99 Malibu: keyless lock/unlock fob is breaking down

[Johnny R]

I have 2 problems with the keyless fob on my 99 Malibu LS. Just the lock/unlock/trunk opener. I don't have remote starter. I thought the fob battery was getting weak, but the problems don't improve at all with a new battery.
Problem 1: I have to push like crazy on the fob buttons, especially the trunk unlock. Sometimes it won't respond at all.
Problem 2: I have to get closer and closer to the car before the lock/unlock works. It seems I have to be within 5 paces now to make it work.
My wife's fob works perfectly. These little buggers cost over $100, so in there's a way of fixing rather than replacing, I'd sure like to hear about it.

[HyperFox]

Have you changed the battery yet?

[Johnny R]

Read my message. New batteries don't improve anything.

[NocturnalCreations]

lmao at last post

might sound a bit crazy but I have had electrical interference that stopped the fob from working unless u were right next to the car. Did the same thing with new batts and no difference. I have a florescent light fixture in my garage that I dont use because the ballast is screwed up in it. Sometimes people would turn on the switch thinking that was the switch for the main lighting and not turn it off when they see it was the wrong switch. I tested this over and over and without a doubt the fob would not work with the malfunctioning florescent light turned on. I discovered this because the fixture hums. Damn near luck.

Im just trying to tell u something other than change ur batts after u said u did that already lol

Hope u figure it out. Post back and let us know.

[jonnik]

Try taking it apart (like you do when changing the battery) and cleaning the contact pads under the buttons with a pencil eraser.