PKE issues

[KREX 725]

I'm having a weird problem with my PKE lately. It used to work fine where when you approached any of the sensors, it unlocked the doors (and locked up when you got out of range). Then, it started being hit-and-miss over a couple of weeks. Now it doesn't unlock/lock at all with it. HOWEVER, the buttons on the PKE itself still activate the passenger door to unlock and open the hatch. Because of that, I don't think it's the battery inside the PKE. I also didn't think it was the sensors because they're still reading the buttons. Does anyone have any ideas? :confused

 

[jmccloud]

Pke

There are several threads on this; use the 'search' tab above.
My experience is that my cell phone really drives the PKE crazy. If the phone is in the car and charging, the PKE is essentially nonfunctional. If the phone is nearby (in my pocket) and turned on, the PKE is iffy.
Some threads describe how the ball inside gets stuck (the PKE works by a ball inside rolling around a contact strip turning a radio transmitter on/off) and must be cleaned; also how easily the little bugger can be lost. Read up then perhaps clean it.
Good luck.

 

[vee93]

Krex-
Try another battery. Do you have just one PKE? If not, try the spare one (with a new battery) or try reprogramming it.

 

[KREX 725]

Krex-
Try another battery. Do you have just one PKE? If not, try the spare one (with a new battery) or try reprogramming it.

No, I ended up having to buy one at the dealer when I first bought the car last year, so I only have the one. After reading the other various posts, I'm thinking I'll try reprogramming and engaging/disengaging the system to see if that sets it free.

The other weird thing I'm noticing lately is that when I get back into the car, after it's been setting in the same place all day while I'm at work, the alarm starts going off when I try to start the ignition. Why does it do that???

 

[jmccloud]

Alarm

The alarm will sound depending on how the doors were locked then unlocked. It's probably in the owner's manual but here's a stab. If you lock the doors with the electric button or the PKE fob moving away, then the door must be opened with the fob coming into range or the key in the door. Any other open method (like reaching in and moving the mechanical lever or even pushing the electircal unlock button) will sound the alarm.
PS
The door ajar switches (that sense whether the doors are open or closed) will raise havoc with the PKE system if the switches are misadjusted. If the door isn't closed (or the switch is misadjusted) the 'security' light on the dash will blink after a while. Check that too.