Intelligent key fob issue.

[chrisz]

I'm would be very much interested if someone could help with suggesting a fix for this key fob issue I have. My 2005 G' 'intelligent' key seems to stop working after about 5 days. From day 3 onwards it starts losing communication with the car, (by day 3 I need to wave the fob around for it to be recognized). By day 5 the fob is not recognized and I have to use the key instead. Each time I replace the battery (a few so far) it works for about 3 - 5 days. Well, I stopped buying new batteries and just open up the fob to remove the original (latest) battery and put it back in the fob and it works as if I put in a new battery (for about 5 days). This leads me to believe it's not an issue with the battery, but over time something happens that the fob loses communication with the car. This has been going on for about a year. I'm wondering if having the 'intelligent' key reprogramed by the dealer would help? BTW, I do have another spare I-Key, and the issue exists exactly the same.

[kmckis1029]

i say just buy another fob... or two...

If it works everytime with new batteries, then i dont think the car needs to be re programmed to the fob.That type of problem sounds like damage to the internals of the circuit board in the fob to me, so if you going to get the dealer to reprogram your fob, you might as well get a new one programmed and you got a couple spare batteries already brought

you can find fobs on ebay or where ever.

(here is my shameless self promotion) I do have an extra Fob, never been used... if it matches your Fob I'll let it go for $50 just PM me.

[chrisz]

Hmm, not quite sure I made my self clear. I have two I-Keys, both are acting in the same way. Just need to open the I-Key and close it to fix the issue for the next few days. New I-Key would not fix this issue.

[kmckis1029]

if just replacing the battery fixes the problem everytime, then i would think the car reconizes the fobs...

do you get a low battery indicator on the dash before the fob stops working? i believe the key symbol should flash instead of staying solid when it detects the key. Could both of your fobs be bad?

I think there is a way to program your fob with out going to the dealer might be worth a try... and save you money. ill look it up if it exists at least.

[chrisz]

Yes, there is the low battery (fob) flashing light which starts at about the 3rd day or so. We just wave the fob in the air inside the car and then the car recognizes the fob for about another day or two. Yes the car recognizes the fob, but then forgets it after a few days...weird.

[kmckis1029]

i found this quoted at many websites for programing the key fob to the car... maybe a reprogram helps you, but that battery drain is what is most weird to me, as my fobs usually don't get weak til at least a year.

"1. Get in the vehicle.

2. Close and lock all doors utilizing the driver's power-door lock/unlock switch.

3. Insert and remove the ignition key more than six times within a 10-second period (at a rate of one insertion/removal cycle per second). Don't rush the process, and be sure the key is completely withdrawn from the ignition-key cylinder each time it's removed.

4. Turn the ignition to the ACC position and press any button on the remote one time. The hazard lights should flash twice, letting you know your mission is a success.

If you were going to program more than one remote, you'd simply unlock and lock the doors once again with the driver's switch and press the one button, one time, on the second remote. The procedure is completed by turning the ignition off, unlocking with the driver's switch, and opening the driver's door.
"

[chrisz]

Yes, I also found the same instructions, apparently it only works for the standard fob, not the Intelligent Key fob. (I did try it just in case, to no avail.) For the Intelligent Key fob, it was recommended to see the dealer. But I'm not sure what the dealer will do if programming is not needed...perhaps I should bite the bullit and see the dealer just the same.

[kmckis1029]

yeah if that didnt work, yeah might be forced to see the dealer... hopefully it wont be an arm and a leg...

[medieval]

I few years ago I had a car that was eating alternators......since it started easily my (very good) mechanic couldn't figure out what was wrong. One day It started, but was cranking slowly. I went to the battery place he did a draw down test....bad battery. After that no more alternator problems. Since you are having trouble with both of the fobs, I'd say the problem is in the car (not the fobs). Based on my alternator problem, I would have the car battery checked. Sorry for rambling