I'm thinking about installing a keyless remote system to replace the PKE on my car that is not working. Since I don't have the fob to go with it and the PKE light never comes on which makes me think it is turned off anyhow.

My question is this. Can I disconnect the PKE module and just install an after market keyless entry there or would the absence of the PKE module cause problems?

James

 

why not get a replacemt fob and get it to work. I think that would be a whole lot cheaper and easer then getting an aftermarket system. just my 2 cents

 

No year mentioned in your post, and your profile says 1984.
The '84 didn't have PKE, so I think more information is needed.

 

Actually since I don't have a fob, the replacement cost is about $100-$150. A keyless system can be had for around $75 and that is whey I am undecided at this time.

Oops, I forgot to update my profile. I lost the 84 a while back and just recently purchased a 96 LT4. From what I can gather they all came with the PKE system, however mine does not illuminate when I turn on the ignition and since I don't have a fob to go with it, it didn't matter even if it did at this time. I was wondering if I should buy a fob, try and get the system to work, and then hope it works correctly, or jsut get a keyless system.

I am leaning towards a keyless system, but I was wondering what others may have done when they had PKE issues.

James

 

if it makes you feel beter when I bought my 94 it did not come with a fob. so I bought a used one for $40 and got lucky and it worked. I would think you would have the same luck

 

Was your PKE light coming on when you started your car? Did you have to do anything to get the system to start working? Like I said I'm up in the air right now, but don't want to go in the wrong direction if the module is already bad. Do you know the process to turn the PKE on if it has been shut off?

 

to tell you the truth I am not real sure. but I dont think the light came on. the only thing I had to do to get it working is get a fob and a new batery and program it. then it worked. you need a working fob to turn the system on and off. and its all in your owners manul and FSM

 

there r some good threads posted on this website about the pke system. just do a search. u should easily be able to find anything u need to know. i've done my fair share of searching this site about the pke. I have a 96 with an active pke, however, i didn't have a fob for it so i bought one, but now i'm having problems with programming it....not sure what is wrong and i need to see what my car's computer say's, but havent gotten around to that yet. the pke system is notorious for acting funny....some people say at times it works fine, and other times it doesn't...i don't think ive heard one single person say there's works great. I think getting an aftermarket system installed would be the best idea, just becuz fixing the pke is risky.

 

Just so you will have heard from at least one person, my PKE works perfect. Just as GM designed it to work.

 

how many miles on ur 96? was it not working when u first got ur vette? did u have to fix it? i wanna know details!!! i would love to fix mine, but i'm afraid it might be one big headache.

 

I have 89,000 miles on my '96.
The PKE was working when I bought it, along with everything else on the car. I bought the car with 50K miles on it in 2005.

Sorry, I can't help you with fixing one that isn't working. Except to point you to the FSM (factory service manual).

I just wanted you to be aware that these systems do work, and they will last quite a long time as long as the car is taken car of. Of course, if the car has lead a hard life you will have issues. Not unlike any other used car.

 

I've got 94 LT1 that I've owned for about 2 years. It had 70K on it when I bought it and now it's got about 97K. The PKE works just great. The fob that can with the car was taped together and didn't work. I got a new one for about $100 bucks. It came with good instructions that were the same as the owner's manual (or FSM).

It's great! Get out of the car, and walk off, the doors lock and the the horn beeps. Walk back to the car and it unlocks the door so you can put the groceries in.

2 things to remember-- 1. If you hold the door button down for 2 seconds or more, it cycles the PKE off and on. It's real easy to turn off the PKE without realizing it (then it don't work and you get P***** off). After you figure out YOU've turned it off, things go better. 2. the battery in the fob does NOT last very long-maybe 12 months. I've used the same type of batteries in an aimpoint sight and they don't last but a few (2) hours. As the battery gets weak, the PKE doesn't do very good.

with these 2 thoughts in mind, you will have a lot fewer problems -or you'll be able to correct what problems you have.

bill

 

ok, im kinda jeolous and upset.

u know, anything that goes through a lot of vibrations over extended periords of time will wear down, esp electronics. well, i guess its nice to hear some people have perfectly working pke systems....must be nice in ur world. i wish i could have my doors automatically unlock and stuff

 

Don't feel bad. I am happy if the doors on my 79 open

 

I have a 96 coupe that like most used cars was without the PKE Fob's, I got a used one and it works just as the owners manual says it should, I like it, a Corvette is a nice prize for any car thief if I forget to lock the car.

 

Information needed, to check if your 1993-1996 Corvette has an installed Passive Keyless System. (FOB).

The first item is this: Do you have a blinking security light, on your cluster (at the bottom left corner)?

This should function when you open the door.



If so try this for verification.

Power down both windows, and then close the doors and lock with your key. Reach in and open the

door by the inside handle. The alarm should sound.

 

FC, I think you are describing the VATS (vehichle anti-theft system). Doesn't the PKE just lock and unlock the doors and hatch via the fob (remote)?

 

Looks like I have the same problem. I bought a 94 vert with an aftermarket fob that does not work. The security system works in that the horns go off if you try to reach inside and open the doors. Am not sure if it is worth getting a GM fob or to go for an aftermarket unit that
locks and unlocks the doors.

 

The PKE system only locks and unlocks the doors.

The fact that you locked the door is what arms the security system, and it does not have to be locked with the PKE to work. Lock the door manually and the system will still be armed. That assumes the factory wiring has not been tampered with or screwed up.

You can turn the PKE system off and your security system will still work.

But if you have an Aftermarket keyless entry system, all bets are off on how it's "supposed" to work. Since this would have required someone to make wiring modifications. Who knows what they might have done.