Help! Can't unlock/lock my car with the key fob

[Villain]

I'm sure this issue has been discussed several times before but here we go. After not being able to unlock the car with the fob, I changed the battery in the remote and tried the learn function and the train function recommended by GM. Neither worked for me. Before I take it to the dealer, does anyone have another trick to try first?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Stan The Man]

I understand the first thing to do is try the key in the door lock, turn the cylinder manually.

If that works try your second fob, if you have not got a spare perhaps it is a good time to get one?

Best regards

 

[Villain]

Stan,
I've been using the manual method for a couple of days and I don't have a second fob. But if the original fob doesn't work how can a second fob do the trick? It seems as though the system is malfunctioning.
Thanks.:confused

 

[Stan The Man]

I suggested getting a second fob/key mainly so that you have a back up. You cannot be sure that the existing fob is functioning despite having a new battery, a second fob would confirm or otherwise. If it does not work then perhaps a visit to the dealership is necessary.

Can I assume you checked the contacts inside the fob for deformity or corrosion/dirt?

Best regards

Stan

 

[Villain]

I have checked the contacts. I just checked the battery voltage and it looks like I bought a dead battery. Its supposed to be 3volts but it only puts out .76volts. I guess its back to radio shack for a replacement and start all over again. I let you know the outcome.
Thanks again.

 

[vettepilot]

That would probably do it.. I have seen quite a few "brand new" dead batteries lately.. doesn't make any differance what size or brand. So I wonder what's up with that?

vettepilot

 

[Villain]

That would probably do it.. I have seen quite a few "brand new" dead batteries lately.. doesn't make any differance what size or brand. So I wonder what's up with that?

vettepilot

Beats the heck out of me. As soon as I get off work I'm going to try to find another battery that works.

 

[C5NGAGE]

I have had to retrain my fob once in a while, you simnply press the two upper buttoms at the same time and the horn will honk. This works most of the time if it does, then you need new batteries in the fob, and then retrain as described.

 

[Villain]

The saga continues...
I picked up a new battery and retrained the remote last night. It worked to get me in the car. I drove home and tried to lock the car with the remote and it wouldn't work. I did a retrain and locked the car. Got up this morning to go to work and the dang thing is not working. I reprogrammed the remote and drove to work, got the car and tried to lock it and nothing happened.
How many times must this thing be reprogrammed or retrained?
I think I'm getting P.O.ed.

 

[Silver97]

This might sound dumb, but if it does not work them put it next to your head and press the unlock button or point it in your mouth and press the lock or unlock button as you need it. This should get you out of jam while you have the remote replaced. I am not kidding this works, I have no idea why

good luck

 

[Villain]

This might sound dumb, but if it does not work them put it next to your head and press the unlock button or point it in your mouth and press the lock or unlock button as you need it. This should get you out of jam while you have the remote replaced. I am not kidding this works, I have no idea why

good luck

You're right. It does sound dumb but you know I'm going to try it. And if I see you across the parking lot laughing and taking pictures, I'll chase you the the end of the earth.:L
How the heck did you come up with this fix?

 

[Stan The Man]

Villain

That only works if you have several silver coloured fillings in your teeth. This metalic substance acts like a reflector-amplifier boosting your key fob signal. You can tune the signal by experiment, grimace grin or smile whilst doing the pointing thing.
Then hold it whilst I get the camcorder ready (LOL).

Put yourself out of this misery, loan a friends fob and program it in to test your system (don't forget to program it out afterwards) or buy a spare. The result will tell you if you need professional help.

Regards

Stan

 

[vettepilot]

Villain

That only works if you have several silver coloured fillings in your teeth. This metalic substance acts like a reflector-amplifier boosting your key fob signal. You can tune the signal by experiment, grimace grin or smile whilst doing the pointing thing.
Then hold it whilst I get the camcorder ready (LOL).

Stan

:gap UH OH.... Now what do I do hoss????

 

[EHS]

You're right. It does sound dumb but you know I'm going to try it...

How the heck did you come up with this fix?

Legend has it that electromagnetic waves are amplified by your body -- as I'm sure you've noticed when you flick your wrist repeatedly at the TV while clicking with the remote. Click enough, and "eventually" it will work, reinforcing that type of aberrant behavior. Think Pavlov.

Same with the "hold it under the chin" and click away across the parking lot. What's really happening is you've now raised the level of the key fob over the metal of the other cars and there is now less interference.

This technique, like the other, satisifies people just enough so they continue use it. But it's not really necessary.

Basically, just walk closer. Think about it -- there is absolutely no advantage to the car being open before you get to it.

 

[ZR-1 Fanatic]

We had the same exact issue with the remote for Liz's car. Bought a new battery, re-learned, took it to the dealer and had them go through their "special" procedure; it would work for a few times and then require re-learning. Finally bought a new remote ($72) and it has worked perfectly since. We threw the old one on the ground, jumped on it a few times, and then tossed it in the trash....

 

[Villain]

We had the same exact issue with the remote for Liz's car. Bought a new battery, re-learned, took it to the dealer and had them go through their "special" procedure; it would work for a few times and then require re-learning. Finally bought a new remote ($72) and it has worked perfectly since. We threw the old one on the ground, jumped on it a few times, and then tossed it in the trash....

This sounds like the true solution.

 

[Stan The Man]

It would be interesting to learn how many miles and whether short or long hauls were involved, that these 'faulty' key fobs have allowed unfortunate owners to travel. Did any failures occur within warranty and if so what was the outcome?

On disposal of duds I would advocate flattening the circuit board with a hammer or press, cutting into two halves then throw one half in your trash and take the other to e.g. work and dispose of it. The battery should of course be disposed of properly.

Dud or not if a fob falls into the wrong hands you might as well trash your car. Some crooks MO is to trawl trash to recover anything of value to them, including documents containing personal details particularly credit card info, finds like key fobs would be icing on the cake.:bang


Regards,

Stan

 

[Villain]

Good advice. I'll do that. Right now I'm just under 30K. The problems started around 29.5K miles. I haven't taken it to the dealer but now I'm thinking that maybe I should. I wonder how they would handle it.
Thanks for all your help.

 

[Nigel80031]

Just got the same problem with my PKE system. Changed the battery in the FOB which tested out okay at 3V but the FOB still didn't work. Both door and hatch buttons not working.

Tried re-programming the FOB several times but the PKE light doesn't stay on when FOB is nearby, meaning programming not working. When you walk away the car locks and horn beeps but when you return to the area it doesn't unlock. After the key is used to unlock, the FOB doesn't lock again until a programming attempt is made again, then only for one cycle.

Tried the Diagnostic check in the service manual but didn't get any codes up. I notice that on some diagnostic tests the ignition is turn to 'on without starting' to perform the test. The PKE Test only states to leave the key in the 'locked position'. IS THIS CORRECT?

Anyone know the best place to get another FOB. Hopefully that's all that wrong.

 

[ROCKnROLL]

nigel,
you can find them on EBAY most of the time.