keys the other day and mine doesn't work anymore.

I'd try a new battery. A 2-year-old battery can look OK but has had it. Cheap, and worth a try.

How many times have you tried the reprogramming trick? Try it a couple of times, door open or closed, foot on or off the brake etc, it should work. The indicators flash when you get it, including the arrows in the dash. I cant remember if its 3 times in 5 seconds or 5 times in 3. If the indicators flash after key thing but neither of them program in, they may be broken, I dropped my keys the other day and mine doesn't work anymore.
Yep, Acc - On 3 times in 5 seconds worked for mine. Make sure you're leaving it at 'On', on the 3rd. Well not sure if it matters but that's what i did.

it may be worth fitting an aftermarket keyless entry system , that will interface with the factory central locking.

Step 1. make sure you have the car in PROGRAMMING MODE, this is indicated above and acknowledged by the car with the hazard lights flashing
Step 2. Press the remote button, the car will acknowledge that the key has been programmed by flashing its hazard lights again

Assuming you can get past Step 1...
If in step 2 the lights do no flash, you have a problem with your remote, either battery or faulty remote.
Change the battery with a new battery and try again. Its quite possible that the soldering has cracked on the remote control PC boards. In which case you can get it fixed, or just buy a new remote.

If you know someone else with a working remote, get them to program theirs to your car, to verify your cars system works.

While on the topic of remotes. Both my KF remotes have had it, does anyone know if the TH/KH onwards remotes will be able to be programmed to my car? (Such as this one http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mitsubishi-Magna-Keyless-Remote-TH-TW-VERADA-KH-KW-/160543761198?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item256127632e)

Check the battery craddle and make sure its not broken as it will be your problem eg:no power.

Does central locking work? If not it's car electrical, if yes it's most likely dead batteries on the remote.

Thanks for the input everyone. After buying the wrong size replacement battery by mistake, I managed to get it working by taking the old manky looking battery out of the worn down keyfob and using it to replace the new looking battery in the never before used, locked up in the glove box keyfob.

I must say, getting all these responses is fantastic and the camaraderie on these boards is great. I think I'm gonna like being a Magna owner.

MrBeej

While on the topic of remotes. Both my KF remotes have had it, does anyone know if the TH/KH onwards remotes will be able to be programmed to my car? (Such as this one http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mitsubishi-Magna-Keyless-Remote-TH-TW-VERADA-KH-KW-/160543761198?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item256127632e)

I think those shape are universal, and it seems like programming teaches the car to remember which remotes unlock it. Dry creek wreckers will sell remotes for $30 I think, if they have any and you can find them. First one didn't work (could hear the battery loose), they let me swap it for another instead of me trying to fix it.