New key fob won't work - PCM?

[XLR8]

I am using my secondary key fob because my primary fob bit the dust finally. The secondary had stopped working awhile back, but it is working again now. Since I don't trust it to last very long, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a new one from my local Chevy Dealer.

When they attempted to program the fob, it wouldn't work - or rather the sensor would never recognize it? The Corvette tech was on vacation last week and one of the other techs (I gathered with a little less Corvette expertise) was trying to program it.

The service man asked me to return this week when his Corvette tech will be back, and I'm scheduled to bring it in Thursday morning.

He mentioned that they may have to "dump" the PCM and re-program it. Does this sound right?

I'd just like to get some input from everyone so I don't walk in there completely ignorant.

Thanks in advance.
Jane Ann

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

You could try to reprogram it yourself. My guess is that you have already tried. You could also take the old fob apart and clean the contacts to see if that helps. I have had mine apart and the contacts were quite dirty. They clean up easily with an ordinary pencil eraser. That may help.

 

[XLR8]

You could try to reprogram it yourself. My guess is that you have already tried. You could also take the old fob apart and clean the contacts to see if that helps. I have had mine apart and the contacts were quite dirty. They clean up easily with an ordinary pencil eraser. That may help.

Hey Randy,
Yes, I tried cleaning contacts and reprogramming but it didn't work. As for the new fob, it's my understanding that new ones must first be programmed by the dealership.

My concern is due in part to the fact that my car had the leaking battery syndrome in the past, and although my (very trustworthy) mechanic (not the dealership) nuetralized and cleaned everything, I'm afraid it may be a PCM issue. When the dealership discovered the battery acid all over everything a couple years ago, they tried to convince me that I needed to immediately replace the PCM (or was it BCM?) and wiring harness - to the tune of about $3400. Luckily, on the advice of my usual mechanic, I allowed him to try to clean everything first and see if that resolved the issue I was having. It did.

I'm trying to arm myself with a little insight and knowledge in case they go down that road again.

Thanks for the suggestions.
Jane Ann

 

[vette747]

Well, I hope the pcm was not affected by the leak. Anyway, you can program the new fob with the DIC. I dit it myself.

1-Turn the ignition to RUN
2-Turn the radio off
3-Press the RESET button in order to clear any IPC warning messages
4-Press the Option button on the DIC until the IPC display is blank in order to enter the program mode
5-Press and hold the Reset button for 3 seconds
6-Press the option button until FOB Training message is displayed
7-Press the Reset button in order to begin the programming sequence.
8-Simultaneously press and hold the lock an unlock buttons on the first transmitter for 12 seconds. The IPC will indicate when that transmitter is programmed and when to proceed to the next .Repeat this step for each transmitter.

 

[LLC5]

When I bought a new key fob for my '98, the dealer had to program it. If you have the newer style fob's you may be able to do it yourself.

 

[avacorvette]

Well, I hope the pcm was not affected by the leak. Anyway, you can program the new fob with the DIC. I dit it myself.

1-Turn the ignition to RUN
2-Turn the radio off
3-Press the RESET button in order to clear any IPC warning messages
4-Press the Option button on the DIC until the IPC display is blank in order to enter the program mode
5-Press and hold the Reset button for 3 seconds
6-Press the option button until FOB Training message is displayed
7-Press the Reset button in order to begin the programming sequence.
8-Simultaneously press and hold the lock an unlock buttons on the first transmitter for 12 seconds. The IPC will indicate when that transmitter is programmed and when to proceed to the next .Repeat this step for each transmitter.

I did this with mine after a dead battery. But! The Hatch will not work and the doors will. I tried pushing and holding both buttons but it still will not open the Hatch.
Thanks for the help in advance....

 

[vette747]

When I bought a new key fob for my '98, the dealer had to program it. If you have the newer style fob's you may be able to do it yourself.

To be more precise, that process work on early C5. It worked on my 97 when I bought a new fob. It also work on newer C5.

I did this with mine after a dead battery. But! The Hatch will not work and the doors will. I tried pushing and holding both buttons but it still will not open the Hatch.
Thanks for the help in advance....

This is strange. But well, I'm not supprised of anything with the electronic. Could be the hatch button on the fob that is damage or making bad contact. I do not think it has something to do with the signal from fob to car. And I assume you an open the hatch from the button on the dash board so I do not think that will be the locking mecanisme or fuse.

You can try to get a fob from a C5 friend and program it on your car for a test.

 

[LLC5]

To be more precise, that process work on early C5. It worked on my 97 when I bought a new fob. It also work on newer


It didn't work on mine. We tried multiple fobs, still could not program. They had to use a Tech2 scanner to program it.

 

[vette747]

To be more precise, that process work on early C5. It worked on my 97 when I bought a new fob. It also work on newer


It didn't work on mine. We tried multiple fobs, still could not program. They had to use a Tech2 scanner to progam it.

Interresting. Thanks for the info. I will add it to my notes.

 

[XLR8]

That's my understanding too, at least of the 1998 model...

the dealer has to be the one to program a NEW fob for the first time using the Tech2 - like I said - as I understand it.

After that, I should be able to use the steps to reprogram if or when it loses the fob.

 

[Scott Winebarger]

That's my understanding too, at least of the 1998 model...

the dealer has to be the one to program a NEW fob for the first time using the Tech2 - like I said - as I understand it.

After that, I should be able to use the steps to reprogram if or when it loses the fob.

Was there any info on this thread that would help you?

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66651

then after I read the whole thing , I see you already been there !