1996 C4 - PKE system question
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1996 C4 - Keyless Entry system questions
Hello All,
This is my first posting here. These questions relate to a stock US spec 1996 C4 convertible (LT1/automatic) that a close friend in Switzerland recently bought. I'm posting for him here as his English skills are quite limited. This is his first Corvette.
Anyway, the factory fob for the PKE (Passive Keyless Entry) system was not included when the car was picked up so he wanted to know if there was a way of testing the system without a fob to make sure everything is working ok?
Another question is how does one find out what the actual transmitter code is so they can reprogram a new remote? Build sheet? Owners book?? Contact GM or the Corvette Museum???
Thanks in advance for your help.
Andrew
This is my first posting here. These questions relate to a stock US spec 1996 C4 convertible (LT1/automatic) that a close friend in Switzerland recently bought. I'm posting for him here as his English skills are quite limited. This is his first Corvette.
Anyway, the factory fob for the PKE (Passive Keyless Entry) system was not included when the car was picked up so he wanted to know if there was a way of testing the system without a fob to make sure everything is working ok?
Another question is how does one find out what the actual transmitter code is so they can reprogram a new remote? Build sheet? Owners book?? Contact GM or the Corvette Museum???
Thanks in advance for your help.
Andrew
Last edited by Bertam; Nov 1, 2010 at 08:59 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Highland Park IL
Check out this link. http://www.remotesandkeys.com. Bought a new keyless remote from them about a year ago to replace one from a '94 which was held together by electrical tape. Includes all the program instructions which was real easy. Don't know how to check the PKE system without the remote. Is this for a Coupe or Convertible?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 17
From: San Diego CA
You put the car in PKE learning mode when you add a new transmitter. The instructions come with the remote (at least if you find a new one)... you don't need to know any codes to pair a new PKE fob with your Vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
The instructions for programing a new remote are in the owners manual. If you go through that procedure and make sure everything responds as the instructions say right up to the point where you bring a fob in range you can be reasonably sure the receiver and related on the car components are working OK. Before you spend the money for a new fob read the owners manual carefully and make sure you are OK with this type of remote. Some people hate it and will not use it (I used mine for years but prefer a regular remote).
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 17
From: San Diego CA
Also note that you can hold down the lock button for a couple of seconds to disable passive mode. If you're working on the car with the keys in your pocket, this prevents it from repeatedly arming and disarming every time you wander in or out of range.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for the helpful postings everyone. I've sent him an email explaining how the system works.
One additional question - can a new fob be bought directly from GM or are they only aftermarket like through the link that airplane50 posted above?
One additional question - can a new fob be bought directly from GM or are they only aftermarket like through the link that airplane50 posted above?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 17
From: San Diego CA
You can order from your dealership. You can also find 'em on eBay and occasionally on this forum for less than the dealer wants.
I for one LOVE the PKE system. Not having to mess with the buttons is sweet, and not having to remember to lock the car is even better.
I for one LOVE the PKE system. Not having to mess with the buttons is sweet, and not having to remember to lock the car is even better.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Once in a while mine would not lock (maybe one out of 20 times). Maybe just my body was in the way or door not quite closed or?? So I always had to remember to walk away, count to 5, and make sure I heard the beep. With a regular system you can just lock as you get out and then forget about it. But I got used to it.
