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Do key fobs go bad?

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Old 05-20-2018, 05:49 PM
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kansasjayhawks
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Default Do key fobs go bad?

With more regularity, I'm having difficulty opening the door, and/or starting my '06 C6. The "no key fob detected" message is also more common. Yes, I change the battery when these issues become more common. But then, I'm also using more batteries.

Do key fobs go bad? Should I switch to key fob #2?

I'm fearful of being locked out, or unable to start the car in some remote location.

Thoughts?

Last edited by kansasjayhawks; 05-20-2018 at 05:50 PM. Reason: added content
Old 05-20-2018, 06:27 PM
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EVRose
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More likely the batteries you're using arnt fresh. They should last years. And if you have it and the key with you at all times you can't get locked out.

Last edited by EVRose; 05-20-2018 at 06:28 PM.
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Old 05-20-2018, 06:47 PM
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kansasjayhawks
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Default Do key fobs go bad

Originally Posted by EVRose
More likely the batteries you're using arnt fresh. They should last years. And if you have it and the key with you at all times you can't get locked out.

I've wondered about the "new" batteries I'm buying from WalMart. There's no expiration date that I can find. I've always wondered if they aren't "fresh" or expired.


Do you carry the key with you? Wish it was integrated into the fob, like so many. Maybe I can hide it somewhere under/around the car?
Old 05-20-2018, 07:23 PM
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EVRose
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I do have the fob and key on a keyring. They never leave my pocket when I'm out. You could get the newer style fob if you want the key integrated with it.
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Old 05-20-2018, 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by kansasjayhawks
I've wondered about the "new" batteries I'm buying from WalMart. There's no expiration date that I can find. I've always wondered if they aren't "fresh" or expired.
It's possible you're getting bad batteries from WalMart, but not very likely since they sell so many.

However, at one time, they sold the batteries that had engraving on one side and sometimes they didn't make a good connection in the fob.

A slight possibility is a contact in the fob is bent and is making a connection when you're just carrying the fob and not using it.

GM says the fob batteries that come with a new fob should last about 3 years.

Last edited by Vette_DD; 05-20-2018 at 08:16 PM.
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Old 05-21-2018, 10:15 AM
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ALS 08
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Ive had intermittent issues with batteries that have a hatch pattern etched onto the + surface. Switched to Duracell which are smooth.

Last edited by ALS 08; 05-21-2018 at 10:15 AM.
Old 05-21-2018, 10:26 AM
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FatsWaller
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Originally Posted by kansasjayhawks
With more regularity, I'm having difficulty opening the door, and/or starting my '06 C6. The "no key fob detected" message is also more common. Yes, I change the battery when these issues become more common. But then, I'm also using more batteries.

Do key fobs go bad? Should I switch to key fob #2?

I'm fearful of being locked out, or unable to start the car in some remote location.

Thoughts?
Switching to fob #2 would be a good first step to see if the problem is with fob#1, or elsewhere. If the issues go away with #2, then you can focus on #1, and deal with it. Just my .02
Old 05-21-2018, 10:38 AM
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jrose7004
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After I washed one in the washing machine, it was bad!
Old 05-21-2018, 02:29 PM
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Must_Have_Z
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FOBs normally last a long time, as long as you replace the batteries when they get low and use an electronics contact cleaner on the internals (similar to the electronic door release switch). My passenger door release unit started failing (door wouldn't open for about 5 seconds and 3 or 4 retries) and I took it apart and cleaned the contact points with rubbing alcohol and it works good as new.
Old 05-21-2018, 03:55 PM
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KW Baraka
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
After I washed one in the washing machine, it was bad!
.....but it was clean!
Old 05-21-2018, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by kansasjayhawks
With more regularity, I'm having difficulty opening the door, and/or starting my '06 C6. The "no key fob detected" message is also more common. Yes, I change the battery when these issues become more common. But then, I'm also using more batteries.

Do key fobs go bad? Should I switch to key fob #2?

I'm fearful of being locked out, or unable to start the car in some remote location.

Thoughts?
I actually got locked out in a parking lot due to a dead fob battery. I just opened the door with the key and inserted the dead fob in the fob slot inside the glove box then started the car.

Last edited by door2416; 05-22-2018 at 06:23 AM.
Old 05-21-2018, 05:29 PM
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Must_Have_Z
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If your FOBs show any sign of weakness, replace the battery asap to see if it fixes it (or clean the contacts as I mentioned).

Last edited by Must_Have_Z; 05-21-2018 at 05:29 PM.
Old 05-27-2018, 09:29 PM
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unclecookie
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The #1 fob for my 08 is getting to where it doesn't work very often anymore. The #2 fob works just fine. I replaced batteries in both fobs at the same time. I even removed the battery in fob #1 to check the voltage and it is where it is supposed to be. So I will be shopping for a new fob soon. Besides, the little button you push to remove the key is broken anyway, so it is time for a replacement. Any suggestions on where to buy a new one?
Old 05-28-2018, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by unclecookie
The #1 fob for my 08 is getting to where it doesn't work very often anymore. The #2 fob works just fine. I replaced batteries in both fobs at the same time. I even removed the battery in fob #1 to check the voltage and it is where it is supposed to be. So I will be shopping for a new fob soon. Besides, the little button you push to remove the key is broken anyway, so it is time for a replacement. Any suggestions on where to buy a new one?
They are on amazon but they are generally pricey no matter where you get them. I think $120 or so each. I don't know if you have to pay to have it reprogrammed also for your car.

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