Key Fobs from Hell
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Key Fobs from Hell
I recently purchased a 2000 coupe, first Corvette since 1968. Yes, I realize I am an old gezzer, but I have tried to program key fobs several times and I do know how to read the manual. Can one of you Corvette experts explain how these stupid things work when I am sitting in the drivers seat but will not work outside the car? The car I purchased was taken to the local Chevrolet dealer who indicated key fobs were the wrong the ones for the car. I contacted the previous owner who has 2 other Corvettes and sold the 3rd one to me to buy a new ZR1 because wifey said 3 total was enough. Bye the way he is a business owner I personally know. I trust the previous owner over the dealer when it comes to these key fobs. Anyone have suggestions on what else to try or is this the nature of the beast? I have only owned this car for 3 weeks but now I am concerned that too many bells and whistles may drive me nuts. I get messages that front tires are low in pressure, fill them and then get messages that they are overinflated. Good Grief!!
All I want is to drive the car!!!! Help!! I am thinking of trading my dream car in on a stupid civic.
All I want is to drive the car!!!! Help!! I am thinking of trading my dream car in on a stupid civic.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
Try replacing the batteries first with cr2032 I believe. You can snap the fobs open with a quarter pretty easily. While they're apart, clean the contact area on the circuit board with a pencil eraser and then try the re-sync and then reprogram if necessary. Here's instructions.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2133241
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2133241
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The way the fobs work is they transmit at RF to a receiver (shared with the tire pressure system)which sends the unlock signal to the computer.
The older fobs work at a different frequency than the newer ones.
If its working in the car but not outside they have to be the correct fobs. Looks like you have a range problem which probably suggests weak batteries. If a battery change and a resynch doesn't work then you may need to replace the fobs.
The older fobs work at a different frequency than the newer ones.
If its working in the car but not outside they have to be the correct fobs. Looks like you have a range problem which probably suggests weak batteries. If a battery change and a resynch doesn't work then you may need to replace the fobs.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,141
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
Take a breath, you'll be fine. If the fob battery doesn't fix it, you can buy a new fob (for the 2000) from Gene Culley on here for about $60 and then you'll be set for years. As far as the tire pressure, once you change pressure, drive the car to activate the sensors for correct pressure. Put 30 lbs in with a gauge, then drive the car a while and see what they read. Should be pretty close. Worse case scenario, you'll have to replace fobs and tire pressure sensors, but if it's really your dream car, it's a one time fix and then you can just drive and enjoy.
