Yet another PKE issue
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Beaumont California
Yet another PKE issue
Some time ago, I believe my keys and fob were stolen to my ‘96 LT4 coupe. I’ve had new keys made and bought a fob from another CF member (thank you Joseph!). But I’ve hit a snag trying to program the PKE to the new FOB. My Vette has, unfortunately, sat for well over a year and a half with a dead battery. I do not remember if the PKE was on or off when I garaged it, but it is inaccessible now. I’ve tried to program the PKE to the FOB, as I’ve done many times before, using the DIC. When I turn the ignition on, the PKE does not illuminate on the DIC. So when I use the reprogramming procedure, nothing happens. Have I caused a problem letting the car set so long with the dead battery? Was the PKE off when I parked it and it won’t allow me to reprogram? I’m stuck and could use some help. I’ve extensive experience with the later gen C4’s so I’m very perplexed. HELP! I want to drive my baby again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Some time ago, I believe my keys and fob were stolen to my ‘96 LT4 coupe. I’ve had new keys made and bought a fob from another CF member (thank you Joseph!). But I’ve hit a snag trying to program the PKE to the new FOB. My Vette has, unfortunately, sat for well over a year and a half with a dead battery. I do not remember if the PKE was on or off when I garaged it, but it is inaccessible now. I’ve tried to program the PKE to the FOB, as I’ve done many times before, using the DIC. When I turn the ignition on, the PKE does not illuminate on the DIC. So when I use the reprogramming procedure, nothing happens. Have I caused a problem letting the car set so long with the dead battery? Was the PKE off when I parked it and it won’t allow me to reprogram? I’m stuck and could use some help. I’ve extensive experience with the later gen C4’s so I’m very perplexed. HELP! I want to drive my baby again!
If your keys were stolen, how did you get new keys created?
Also, how does this prevent you from driving the car?
Last edited by markKlein; Apr 8, 2020 at 04:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Beaumont California
markKlein
You are assuming incorrectly about cause of your problem. It is not needed that the PKE illuminates when you turn the key on. What happens at each step of the PKE programming procedure? Fuses 26, 40 and 42?
If your keys were stolen, how did you get new keys created?
Also, how does this prevent you from driving the car?
If your keys were stolen, how did you get new keys created?
Also, how does this prevent you from driving the car?
I had new keys made by ordering the correct VATs key blank then using my vehicles key code to have it ground by a keysmith.
And yes, the fuses are all fine. I would not post for help without checking basics like fuses and batteries.
During the programming procedure, the PKE will normally light then blink. Mine will not light at all. I don’t remember if the PKE normally illuminated for a moment when off. It would help if someone would check this on a functioning car, how it lights on the DIC with the PKE on and off.
Not sure what incorrect assumption you think I am making. I’ve programmed FOBs to C4’s before and not encountered this issue. Some helpful info and solutions would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
No, it does not actually prevent me from driving my car. I just do not like to drive it with, what I consider to be, an important part of the car not functioning.
I had new keys made by ordering the correct VATs key blank then using my vehicles key code to have it ground by a keysmith.
And yes, the fuses are all fine. I would not post for help without checking basics like fuses and batteries.
During the programming procedure, the PKE will normally light then blink. Mine will not light at all. I don’t remember if the PKE normally illuminated for a moment when off. It would help if someone would check this on a functioning car, how it lights on the DIC with the PKE on and off.
Not sure what incorrect assumption you think I am making. I’ve programmed FOBs to C4’s before and not encountered this issue. Some helpful info and solutions would be appreciated.
I had new keys made by ordering the correct VATs key blank then using my vehicles key code to have it ground by a keysmith.
And yes, the fuses are all fine. I would not post for help without checking basics like fuses and batteries.
During the programming procedure, the PKE will normally light then blink. Mine will not light at all. I don’t remember if the PKE normally illuminated for a moment when off. It would help if someone would check this on a functioning car, how it lights on the DIC with the PKE on and off.
Not sure what incorrect assumption you think I am making. I’ve programmed FOBs to C4’s before and not encountered this issue. Some helpful info and solutions would be appreciated.
Sorry for suggesting obvious things, I have no way of knowing what you know and don't know. The most frequent complaint about PKE is " I did everything right and it doesn't work". Most of the time they didn't do everything right, or else don't know how it is supposed to work. So I see a few possibilities; maybe the ignition switch is worn and not indicating the key is present when you turn the key OFF (leaving it in the cylinder), do you get the door open chime with the key in but in the OFF position? Perhaps the bulb is just out, perhaps the PKE module has gone bad, perhaps there is a problem with the ODO or FUEL button.
I attached something that might help:
Last edited by markKlein; Apr 9, 2020 at 07:57 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 343
From: Glastonbury CT
Yes start from day 1. I hate this system and mine was going crazy so i replaced the FOB battery with the correct voltage and reprogram ( need service manual) to do correctly I have had my car since new and have dis armed the system once and it was hell reprograming it again and i am a retired Electrical person with some no how.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Beaumont California
The assumption is that the light not coming on when you turn the key on indicates a problem. That just mean the system is turned off. And yes you can program fobs when the system is off.
Sorry for suggesting obvious things, I have no way of knowing what you know and don't know. The most frequent complaint about PKE is " I did everything right and it doesn't work". Most of the time they didn't do everything right, or else don't know how it is supposed to work. So I see a few possibilities; maybe the ignition switch is worn and not indicating the key is present when you turn the key OFF (leaving it in the cylinder), do you get the door open chime with the key in but in the OFF position? Perhaps the bulb is just out, perhaps the PKE module has gone bad, perhaps there is a problem with the ODO or FUEL button.
I attached something that might help:
Sorry for suggesting obvious things, I have no way of knowing what you know and don't know. The most frequent complaint about PKE is " I did everything right and it doesn't work". Most of the time they didn't do everything right, or else don't know how it is supposed to work. So I see a few possibilities; maybe the ignition switch is worn and not indicating the key is present when you turn the key OFF (leaving it in the cylinder), do you get the door open chime with the key in but in the OFF position? Perhaps the bulb is just out, perhaps the PKE module has gone bad, perhaps there is a problem with the ODO or FUEL button.
I attached something that might help:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 101
From: Decatur, Alabama
The door chime not working could be a worn ignition switch which would cause the problem as well BUT you need to check the circuit (fuse) that the chime is on. Can you wiggle key and get chime to work? Does interior lights and cigarette lighter work?
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Beaumont California
The reason I’ve not addressed the chime issue is that everything else has worked, PKE, lights, cig. lighter, etc. Wiggling the key does not effect anything. I know that there are some other connections in the column, under the steering wheel that often wear out. Are there other areas that should be looked at? I’ll pull the codes, if any, and see what that suggests.
Last edited by bscot968; Apr 9, 2020 at 07:39 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
The reason I’ve not addressed the chime issue is that everything else has worked, PKE, lights, cig. lighter, etc. Wiggling the key does not effect anything. I know that there are some other connections in the column, under the steering wheel that often wear out. Are there other areas that should be looked at? I’ll pull the codes, if any, and see what that suggests.
If the cylinder is worn and the car doesn't sense it as being in the cylinder you can't perform the programming. Try the programming procedure but when you get to the part where you turn the key off keep your hand on it and push in. That Sometimes works
Last edited by markKlein; Apr 10, 2020 at 06:33 PM.