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TSB#2039108/3 - (Car loses communication with key)

4585 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  boblepp
Roger, could you find the more technical data associated to this TSB? Below I describe the scenario and how it was determined that this TSB applies to me. It may already have the same info -- but just wasn't sure and I don't know the technical title for the TSB.

Scenario: While driving, the communication with the key is lost prompting the system to show the yellow key symbol and question mark in the information center on the speedometer cluster.

How did I get up to this point? I bought the Q3, it arrived with one key (and one owed to me). It started to lose communication while driving. When I brought it in to get something owed to me put on, they replaced the battery in the key and then gave me the 2nd key. Between that time and my 5k(mi)/8k(km) service, the 2nd key did the same thing. I brought it in and upon receipt post service, it was cited that TSB#2039108/3 was performed.

Here's the exact verbiage on the receipt of what was done:

"CHECKED TSB S AND FOUND ONE FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE ACCESS START ANTENNA AND AN UPDATE. TSB#2039108/3.

I REMOVED THE COMPONENTS LISTED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE ANTENNA AND REMOVED IT. REINSTALLED THE ANTENNA WITH THE MOUNTING BRACKET IN THE NEW SPECIFIED LOCATION. REASSEMBLED THE CENTER CONSOL AND RAN THE UPDATE. THE VEHICLE NO LONGER READS NO KEY. TEST DROVE."

How is it now? It's only been a couple of days since then; but so far the 2nd key has no problem.

Do I notice any differences? I do notice that it takes a little longer for the car to recognize the hand placed on the handle and unlock before I pull the handle.

It also seems more sensitive to having me be more inside the vehicle to start it. I usually put my key in my pant pocket. I used to be able to open the door, reach in and tap the start/stop button twice to put it into accessory mode and close the windows. It now reads no key until I am practically sitting in the vehicle. Similarly, if I try to start the vehicle, I could prop my foot on the brake and press the start/stop without having my entire body sitting down. I have to do that now.

Where was the antenna before? While I'm happy that the no key situation is remedied, I do have to adjust myself to be more inside. Since the TSB seems to MOVE the antenna location to the center console, that begs the question where it was before? Probably somewhere in the steering column?

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I'll check on this when back from Sebring and post what I find. As far as antenna locations go, I'm not sure. I do know the proximity range IS pretty tight and you prolly want that rather than loose. Also, every time somebody compromises these systems, the makers respond by lowering the power and adding more sensitivity to the proximity circles ...
My car also had this software update performed couple months ago, so I'd like to share my experience.
When the engine is on (either driving or idle) and the 12V socket is connected, either to a dash cam or charging a phone.
If I open and close a window or a door. The "is key in vehicle" error message will be triggered although I never leave the driver seat. The window or door has to be opened then closed in order to trigger the message.
I took the car to a dealer and they performed this TSB#2039108/3 update.
After that everything is back to normal. I don't find any delay when unlocking the door or starting the car. I can also do what Rick used to do, i.e. open the door, reach in and press the start button without actually sitting onto the chair.
From the TSB documentation :

Technical Background

The remote key is too close to Aerial 1 for Access and Start Authorization (R138), which is located under the center console storage area under the climate control module.

Production Solution

The location of Aerial 1 for Access and Start Authorization (R138) was changed in series production as well as parameterization in the Access and Start Authorization Control Module addressed the condition.

Note :

For affected vehicles produced after 14 Jan 2015, Aerial 1 is NOT to be relocated, but an SVM (Software Version Management) is to be performed; for affected vehicles produced before 14 Jan 2015, Aerial 1 (and the wiring harness) is relocated to the HVAC ducting and an SVM is to be performed.

Affected vehicles are nominated by VIN range ...
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Scheduled this as part of annual service. In advance. Guess he did not check for special parts needed. They needed "special zip ties" to hold the relocated parts. Something about brackets on the zip ties. So have to go back next week.

So ask about this when you schedule it.
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