Recently bought a 1995 coupe. Beautiful car. First vette. Always wanted one and my dream finally came through. Anyway....the seller did not have a FOB so I took the car to a Chevy dealer and they said no problem...New FOB and programing $200 and would take 20 minutes...3 hours later they tell me they were having issues programing it and it was something in the steering coloumn that would cost $500 materials and labor to fix on top of the $200 for the FOB..I dont even know what functions the FOB controls...can anyone please help me understand or direct me as what to do?

 

This is all in your owners manual, if you don't have one I suggest you buy one, but; the fob is special and works differently from most fobs. Like some newer fobs on other cars now, when you walk away from the car (with the fob in your hand or pocket) the car automatically locks itself and sets the alarm. When you approach the car, it unlocks and turns the alarm off. (It also lets you open the hatch from outside, if you have a coupe). Some people like this, some don't I think it is fine, once you get used to it. (You can't use it like a normal fob).

Now, there is a control box called the PKE receiver behind the dash (not the steering wheel). This can go bad and is expensive to replace. To test this, go through the steps in your owners manual (no need to go to the dealer for programming, it already more than paid for itself) to program a new fob to your car. If everything happens just like it is supposed to until you get to the part that needs a fob, then everything is probably working OK. Since they were not able to program the fob, this unit is likely broken.

You should do what you can yourself to determine the problem. First, take the fob back, get your money back (if they will let you). Then, check fuses 26, 40 and 42 and make sure they are all OK. Then walk through the steps to program a fob and see what ahppens after every step. Report back here if anything doesn't go like it should. If everything seems OK, you can get a fob for about $130 and should be able to program it yourself. If there is really a problem, you can solicit advice here on the forum, it may be cheaper and easier to get an aftermarket system than to try to get the stock one working. Then again, some people really like to stay with stock.

 

As suggested much of the information is in t he owners manual, in case you did not get one with the car here is a link to an online copy in PDF courtesy of forum vendor GM Parts House. which also happens to be a great place to purchase parts such as your key fob or others needed to repair your Passive Keyless Entry system, PKE.

http://gmpartshouse.com/downloads/ma...95corvette.pdf

 

Run from the dealer QUICKLY!

For starters, when you turn the key on (not starting the car) does the PKE system light flash (lower left corner of of the Drivers Information Center [DIC]). If not, there is something wrong with the system. Can be the PKE receiver, a door ajar switch gone bad, etc... Does it still have the factory radio or an aftermarket one?

 

Aftermarket radio...just like the original except it has a 1 disc CD player

 

Thank you soooo much ...I'll give it a shot

 

Get away from the stealership. The programming sequence is in your owner manual.

 

The PKE light will only flash on the Information Center if the PKE system is activated. As stated above, all in the owners manual.

 

When trying to replace the battery for my fathers 95 convertible, I broke the green circuit board where the copper windings are soldered. Is there a repair company that can repair / replace the board for these types of fobs or is buying a new one the only option. Thanks for any tips.

 

See this post:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...available.html

I have no first hand experience with the person, but hope it helps.