2000 Key FOB Issue
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Joined: Oct 2008
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2000 Key FOB Issue
Need some help here please. I have an existing key fob that worked for quite a while and recently stopped working (even with a new battery installed). It simply could not be recognized by the car when trying to program it. I bought another used FOB and the car would not recognize it as well when trying to program it.
I took both FOBs to AutoZone and sure enough, the fob tester they had showed both not transmitting. I replaced both batteries, turns out they were dead or weak, and went to program them. This time both fobs worked but only for a few cycles. Once they stopped working, any further attempts to reprogram were unsuccessful as the car would not recognize them.
I am going to take the fobs back to AutoZone to see if they show they are transmitting. If not, I will test the batteries to see if somehow they could have been shorted and are now weak or dead. Assuming they pass the AutoZone test, could I have an issue with the car itself? Both fobs not working by going bad seems to be questionable.
What can I do to test the car itself? I don't know of another C5 owner to see if their car will reconize these fobs in their present state (hense AutoZone).
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
I took both FOBs to AutoZone and sure enough, the fob tester they had showed both not transmitting. I replaced both batteries, turns out they were dead or weak, and went to program them. This time both fobs worked but only for a few cycles. Once they stopped working, any further attempts to reprogram were unsuccessful as the car would not recognize them.
I am going to take the fobs back to AutoZone to see if they show they are transmitting. If not, I will test the batteries to see if somehow they could have been shorted and are now weak or dead. Assuming they pass the AutoZone test, could I have an issue with the car itself? Both fobs not working by going bad seems to be questionable.
What can I do to test the car itself? I don't know of another C5 owner to see if their car will reconize these fobs in their present state (hense AutoZone).
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 37
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From: Shawnee Kansas
Had the same issue on my 2000 C5. Key fob would only work a few times before loosing synchronization with the car. I ended up buying a brand new remote from the dealer and its been working great for the last 6 months.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Some people have been able to get their fobs going again with soldering and others it doesn't work. They all appear to fail after 8-10 years and some are just dead. Buying a new one seems to solve the issues. Why the older ones fail is unknown and GM won't discuss it as I've written to them before concerning this. They simply say to take the car to the dealer.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Ok One FOB showed it was transmitting and one did not. After taking a Q-Tip with alcohol on it to the circuit board and contacts to both fobs, the one that showed it was transmitting continued to transmit and was successfully programed to the car and is now working. That settles the "Could it be a car and not fob issue." The other fob is still not transmitting. Another forum member has been kind enough to look at it for me to check for broken contacts and resolder as needed. Hopefully this will bring the fob back to life.
