Recently the "proximity sensor" (PITA?) function stopped working. Before, when I got near the car (a '96) with my PKE on me the doors would automatically open. Then suddenly that stopped. Now, the PKE will only open the passenger side door and only after I push the button several times. I then have to open the passenger door and hit the unlock button to open the driver side door. (The driver side door will open with the key.) None of the other posts I read on PKE problems described this particular problem. (I was wondering if a weak battery in the PKE would cause this but I have two PKE's and the problem is the same with both and started at the same time.)

 

Sounds like the system is "off". Try holding down the door button until you hear/see the door locks cycle.

Check the lower left bottom of the dic for PKE light, if system is "on" it will be lit, or walk away & see if it engages, etc.

To select which doors open, insert key...do not turn
"on" & hold the door button down until you select which doors you want the system to open.

 

If it weren't for only the passenger side door openning with the remote, I would agree with the previous member's advice.

However, I wonder if the problem isn't related to your door switch (aka courtesy light switch) or the door key lock sensor instead.

When you have the radio on, turn off the engine, and remove the key, the radio should continue to play (thanks to the delay accessories buss -- DAB). When you open the drivers side door, it should cause the radio to go off.

Does the radio turn off? If not, then your door switch is not working.

They fail either mechanically (stick or don't push in enough due to their adjustable 'nose' being in all the way) -- or -- electrically, by not closing the circuit when the door is opened or openning the circuit when the door is closed

FYI, if it is the door switch, they can be replaced right through its hole (do a search, special sequence), without having to take the door apart.

Have you tried putting the key in the door and turning it to assure it is 'centered' and afterwards does the problem go away?

One last thought --

The remotes have a small ball-bearing inside which move around in a small housing and when making contact between the slivers of gold, cause the remote to 'wake-up' and transmit. Perhaps both remotes are dirty (ours were when I got the car 5+ years ago).

After openning the remotes, the small metal housing can be GENTLY removed and the inside and ball-bearing cleaned, to reenable the remotes functionallity.

 

"To select which doors open, insert key...do not turn 'on' & hold the door button down until you select which doors you want the system to open."

I have read about a dozen posts with many suggestions about fixing PKE problems, but this one seemed so easy, I tried it first. Bingo! Now the "proximity sensor" works again.

Thanks so much!