Remote locking '93 C4
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Remote locking '93 C4
While I was replacing the window stop in the drivers door I noticed that there is an aerial fitted in the door that I assume was for remote locking. (I've only had this car for 2 months so still getting to know it) The car never came with a remote key fob only one set of keys (door, ign. and fuel cap plus another key the same size as the fuel cap one but don't know what its for). I'm wondering whether to reinstate the remote locking if it works but a brief search online says a key is $174.00 ( $264.00 here + postage) thats a out of my budget at the moment, does anyone know of an aftermarket opener that will work?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Before you look for a key FOB you need to check this first.
Look at the center of the dash where all the warning lights are, it's called the DIC (drivers information center) with all the lights (to the right of the buttons). In the lower left hand corner is the PKE light. This is part of the remote passive system.
Turn the key to the ON position. The PKE lamp should light for 2 seconds as part of a self test. If it does do this it then shows life in the receiver module and with any luck it may be OK.
If the light does not illuminate, that is an indication the module may be defective. There is a possibility the system may be in sleep mode and further tests can be done to verify that. But before that, do the basics first and see what you have.
Checking EBay can be a better buy for a key FOB and sometimes time may be needed to get a better deal. They are getting more scarce these days.
Look at the center of the dash where all the warning lights are, it's called the DIC (drivers information center) with all the lights (to the right of the buttons). In the lower left hand corner is the PKE light. This is part of the remote passive system.
Turn the key to the ON position. The PKE lamp should light for 2 seconds as part of a self test. If it does do this it then shows life in the receiver module and with any luck it may be OK.
If the light does not illuminate, that is an indication the module may be defective. There is a possibility the system may be in sleep mode and further tests can be done to verify that. But before that, do the basics first and see what you have.
Checking EBay can be a better buy for a key FOB and sometimes time may be needed to get a better deal. They are getting more scarce these days.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
The remote system is described in the owners manual. Perform the programming procedure for the remote in the manual, and if everything goes OK up to the point where you need the remote you can be pretty sure the factory system is working. You should be able to find remotes for about 130. Many people have reported problems using aftermarket systems, some people the opposite.
Added: looks like they are about 145 now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-Convertible-1993-1994-1995-1996-Keyless-Remote/252343223795?hash=item3ac0d405f3:g
j0AA Oxy1klRc6O9
Added: looks like they are about 145 now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-Convertible-1993-1994-1995-1996-Keyless-Remote/252343223795?hash=item3ac0d405f3:g
j0AA Oxy1klRc6O9
Last edited by markKlein; Oct 17, 2018 at 10:08 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
The remote system is described in the owners manual. Perform the programming procedure for the remote in the manual, and if everything goes OK up to the point where you need the remote you can be pretty sure the factory system is working. You should be able to find remotes for about 130. Many people have reported problems using aftermarket systems, some people the opposite.
Added: looks like they are about 145 now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-Co...0AAOxy1klRc6O9
Added: looks like they are about 145 now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-Co...0AAOxy1klRc6O9
The one for $145 is for the convertible, one button.
But there seems to be a glut of Fobs available.
My question is are they being manufactured now by an aftermarket company.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
It does look like the price has gone up. Here's one for a coupe for 144.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-NEW-Keyless-Entry-Remote-Transmitter-Fob-93-96-Chevrolet-Corvette-88960923/321742368618?fits=Year%3A1993%7CModel%3A Corvette&epid=656566736&hash=item4ae956e f6a:g:xoYAAOSwKgdacd8U:rk:6:pf:0&vxp=mtr
Last time I looked they (coupe and vert) were the same price, but they do seem to be charging more for that second button now. It now looks like you can buy new cases, I don't remember seeing that before.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Keyless-Key-Fob-Remote-Case-Shell-Snap-Style-For-Chevy-Corvette-C4-1993-1996/362197308953?fits=Year%3A1993%7CModel%3A Corvette&hash=item5454a45619:g:CiwAAOSwT NNZ1SjY:rk:2:pf:0&vxp=mtr
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-NEW-Keyless-Entry-Remote-Transmitter-Fob-93-96-Chevrolet-Corvette-88960923/321742368618?fits=Year%3A1993%7CModel%3A Corvette&epid=656566736&hash=item4ae956e f6a:g:xoYAAOSwKgdacd8U:rk:6:pf:0&vxp=mtr
Last time I looked they (coupe and vert) were the same price, but they do seem to be charging more for that second button now. It now looks like you can buy new cases, I don't remember seeing that before.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Keyless-Key-Fob-Remote-Case-Shell-Snap-Style-For-Chevy-Corvette-C4-1993-1996/362197308953?fits=Year%3A1993%7CModel%3A Corvette&hash=item5454a45619:g:CiwAAOSwT NNZ1SjY:rk:2:pf:0&vxp=mtr
Last edited by markKlein; Oct 18, 2018 at 09:18 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 13
From: Bay Area CA
my corvette came with one set of keys as well, i ordered a remote from eBay few months ago and it was around $180 with shipping, before ordering i was reading some complaints about how the system drains the battery constantly, few months later i can be comfortable enough to say: bullshit.
the system works great and i am very happy i spent that money on a stupid tiny remote (which cost like a complete alarm system).
the system works great and i am very happy i spent that money on a stupid tiny remote (which cost like a complete alarm system).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 891
Likes: 175
From: PA
My 96 was in sleep mode when I bought the car. Had the dealer take care of it and got it working. I trusted that it wouldn't lock the doors when the keys were in the car or the ignition. Drove to a friends house and we were working on the car keys in the ignition when it locked the doors after I closed the door one time. The battery in the fob was new. So I tried rocking the car. Pretty hard to rock a C4 very much but managed what should have been enough as the keys were swaying back and fourth. Still nothing. Then I fished a coat hanger between the top of the passenger window and top. Got hold of the key ring and pulled it out of the ignition and the movement opened the locks. It was great for opening the doors as you approached the vehicle but I never trusted ever leaving the keys in the car again. Well not without either the spares close by or a window down.
Last edited by ZWILDZR1; Oct 19, 2018 at 02:02 AM. Reason: spelling
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
While I was replacing the window stop in the drivers door I noticed that there is an aerial fitted in the door that I assume was for remote locking. (I've only had this car for 2 months so still getting to know it) The car never came with a remote key fob only one set of keys (door, ign. and fuel cap plus another key the same size as the fuel cap one but don't know what its for). I'm wondering whether to reinstate the remote locking if it works but a brief search online says a key is $174.00 ( $264.00 here + postage) thats a out of my budget at the moment, does anyone know of an aftermarket opener that will work?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,441
Likes: 421
From: Ventura County, CA
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
Yup, when I wash it in the driveway, if I have the keys in my pocket it starts driving you crazy after several honks (locks/unlocks).
I had to buy a new fob after I accidentally broke my last one, it was pricey on eBay so have $120+ Handy for one. All that said, I might be one of the few that actually likes the PKE auto lock/unlock feature though, wish my C5Z had it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Yup, when I wash it in the driveway, if I have the keys in my pocket it starts driving you crazy after several honks (locks/unlocks).
I had to buy a new fob after I accidentally broke my last one, it was pricey on eBay so have $120+ Handy for one. All that said, I might be one of the few that actually likes the PKE auto lock/unlock feature though, wish my C5Z had it.