Keyless Entry Works Intermittently (1 Viewer)

[Muddy Bean]

'98 Cruiser with keyless remote built into key. Some days it works...others it doesn't. I've reprogrammed it to the truck. It locks and unlocks fine...lights flash...everything great. Then later in the day, I'll go to lock or unlock and nothing happens. I've replaced the battery in the remote with a brand new one. Anyone had this issue before? Searched the forum like crazy but found nothing helpful...

 

[SaadUK]

If you have a spare remote check with that.

 

[Muddy Bean]

Unfortunately I don't have a spare remote. That would have been a shot though...

 

[SaadUK]

The issue seems to be related with the remote. Its not very well made. Maybe dirty contacts and needs servicing.

 

[triskelion]

same issue here on both clickers

range is not good, i have to be within 10 feet of the truck to lock/unlock the doors

it doesnt bother me anymore

any tips on cleaning the remote?

 

[Muddy Bean]

When it works...it works from 40 feet away. When it doesn't, it won't work even if I'm standing right next to the truck. Seems strange to me...hate to have to go to the stealership for this one...

 

[Muddy Bean]

BTW, there is no way to clean the contacts as far as I know. The unit inside is sealed (had mine apart today)

 

[tdkhelene]

Anyone tried extending the antenna for the receiver? I saw someone do something like that in a thread in the 80's series section. Is the receiver located in the same place? (https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/233963-grey-wire-mod-extend-alarm-remote-range.html)

 

[SaadUK]

It seems sealed but can be opened. I had similar issue so I opened it to replace the cells and cleaned the contacts which had some powdery coating due to old cells.

 

[Muddy Bean]

You can open up the battery part, but cannot get to the button contacts...unless someone tells me differently. On a GM remote, you can pull out the circuit board and actually clean the contacts on the chip. Not so with this remote...seems sealed to me. Here are reference pics I took last night:

 

[SaadUK]

Wow mine is a bit different inside, even the key cut is from inside

 

[Muddy Bean]

That center trapazoidal looking piece comes out as one unit with the buttons attached. Still a sealed unit. Still have no idea what makes the remote work sometimes and sometimes not. Today it worked all day...then quit tonight on a run to Walmart.

 

[paflytyer]

Do your locks always work from the door controls inside the truck? Just ruling out the actuator.

 

[Muddy Bean]

Do your locks always work from the door controls inside the truck? Just ruling out the actuator.

Yes sir. Indeed they always do. Was thinking the Body Control Module (ECU B) might be messed up but it would manifest I think in other ways. If you ever want to see what kind of craziness the Body ECU can cause, just pull your ECU B fuse...don't ask me how I know...

 

[aaronrules]

Mine is starting to do this also. Can't find replacement batteries around town so I ordered some from Amazon. I am hoping that will do the trick. Although it does seem that i have to push the buttons real hard for them to work. Too bad replacements are horribly expensive!

 

[Muddy Bean]

I was able to get the battery from my local Autozone. I think it's a CR1516 3V.

 

[chitown40]

Do you live anywhere near a large radio tower? Radio interference will wreak havoc with the factory remotes occasionally. Depending on the day and atmospheric conditions it's better or worse.

Additionally, I posted this up in the Scangauge thread... When I have my OBDII Bluetooth connector in the diagnostic port, my factory keyless entry will not work. I have an aftermarket remote/start keyless entry installed now and have great range and no problems.

 

[Hugh Heifer]

I am guessing it is worn out.

Posted from a brick.

 

[Muddy Bean]

Interesting about the radio tower interference. I've experienced that before. I'm honestly thinking this is a body control module issue. I've had some problems with the bcm before on this truck. May just have to go aftermarket like you did.

 

[Justin Alderson]

@Muddy Bean, I'm having some similar issues and was curious if you figured it out. Thanks!