Key Fob does not work in cold weather?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Key Fob does not work in cold weather?
OK, so here is my issue. I have a '98 vert, and if the outside temp drops below freezing the key fob will not work to lock or unlock. I also do not get any tire pressure readings until the car reaches operating temp (about 194). Once the car reaches operating temp the key fob works fine and I can lock/unlock the car without using the key. My question is this something I am just going to have to deal with or is there something wrong?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,195
Likes: 4,180
From: Kannapolis NC
That's not right. It should work. I suspect that maybe a connector is contracting a little with the cold and not connecting in your remote/tps receiver. I'd try cleaning and tightening the plug and check the ground. Maybe try wiggling a little while it's cold to see if the remote works intermittently with the movement. It could be a connection on the printed circuit board inside also, but it should work hot or cold.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The fobs work at RF so it has to be either battery or mechanical.
The RFA is quite well insulated in the rear so I'd be surprised if its that. I'll assume that you've checked the car battery and there are no other symptoms associated with that.
I'd bet that the batteries in the fob are less than fully effective when they get cold. Try changing those first.
The RFA is quite well insulated in the rear so I'd be surprised if its that. I'll assume that you've checked the car battery and there are no other symptoms associated with that.
I'd bet that the batteries in the fob are less than fully effective when they get cold. Try changing those first.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Thanks for all of the support. I have new batteries in the fob's and I just checked for any loose wires on the RFA (no luck). I would agree that the batteries would be less effective in the cold, but the fob is not cold either inside or in my pocket. I also have no tire pressure reading until the car reaches operating temp. The only things that seem to be in common are the car battery (I did not check because the car starts with no hesitation I guess that is my next step) and the RFA.
Thanks again
Shannon
Thanks again
Shannon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Thanks for posting the fix.
Now, do yourself a favor and get a battery maintainer and use when your C5 sits. AGM batteries (your redtop) do not like the high current demands of a C5 while sitting. Your battery will thank you with a long life.
Now, do yourself a favor and get a battery maintainer and use when your C5 sits. AGM batteries (your redtop) do not like the high current demands of a C5 while sitting. Your battery will thank you with a long life.
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