Intermittent Keyless Entry Problem

[boobounder]

We have 2 keyless entry remotes. One works fine. I've changed the battery in the other one twice.

 

My problem is that this second remote only occassionally opens and closes the doors. I usually have to press the button 5-10 times (the light comes on each time). Distance doesn't seem to be the problem either.

 

I'm wondering if there is an antenna inside the car that needs to be pointed properly, or a specific point somewhere that needs to be cleaned.

 

Oh yeah ... 99 Outback Legacy 30th Anniversary with the original remotes (55K miles)

[e4620]

Strange...I have a 99OBW with the same problem, but only have one remote(thanks to it being a used car). The light comes on but does not always work. Im gonna diagnose it after the holidays though, if I find anything I'll post.

[gbhrps]

boobounder,

 

If one remote works perfectly, and the second one is intermittent, even after a battery change, your problem is still within that second remote. You have a weak solder joint, or a mini switch with light corrossion on it, or a similar problem. Enough voltage is not getting through to the transmitter to put out enough signal to the car's receiver. You could try to spray some electrical contact cleaner into the switch and the circuit board, and operate the switch several times. Do all of this with the battery out of the remote so as not to short circuit anything. When you're absolutely certain that none remains, reinstall the battery and try it out. You might get lucky. If not, try an electronic repair shop and see what they can do, recognizing that they'll need access to the car as well. Good Luck!

[OB99W]

My problem is that this second remote only occassionally opens and closes the doors. I usually have to press the button 5-10 times (the light comes on each time). Distance doesn't seem to be the problem either.

Since one of your two transmitters seemingly works correctly (I'm assuming not only that a single button push is sufficient, but that you can be 30 feet away and still have it operate), that would seem to eliminate receiver/antenna problems, as well as a low-voltage car battery, as causes.

 

You mentioned replacing the battery in the uncooperative transmitter twice; just on the off chance that you're getting weak batteries, could you try swapping them between the working and problematical transmitters? Obviously, if the good unit is still good and the bad one still bad after the swap, that eliminates battery problems as the cause. Gentle cleaning of the battery contacts with a bit of alcohol on a cotton swab might help; be sure to remove any alcohol residue before reassembling.

 

Although intermittent operation wouldn't typically be cured by this, have you tried reprogramming for your transmitters? The procedure is in the owner's manual. It's a bit tedious, but if you follow it carefully there's a [bad pun] "remote" [/bad pun] chance the problem will be resolved.

 

Otherwise, I can only think that there's some circuit damage in the reluctant transmitter. Has it been dropped, dunked, etc.?

 

--OB99W

[Cougar]

I agree with the others about the problem being with remote and not the receiver. You should be able to find a replacement remote on Ebay for around $10 dollars.