PKE programming help needed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
PKE programming help needed
The car is a 96 C4 and I can't seem to get the fobs programmed. I have 2 new fobs and batteries that I bought from the Chevy dealer.
The method I tried is with the key on, push the odometer button twice and then within 5 seconds, press and hold the fuel info button until the PKE light is illuminated constantly. Then turned the key off until the PKE light begins to flash.
Now when I go to get the fob and bring it into range, the PKE light won't come on solid. It just keeps flashing. I tried this method with both fobs and can't get either to program. Can anyone give me any tips if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks
The method I tried is with the key on, push the odometer button twice and then within 5 seconds, press and hold the fuel info button until the PKE light is illuminated constantly. Then turned the key off until the PKE light begins to flash.
Now when I go to get the fob and bring it into range, the PKE light won't come on solid. It just keeps flashing. I tried this method with both fobs and can't get either to program. Can anyone give me any tips if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Sounds like you are doing it right, but just because the batteries are "new" doesn't mean they haven't been sitting around for years. Measure their output; and of course make sure they aren't in the fobs backwards. The fobs are motion activated, so be sure to wave then around when trying to get them programmed.
You say you go to get the fob. Are you opening the door? I'm not sure about that. If you are you could try leaving the door closed (maybe lean in the window, or have a friend get the fobs).
You say you go to get the fob. Are you opening the door? I'm not sure about that. If you are you could try leaving the door closed (maybe lean in the window, or have a friend get the fobs).
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Panama City Beach Florida
New Key Fob
Am interested in what you finally figure out. I just ordered a new Fob on E bay as I messed mine up taking it apart. My manual shows you are doing it correctly. As mentioned maybe the batteries are dead or you have to shake the fob. Not sure why I bothered getting a new fob as I always had it turned off when it did work! The unlock, lock and beep can be a pain when you are trying to "sneak" by the car in the garage!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
Sounds like you are doing it right, but just because the batteries are "new" doesn't mean they haven't been sitting around for years. Measure their output; and of course make sure they aren't in the fobs backwards. The fobs are motion activated, so be sure to wave then around when trying to get them programmed.
You say you go to get the fob. Are you opening the door? I'm not sure about that. If you are you could try leaving the door closed (maybe lean in the window, or have a friend get the fobs).
You say you go to get the fob. Are you opening the door? I'm not sure about that. If you are you could try leaving the door closed (maybe lean in the window, or have a friend get the fobs).
I did check the batteries with a voltmeter and got 3.2V. The plus symbol is showing on the fob so I'm assuming the battery + should face down?
I am leaving the door open when I retrieve the fob and approach the car. Does it matter if the door is open or closed?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Not sure, but I'd try leaving the door closed.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Panama City Beach Florida
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
That's how I originally had it until I took out the battery and noticed the bottom of the fob with all the electronics showing a + on the bottom. I figured the + should face that direction and go down?
I tried both fobs with batteries switched both ways and I still can't get the PKE light to stay on solid as I approach the car with the fob. I was shaking it this time also.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Panama City Beach Florida
Fob
[QUOTE=Toms03Z;1589403951]So after I remove the 2 screws and take apart the cover, the + side should face up?
That's how I originally had it until I took out the battery and noticed the bottom of the fob with all the electronics showing a + on the bottom. I figured the + should face that direction and go down?
I took mine apart again, I see what you mean by the + sign. The battery will fit either way! Did your fobs come with batteries in them/which direction? My fob won't show up until about Wedn for me to try. Mine is a Conv and only has 1 button for doors, a coupe has 2, one for the hatch also. I'm scratching my head also. Will let you know when I get mine.
Check your fobs. Coupe GM part # 88950923
Convertible GM part # 88960924
That's how I originally had it until I took out the battery and noticed the bottom of the fob with all the electronics showing a + on the bottom. I figured the + should face that direction and go down?
I took mine apart again, I see what you mean by the + sign. The battery will fit either way! Did your fobs come with batteries in them/which direction? My fob won't show up until about Wedn for me to try. Mine is a Conv and only has 1 button for doors, a coupe has 2, one for the hatch also. I'm scratching my head also. Will let you know when I get mine.
Check your fobs. Coupe GM part # 88950923
Convertible GM part # 88960924
Last edited by Richard Raichert; Apr 13, 2015 at 11:01 AM. Reason: part # additions
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
They did have batteries in them when I bought them but I don't remember what direction they were originally installed. I went and bought new batteries figuring the originals may have been dead.
I've tried several more times to program them again and still can't get the PKE light to stay on solid when I approach the car. It just keeps flashing.
During one attempt as I was giving up and walked in the house, the horn sounded. I then went back to the car and opened the door and the alarm went off with the horn honking. The fob buttons still don't work with either the hatch or door button.
I've tried several more times to program them again and still can't get the PKE light to stay on solid when I approach the car. It just keeps flashing.
During one attempt as I was giving up and walked in the house, the horn sounded. I then went back to the car and opened the door and the alarm went off with the horn honking. The fob buttons still don't work with either the hatch or door button.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 19
From: Tampa FL
I just got my fob today. And got it programmed. When I went through the steps the light kept flashing also. But after I turned the key on and off to exit the programming steps and walked away I heard the doors lock and the horn beep. It seems to work fine now. The fob door button only unlocks the doors. It does not lock them. You may already have 3 fobs programmed into your system. I'm not sure how to clear that out or if you even have too. It's something to consider.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
I just got my fob today. And got it programmed. When I went through the steps the light kept flashing also. But after I turned the key on and off to exit the programming steps and walked away I heard the doors lock and the horn beep. It seems to work fine now. The fob door button only unlocks the doors. It does not lock them. You may already have 3 fobs programmed into your system. I'm not sure how to clear that out or if you even have too. It's something to consider.
I didn't notice if the doors locked or not as I walked away. I'll have to try it again later tonight when I get home from work.
Thanks for the info!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,766
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
I just got my fob today. And got it programmed. When I went through the steps the light kept flashing also. But after I turned the key on and off to exit the programming steps and walked away I heard the doors lock and the horn beep. It seems to work fine now. The fob door button only unlocks the doors. It does not lock them. You may already have 3 fobs programmed into your system. I'm not sure how to clear that out or if you even have too. It's something to consider.
And as you noted, it will not lock either of them.
Programming a new FOB or FOB's will automatically clear out any prior programmed FOB's.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 19
From: Tampa FL
That's good. I hate to think a PO is walking around with my old Key Fob! The system seems kinda hinky. And I can see why some find it annoying. I walked by the car and the doors unlocked, I poped the rear hatch and when I went to the rear of the car the doors locked and the system armed. My battery may be week as it was already installed from the factory in the bag. I'll have to get an energizer replacement soon...
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Panama City Beach Florida
The owners manual is always right/wrong!!
Got my new fob, followed the directions and it worked perfect. The bad news! My origonal 1994 manual says "to replace your battery" gently pry the back cover off in the slot on the back, place new battery + side up, bla, bla, bla. This is how I ruined my first fob. I pryed on it until I messed up the copper windings with the screwdriver. It said nothing about the 2 screws holding it together which I finally removed after I had mangeled the case. $129 later I am back to square one/but it does work!
Keep trying Tom.
Keep trying Tom.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 19
From: Tampa FL
Here's some more info. The PKE system will not lock the doors if a door is open. Also make sure your door switches and key chime are working. There should be a chime if your key is in the ignition in the off position and a door is open.
So make sure your doors are closed during programming just to be sure.
So make sure your doors are closed during programming just to be sure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Got my new fob, followed the directions and it worked perfect. The bad news! My origonal 1994 manual says "to replace your battery" gently pry the back cover off in the slot on the back, place new battery + side up, bla, bla, bla. This is how I ruined my first fob. I pryed on it until I messed up the copper windings with the screwdriver. It said nothing about the 2 screws holding it together which I finally removed after I had mangeled the case. $129 later I am back to square one/but it does work!
Keep trying Tom.
Keep trying Tom.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,872
Likes: 4
From: Owings Mills, MD 21117
C4 COUPE
C4 CONVERTIBLE
I have both for my '93 'Vert. The Coupe Fob is a spare, both programmed, but the Hatch function will release the Convertible deck lid.
Last edited by MARKRUBYRED; Apr 14, 2015 at 08:26 PM.