key fob dead?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 255
Likes: 41
From: Lake Charles LA
It could be the car's battery is dead. Did the little red LED door indicator light come on? Key fob batteries are good for about three years depending on usage. They are easily and inexpensively replaced. Plus, the fob doesn't have to be "re-programmed" to the vehicle. Try the other function tabs on the fob. If the hatch opens as it should then it's not the fob battery. Push the lock tab. Do the car lights flash?
If all of the above tests are OK, it might be the touchpad mechanism used to unlock and open the doors. If so, they can also easily be replaced.
If all of the above tests are OK, it might be the touchpad mechanism used to unlock and open the doors. If so, they can also easily be replaced.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
2nd: Make sure it isn't radio interference from a nearby cell phone or other source. (it is common for the fob not to be recognized if its in the same hand or pocket as your cell phone)
3rd: Replace key fob battery -- its like $2 at WalMart, and about 45 seconds worth of work to replace. I would definitely do that *before* expending any additional funds or effort chasing down other less likely possibilities.
Cheers,
Kent
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
yes the light would blink red when trying to open the door. funny thing is later on in the day i tried again and it opened no problem. guess its on the verge of dying? everything else with car works..so guess ill make that trip to walmart. thanks guys!
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
don't be so sure that it is the battery in the fob , i had the same thing happen to me and then the car was fine for few days and stopped working again after opening the car via the trunk i got the the engine compartment and found that i had a loose battery connection
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
When replacing the fob battery, avoid Rayovac. Those have a gridded negative face and don't make consistant contact with the spring connector in the fob. Use only batteries with a smooth negative surface.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...post1572939623
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...post1572939623
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Extreme cold temps can effect a fob's operation as well, at least it did for mine a few times. I had left it in my other car one day when it was roughly 25* outside and when I went to take the Vette for a spin that night the fob wouldn't open the doors for me (neither automatically nor by hitting the buttons) and it took me a minute or two to figure out that it was the cold that caused it. After warming it up a little bit between my hands it worked fine.
Now do keep in mind that I also still have the original fob battery (almost 4 full years old at the time) in it as well so I might drop a new one in there and see if leaving it in the cold will still cause the same issue.
Now do keep in mind that I also still have the original fob battery (almost 4 full years old at the time) in it as well so I might drop a new one in there and see if leaving it in the cold will still cause the same issue.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Might as well by 2 batteries. The one I use most lasted 5 years but I changed both at the same time to be safe.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
I only use one fob/remote and have never even used the 2nd once since I'd bought the car but that one's battery is probably still pretty worn down as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
I'm glad I read this. I got my z06 last week and the second fob didn't work. Replaced the battery with a rayovac and still didn't work. Dealer tried to program and said it looks like battery was dead but I assured them it was a brand new battery. Looks like I'll try swapping batteries and see if that fixes it.
