Do poles affect remote operations??

Hello. I have a 2001 Grand Vitara. Yesterday morning, I backed up into a metal pole (not a morning person :)!! ) Anyway, the keyless entry worked fine until I hit the pole then it hasn't worked since. I didn't THINK I hit it that hard, There's no major damage, just a crack or two in the plastic bumper and fender. I just changed the battery in the remote about 3-4 months ago so I don't think it's that. Any ideas??