KEY PHOB FAILURE
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
KEY PHOB FAILURE
I can no longer use my (one and only) key phob on my 98 coupe. I have replaced the battery, relearned it numerous times and this is what it does. Upon relearn it will work fine for about 1-2 unlock cycles (1-2 minutes) and then I have to do the (press the lock and unlock buttons at the same time manuver) to get it to work again. Then it will sync up for about the same 1-2 minutes and then it will not work until I relearn or press the lock & unlock buttons.
What do you think is wrong?? Phob? Module? The Phob battery is new and the old battery did the exact samething.
PLEASE HELP!!
Bill C
[Modified by Bill Curlee, 8:08 PM 11/2/2002]
What do you think is wrong?? Phob? Module? The Phob battery is new and the old battery did the exact samething.
PLEASE HELP!!
Bill C
[Modified by Bill Curlee, 8:08 PM 11/2/2002]
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
It sounds like your battery is possibly losing contact in your key fob.
Check to see that the battery contacts are not damaged, bent, or out of position. Also make sure the keyfob case is fully closed.
Check to see that the battery contacts are not damaged, bent, or out of position. Also make sure the keyfob case is fully closed.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood TX
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
Bill - I have a '98 Coupe that is doing exactly the same thing. It started out that I had to re-sync (lock + unlock, 7 sec), then a few tries later and it would not work. Then I had to use re-learn, and that worked for a while. Now neither key fob works, and the car transmitter will not recognize them for re-sync or re-learn.
I have reviewed the service manual and it looks like the transmitter is bad, but I do not have a way to test it. I may try to remove the transmitter, it is under the left rear quarter panel, but I have not had time or desire to tear this far into the car.
Hopefully someone else with a '98 has had this problem and solved it ??
I have reviewed the service manual and it looks like the transmitter is bad, but I do not have a way to test it. I may try to remove the transmitter, it is under the left rear quarter panel, but I have not had time or desire to tear this far into the car.
Hopefully someone else with a '98 has had this problem and solved it ??
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 1
From: Louisville KY
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
bill,
i would agree with prodesign. the contacts may just need to be cleaned.
jbdower,
before you start removing the "receiver" let me say this. if your tire pressure sensors are working properly then it's probably not your receiver since they both operate on the same frequency.
i would agree with prodesign. the contacts may just need to be cleaned.
jbdower,
before you start removing the "receiver" let me say this. if your tire pressure sensors are working properly then it's probably not your receiver since they both operate on the same frequency.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 1
From: El Paso TX
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Untouchable00)
Mine did the same thing. I changed the battery and no luck. I used my spare fob that was brand new and haven't had the problem since. It is most definitely the fob causing the problem (pretty sure anyway). Try cleaning the contacts and prying the contacts out to make better contact with the battery. Or, just get a new fob from the dealer. Lucky me, I had a brand new spare. :D
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood TX
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (ROCKnROLL)
Rock n Roll - good point, my tire sensors are reporting correctly so that would lead me to believe that the transmitter is OK, but are you sure it uses the same freq. and circut as the key "FOB". Seems unusual that I would lose the use of both of mine.
Bill - if you know another C5 owner that will allow it, why don't you try to tain your FOB to his car, if that won't work then we will know that this problem is the FOB. In my case I do not have access to another C5.
Bill - if you know another C5 owner that will allow it, why don't you try to tain your FOB to his car, if that won't work then we will know that this problem is the FOB. In my case I do not have access to another C5.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: gainesville tx
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (jbdower)
I am having the same prob right now!
I thought my car was being taken over by demons
the only difference is w/mine after continually relearning my fob it started honking twice instead of once and then the locks would lock and unlock nonstop until i started the car! Im gonna try and get a new fob as my tire sensors are working fine!
I thought my car was being taken over by demons
the only difference is w/mine after continually relearning my fob it started honking twice instead of once and then the locks would lock and unlock nonstop until i started the car! Im gonna try and get a new fob as my tire sensors are working fine!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 4
From: C.H., N.J.
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
I had similiar problems about a year ago with one of my fobs for my 1999 FRC. I changed batteries on both fobs and one fob still would not do anything after one or two lock/unlock cycles. I went to the dealer who tested the bad fob. It was replaced under warranty. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (wantavette)
Come to think of it mine also did the BEEP TWICE thing too. Hmmmm? I have a 02 ZO6. The (FOB) looks different but are they the same? Will my 02 FOB work on my 98? We will fund out S H O R T L Y!!!! :) Im going to go try it now. Wish me luck!
Bill C
Bill C
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
Well ,,,an 02 FOB will NOT work on a 98! :rolleyes: I didn't think that I would be that lucky. I re-learned my 98 fob again and it worked but I get the double unlock, lock and double beep. About 1minute later it's dead again. So I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get a new one. I will let ALL of you know if a new one fixes the problem. What's the price tag on a new FOB???
Thanks for all of your recommendations and assistance!
Bill C
Thanks for all of your recommendations and assistance!
Bill C
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: gainesville tx
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
Keep me updated, maybe between the both of us we can get this figured out! Otherwise Im gonna trade it in this week on something cheap and reliable
And thanx to everyone else who chimes in!
:(
And thanx to everyone else who chimes in!
:(
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 1
From: El Paso TX
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (wantavette)
Keep me updated, maybe between the both of us we can get this figured out! Otherwise Im gonna trade it in this week on something cheap and reliable
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 1
From: Louisville KY
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (jbdower)
[QUOTE]Rock n Roll - good point, my tire sensors are reporting correctly so that would lead me to believe that the transmitter is OK, but are you sure it uses the same freq. and circut as the key "FOB". Seems unusual that I would lose the use of both of mine. [QUOTE]
1 agree jbdower it does seem unusual. there is one more thing to check.
your battery under the hood. if it is not fully charged or stays fully charged it can affect your fob training. i experienced that once when i was reprogramming my tire sensors.
1 agree jbdower it does seem unusual. there is one more thing to check.
your battery under the hood. if it is not fully charged or stays fully charged it can affect your fob training. i experienced that once when i was reprogramming my tire sensors.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: gainesville tx
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Viprklr)
I was just kidding about trading it in (maybe)
If its only the fob then no prob but if it is some kind of electrical demons, Ive learned from past experiences to just get rid of it
If its only the fob then no prob but if it is some kind of electrical demons, Ive learned from past experiences to just get rid of it
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Ottumwa IA
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
Had the same problems a while ago. Tried everything, including the bending of the contacts. Finally gave up and bought a new Fob from one of the supporting dealers. Solved the problem, but I still don't know why it went down to start with. (Might have something to do with me dropping my keys everytime I take them out of my pocket, but surely not :jester ).
Anyway, I recommend getting another fob and avoiding the frustration.
Anyway, I recommend getting another fob and avoiding the frustration.
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD, USA
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
I will say that for the money that the General charges for a FOB, why not just do it like BMW, Lexus whoever where it is basically part of the key. Our BMW key is about $125, but it is built to last.
I have this same issue. My problem was when I opened my second brand new fob, it was missing the contacts! After warranty expired.
I have this same issue. My problem was when I opened my second brand new fob, it was missing the contacts! After warranty expired.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13,560
Likes: 781
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
I have had my 98 Coupe FOB reset a couple of times also. But here is what was /is weird about mine. It only happened when I parked at this one place of business. I think three times now - only in this one parking lot. When I leave my FOB works great. Also my cell phone won't work there either - I have to be outside this parking lot. There must be one helluhva lot of electronic polution in this one area. sure Glad I do not live around there maybe I'd glow at night.
AL :crazy: :crazy: :reddevil
AL :crazy: :crazy: :reddevil
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
Re: KEY PHOB FAILURE (Bill Curlee)
I had/have the same problem with my '99. I tried everything...new batteries, cleaned the contacts, checked the antenna on the receiver...both FOBs still loose sync after 2-3 minutes. I'm not going to buy another POS FOB, GM needs to recall these early units and replace them with a better design. Right now I have the FOBs inactive. I open the car with the key.....at least that way no one can open my car and turn off the factory alarm with a scanner. :cheers: