Programming the PKE for the C4
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Palm City FL
Programming the PKE for the C4
I'm in need of some help in programming the key fob for the PKE. The fob that came with the car works perfectly but unfortunately it has the screw back which is not correct for the 93-96. I recently located two correct fobs for my 96 but can't get either to work. I swapped the battery from the working fob (the original that I got when I bought the car several years ago) and placed it into each of the two new fobs and attempted to program them but can't get either one to work. I have followed the programming steps outlined in the Owner's Manual and have had some feedback on the NCRS Technical Questions Board. I've followed everyone's recommendations without success.
I was wondering if the problem is that the PKE is somehow locked onto the frequency of the original fob. Both of the new fobs have a different FCC ID from the original.
Thanks.
I was wondering if the problem is that the PKE is somehow locked onto the frequency of the original fob. Both of the new fobs have a different FCC ID from the original.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I'm in need of some help in programming the key fob for the PKE. The fob that came with the car works perfectly but unfortunately it has the screw back which is not correct for the 93-96. I recently located two correct fobs for my 96 but can't get either to work. I swapped the battery from the working fob (the original that I got when I bought the car several years ago) and placed it into each of the two new fobs and attempted to program them but can't get either one to work. I have followed the programming steps outlined in the Owner's Manual and have had some feedback on the NCRS Technical Questions Board. I've followed everyone's recommendations without success.
I was wondering if the problem is that the PKE is somehow locked onto the frequency of the original fob. Both of the new fobs have a different FCC ID from the original.
Thanks.
I was wondering if the problem is that the PKE is somehow locked onto the frequency of the original fob. Both of the new fobs have a different FCC ID from the original.
Thanks.
I would have to ask several questions.
1- Are the two new FOBs an known factor that they are good and working.
2- Have you put the battery back in the original FOB to see if it is still working or has stoped.
3- Have you check the battery voltage with a DVM, and what is the voltage measured.
4- Does the PKE lamp light at the correct times with the correct indication during programming procedure. And is there an indication that the procedure was complete and correct or failed.
If it is still working with the original FOB, then it sounds like it might never have went into programming mode.
The battery should measure 3.1 volts or at least better than 3.0 volts. Anything less is no good.
Last edited by pcolt94; Dec 22, 2011 at 11:25 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
"I can't get it to work" isn't much info to diagnose a problem. Pcolt94 is right, unless something is malfunctioning, it should work. Do what he advises, and if that does not work, give us detailed, step by step description of what you do to program the fobs and what happens at each step.
Having said that, what do you mean by the "screw back"? I'm not familiar with this term. Is it possible that you have an aftermarket alarm system installed? Does your "old" fob look identical to the new fobs, as far as size, buttons, placement, etc.? If not you have not been using the factory system.
I just reread your post, if you mean your old fob was just not NCRS correct, never mind this paragraph.
Having said that, what do you mean by the "screw back"? I'm not familiar with this term. Is it possible that you have an aftermarket alarm system installed? Does your "old" fob look identical to the new fobs, as far as size, buttons, placement, etc.? If not you have not been using the factory system.
I just reread your post, if you mean your old fob was just not NCRS correct, never mind this paragraph.
Last edited by markKlein; Dec 19, 2011 at 01:16 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Again, need more details. When you try to program where does it fail? Does everything seem to work fine until you bring the fob in range, but the PKE light does not stop flashing and stay on? Then it could be the fob, especially if your original fob will make the light stay on and can be reprogrammed. Or can you not get to the point where the light is flashing? If that is the case, no fob is going to work, probably a fault in the PKE receiver.
Bottom line, you say you have a working fob now. You should be able to reprogram that fob with no problems. If you can't, it's a problem in the car, not the fobs. (Just for fun, check fuses 26,40 and 42).
Bottom line, you say you have a working fob now. You should be able to reprogram that fob with no problems. If you can't, it's a problem in the car, not the fobs. (Just for fun, check fuses 26,40 and 42).
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Palm City FL
Everything works until the point when I bring th fob into range. The PKE light just keeps flashing. Thanks for your troubleshooting suggestions. Looks like I may have purchased a defective FOB on Ebay.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Does it have the same reaction with either of the 2 FOBs that you purchased?
Have you tried to program the current working FOB to see if there is a difference in the lamp reaction to bringing the FOB into range?
Because if you can't re-program the current working FOB, then perhaps the 2 new FOBs that were bought might be OK and the car (PKE receiver) may be the problem.
Have you checked or changed the battery?
Last edited by pcolt94; Dec 23, 2011 at 04:39 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Sorry to be a stickler for details and just trying to understand best as I can. But I don’t really 'understand what you mean when you say; "Yes the new FOB reacts the same way".
Same way as what?
I understand the original FOB is opening the car;
I'm just trying to determine if you can program the original FOB again. That would prove out the cars PKE and electronics is working correctly.
Without having know factors and eliminate some of the variables, it is hard to determine what is definitely good or bad.
Have you ever checked the battery with a (DVM) digital volt meter?
Same way as what?
I understand the original FOB is opening the car;
I'm just trying to determine if you can program the original FOB again. That would prove out the cars PKE and electronics is working correctly.
Without having know factors and eliminate some of the variables, it is hard to determine what is definitely good or bad.
Have you ever checked the battery with a (DVM) digital volt meter?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 855
Likes: 36
From: Crystal Springs MS
You could check your antenna connections for the PKE, there's one in the driver's door and one in the right rear of the hatch area. I had a similar problem on my '94 - fob wouldn't work approaching the drivers' side but would from the back - found a broken antenna lead in the door from a botched window repair.
