Freelander 2 - Key fobs not working properly/intermittently

[FreddieT 0]

Have a 2010 Freelander 2, with both key fobs. I have had no problems for the last three years but suddenly neither key fob wants to open the doors/windows etc., although they do intermittently. There is no problem with starting and running once inside the vehicle and it nearly always 'locks' with the fob when leaving it (although on a couple of occasions the driver side windows front & rear have lowered themselves to half way for no reason). Next time I come to use it, it is hit or miss whether it will unlock, which means I have to use the key for entry. Once in the car starts perfectly - and the cycle continues.

Is this a water ingress problem, an ECU or BCU problem. ANY IDEAS!! it's so irritating.

Edited January 23 by FreddieT
missed word

[Dorsetfreelander 3]

Each fob contains a battery which is charged when in the slot in the dash.  This battery is used for the unlocking electronics and might need changing.  Once in the slot the car recognises the fob but doesn’t need the fob battery to start.  It is possible to open the fob and solder in a new battery although there are people on eBay offering this service.   

[FreddieT 0]

Thanks for your reply

I did think about the battery, but kind of dismissed it as BOTH fobs do the same and thought it too coincidental that both batteries would fail simultaneously. 

When one of them does open the doors, the boot NEVER unlocks (nor on the separate 'boot' button)

[rusty_wingnut 4]

There is a known fault with these fobs whereby the circuit board cracks, there's a guy on FREEL2 forum who repairs the keys. I am about to send my final original key off to him with this exact problem.