Key fob working intermitently

[dtownfb]

I changed the battery on my key fob for my 2000 Intrigue a few weeks ago. Worked fine immediately afterwards. Over the past week or so, it has been working intermittently and at varying ranges. Today, even standing next to the car, it does not work.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what the problem could be? is there anything I can check?

This car is getting frustrating. My driver side rear window stopped working yesterday and the A/C is low on freon.

Edit: The trunk release button works but still no luck with unlocking the door.

[Oldsconnection.com]

try resynchronizing the transmitter.
Press and hold the transmitter LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for at least 7 seconds, or until the horn sounds 3 times.

[dtownfb]

I tried resetting it this evening and nothing. The trunk release did not work either.

I'm assuming the key fob sends a radio signal to "something" in the car to tell it to "lock or unlock" door. I don't know what that part is.

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by dtownfb

I tried resetting it this evening and nothing. The trunk release did not work either.

I'm assuming the key fob sends a radio signal to "something" in the car to tell it to "lock or unlock" door. I don't know what that part is.

Take the fob apart, remove the rubber sleeve and clean it with a mild soap and water. Clean the button contacts on the circuit board with some rubbing alcohol and a couple Q-tips. Ensure all parts are dry and make sure the contacts make a good connection with the batteries before reassembly. Finally, resynchronize the fob with the car again.

This solved the same problem with my current Saturn (uses similar remote) and also on a previously owned 1999 Intrigue.

[dtownfb]

Thanks ruley73. i'll give that a try tonight.

Thanks oldsconnection.

[carbon02]

dtownfb--

You might actually have to reprogram the remote to the car after a battery replacement. Reprogramming is different than resyncing, but can be done in the car by the owner without the Tech 2 scan tool.

I've done it both on 2000 and 2002 Intrigues. It's a combination of sit in the car with the door lock button pressed, while the key is on, transmission shifter changes positions, and you push buttons on the remote.

I've got the exact procedure somewhere. PM me if the other suggestions don't work and I'll see what I can find.

[Oldsconnection.com]

Resynchronizing is the process recommended by GM after replacing the battery. Should not need to reprogram unless it's a replacement transmitter.

[dtownfb]

Well cleaning the fobs seem to have helped the situation. Hard to believe the amount of dirt and gunk that can accumulate on the pad. Some of the black rubber contacts, this is the area that actually touches the circuit board, had been rubbing off. I don't think it is making great contact with the circuit board and that is probably the issue. But after cleaning the inside of the transmitter with Electronic cleaner, I was able to re-sync it with the car and lock and unlock the doors at close range.

I'll look at the inside of the fob a little more this weekend and clean it again to see if this improves the range.

carbon02: When you change the battery, you only have to hold the lock and unlock buttons for 7 seconds (or until the horn beeps 3 times) to re-sync it to the car. These directions are located on the inside of the transmitter. I did this when I replaced the batteries 2 weeks ago and the transmitter worked.....for a couple of days. The procedure you describe is if you have to re-program a new fob.

Thanks everyone.