Keyless remotes no longer working

[zojirushi]

Well, I've searched around on various subaru forums about this issue, and seen some similar problems but no real solutions. So, I'm hoping someone here can help me out.

 

I have a 97' Outback with two remotes for a keyless entry system (OEM system I'm pretty certain). I bought the car used and it only had one remote so I bought the second on Ebay back then (in 2002). I believe I put new batteries in at that time, but I'm not sure. Over the past 2 months, BOTH remotes have slowly been declining in their effectiveness to the point that now neither of them will work.

 

Naturally I assumed it was a battery issue and that both remotes' batteries decided to die around the same time (sort of unlikely, but not impossible). So, we finally got some new batteries for them, but they're BOTH still not working. So, I got the silly idea that maybe they needed reprogramming with the base unit (I now know how the system works and that this was unecessary, but I did discover something in the process). As I was reprogramming, the remotes did actually communicate with the base unit as it asigned their codes to the system. However, I discovered that I pretty much HAD to have the remotes no more than 2 inches away from the antenna that sticks out of the keyless entry harness. So, as long as they're within 2 inches of that antenna, they work great! Of course, I still can't operate it when the doors are closed...

 

So, does anyone one know what the issue could be? I opened up the remotes and cleaned the contacts with alcohol and even tried cleaning up the system board itself (one was pretty nasty, the other clean as a whistle) - all to no avail. It would seem that the remotes aren't sending out a strong enough signal, but why would BOTH remotes have been stricken at the same time? Is there something that could be wrong with the base harness itself where it's needing a stronger signal for some reason? Obviously its working to some degree since I can reprogram it and it will respond to 2-inch-away *remote* commands.

 

Anyway, I really don't think buying a new remote will help my situation, so I'm looking for what the solution could be. Thanks for any guidance/help you can lend.

[richierich]

Well if the remotes won't work but 2 inches away, then I usually say you need new batteries. But the next step I always try is remotes. I know this doesn't sound helpful but unless there is a major problem with the system new remotes fix the problem.

 

When remotes have not fixed the problem I have either installed new brains or dis activated the system for the customer.

 

The fact that you are telling us the system response to being re-set tell me that the brain is probably good.

 

Good Luck.

Richie

 

Well, I've searched around on various subaru forums about this issue, and seen some similar problems but no real solutions. So, I'm hoping someone here can help me out.

 

I have a 97' Outback with two remotes for a keyless entry system (OEM system I'm pretty certain). I bought the car used and it only had one remote so I bought the second on Ebay back then (in 2002). I believe I put new batteries in at that time, but I'm not sure. Over the past 2 months, BOTH remotes have slowly been declining in their effectiveness to the point that now neither of them will work.

 

Naturally I assumed it was a battery issue and that both remotes' batteries decided to die around the same time (sort of unlikely, but not impossible). So, we finally got some new batteries for them, but they're BOTH still not working. So, I got the silly idea that maybe they needed reprogramming with the base unit (I now know how the system works and that this was unecessary, but I did discover something in the process). As I was reprogramming, the remotes did actually communicate with the base unit as it asigned their codes to the system. However, I discovered that I pretty much HAD to have the remotes no more than 2 inches away from the antenna that sticks out of the keyless entry harness. So, as long as they're within 2 inches of that antenna, they work great! Of course, I still can't operate it when the doors are closed...

 

So, does anyone one know what the issue could be? I opened up the remotes and cleaned the contacts with alcohol and even tried cleaning up the system board itself (one was pretty nasty, the other clean as a whistle) - all to no avail. It would seem that the remotes aren't sending out a strong enough signal, but why would BOTH remotes have been stricken at the same time? Is there something that could be wrong with the base harness itself where it's needing a stronger signal for some reason? Obviously its working to some degree since I can reprogram it and it will respond to 2-inch-away *remote* commands.

 

Anyway, I really don't think buying a new remote will help my situation, so I'm looking for what the solution could be. Thanks for any guidance/help you can lend.

[1 Lucky Texan]

dig around at www.cars101.com for instructions for 'learning a new remote' just to make certain that procedure is correctly done for your remotes. Or maybe a dealer would have some ideas.

 

If you decide to purchase remotes from - say - Ebay, I THINK there is an FCC number on the back that must match your old remote.

 

please post whatever you find out OK?

 

EDIT; after re-reading your post it seems you have all the above stuff under control.

The only thing I can think of now would be some type of grounding/wiring issue or a bad keyless reciver unit. Might be worthwhile tighening up/cleaning ground connections and re-seating connectors to the unit.

 

I dunno

[gbhrps]

Everything here seems to point to a bad antenna on the base unit. Is it possible that the antenna wire is either broken at the base unit, or has a bad cold solder joint?

[zojirushi]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I probably will try a new remote - although I'm skeptical since it seems strange that both my remotes would start freaking out at the same time, but stranger things have happened.

 

Yesterday my remote worked properly at one point, but then subsequently stopped working a little later. Very odd... It does make me wonder about some sort of wiring issue. Regarding the antenna I was wondering about it as well since it would seem to be a common denominator for both units. However, after reprogramming the brain with the remotes and realizing it worked up to 2" consistently, I actually started playing with the antenna wire. I thought maybe if I got it closer to the door or something, at LEAST I'd be able to operate it from just outside the car at that point. That was fruitless though. Wherever I put the antenna I had to move the remotes to within 2 inches of the end and it would then work. So, it seemed like the antenna was picking up the signal - although I suppose maybe it still could have a loose connection at the base...

 

Anyway, I'm at quite a loss. It just seems so random to me that my logical mind can't seem to pinpoint what would be causing the issue consistently. I can think of reasons for it not working, but then my experiments or the fact that both remotes aren't functioning seem to negate it. Oh well, I'll just have to keep up the trial and error, starting with a new remote.

 

Thanks for all your help.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I probably will try a new remote - although I'm skeptical since it seems strange that both my remotes would start freaking out at the same time, but stranger things have happened.

 

Yesterday my remote worked properly at one point, but then subsequently stopped working a little later. Very odd... It does make me wonder about some sort of wiring issue. Regarding the antenna I was wondering about it as well since it would seem to be a common denominator for both units. However, after reprogramming the brain with the remotes and realizing it worked up to 2" consistently, I actually started playing with the antenna wire. I thought maybe if I got it closer to the door or something, at LEAST I'd be able to operate it from just outside the car at that point. That was fruitless though. Wherever I put the antenna I had to move the remotes to within 2 inches of the end and it would then work. So, it seemed like the antenna was picking up the signal - although I suppose maybe it still could have a loose connection at the base...

 

Anyway, I'm at quite a loss. It just seems so random to me that my logical mind can't seem to pinpoint what would be causing the issue consistently. I can think of reasons for it not working, but then my experiments or the fact that both remotes aren't functioning seem to negate it. Oh well, I'll just have to keep up the trial and error, starting with a new remote.

 

Thanks for all your help.

 

It would be nice if, you either, knew someone with the same style remotes you could test on your car OR with the same style system CAR on which you could reprogram to test your remotes. Maybe a neighbor or a friendly dealership repair facility?

 

I dunno

[zojirushi]

It would be nice if, you either, knew someone with the same style remotes you could test on your car OR with the same style system CAR on which you could reprogram to test your remotes. Maybe a neighbor or a friendly dealership repair facility?

 

I dunno

That's a great idea... Unfortunately I don't have any friends with the proper year range to test out with. My sister has a 2000 Outback, but different model keyless entry. Well, I'll just have to keep that idea in the back of my mind and see if I get lucky coming across anyone with the right model.

[1 Lucky Texan]

That's a great idea... Unfortunately I don't have any friends with the proper year range to test out with. My sister has a 2000 Outback, but different model keyless entry. Well, I'll just have to keep that idea in the back of my mind and see if I get lucky coming across anyone with the right model.

 

I've been to Colorado, you guys have soobs like we have pickup trucks! I'd bet you have as many soobs on your block as I have in my zipcode! hah!

 

Maybe some kind soul here would let you mail your remotes (maybe one at a time?) for testing?

 

I dunno

[zojirushi]

I've been to Colorado, you guys have soobs like we have pickup trucks! I'd bet you have as many soobs on your block as I have in my zipcode! hah!

 

Maybe some kind soul here would let you mail your remotes (maybe one at a time?) for testing?

 

I dunno

Yeah, soobs are a dime-a-dozen here, however, on my block there are only my sister's and mine (my sister lives 6 doors down). I'm game if anyone is willing for the remote testing. My remotes are FCC: GOH-M24 remotes.

[stevecd]

this reminds me of my parents mercedes that had the same problem, i think what we ended up having to do is buy a new $100 remote and that ended up going bad in a few years. i'm sure they must make something in those things that end up aging over time since its a fairly common problem maybe a battery in the control unit. Hopefully you can find a fix.