Thanks for the responses, but it now appears that it was the battery in both cases. I believe that the problem has been that the batteries I have been buying are, for one reason or another, not reliable.

 

I'm glad to hear that you were able to find the solution. The battery thing happens to me all the time though, mainly with my digital camera. It does take a while to find good batteries sometimes.

 

Try putting key in ignition and they using them. That worked for me and resets the remote after you put in the new battery.

 

The best thing to do if the batteries are not an issue is to take the remote appart use a Q-tip and alcohol and clean the contacts with the battery removed that is leave it to dry as it drys fairly quickly and re-assemble and there is your new remote.

Also depending on the remote model etc the contactors get bent out of shape and need to be bent back out a bit further so they make a proper contact. Hope that helps! If you want a write up with photos send me one of your keys As I sold my Audi !

 

Yes

For mine I had to replace the batteries, clean the contacts (like 1move suggested) then I had to put the key in the ignition and start the car(as Gaudi suggested)...and then all was good.