Intermittent Key Fob problems (not recognized)

[CDNicecube]

Hi all

My battery in my main key fob was dying about 6 months ago (it is a 2010 EX35) - I saw a warning light on the dashboard to the effect that the battery was dying. Fine, I replaced it.

Now, I have a key fob that is not consistently recognized by the car unless I press either door lock or open buttons prior of entering the car, or once in the car (if the doors were already unlocked). When I do so, the dash shows the "feet on brake pedal" pictogram and all is fine. I can drive normally for hours. Until I do so, the dash shows the pictogram of the "key needing to be inserted".

I change the battery 3 times in 4 months with brand new and fresh batteries. There are no indications that the (new) batteries are dead (i.e. there are no picture on the dash board about the battering dying like the first time).

The car fails to recognize the key fob about 30% to 40% of the times. The other key fob works perfectly (but is seldom used).

Anyone had this problem? Did a search but nada. Perhaps I need to program the fob again since the battery was almost drained the first time (but then, why would it recognize the fob when I press door lock/unlock)? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ice

[Miamiex35]

Happen to me sometimes, where is your fob front pocket, next to an iphone, purse?

[CDNicecube]

I keep my key fob in my jacket/coat pocket, or my pants' pocket. The fob *could* be near my BlackBerry (which is on its holster on my belt), from time to time, but most of the times it is a good 10 inches away from the BB device. Are you thinking that my BB is somehow interfering with the key fob signal? Now that I think about it, I upgraded from a BB Curve to a new BB Bold at about the same time the trouble started (but I can't be certain of this).

[CDNicecube]

Still does it without being near a Blackberry. Oh well, to the stealership.. Anyone had problems replacing their key fob under warranty?

[Mark Booth]

Are you 100% certain the batteries you are using are fresh (good) batteries?

I had the same issue you are having. Changed the battery (an extra I had laying around) and the problems continued. Went to the drug store and purchased a new battery and, still, the problems continued. Convinced it must be something with the battery, I went to Radio Shack and they tested the "brand new" battery. Their test meter said REPLACE. Purchased one at Radio Shack and I was good to go. (I returned the one from the drug store for a refund.)

Mark

[CDNicecube]

So I went to the store and tested the battery. It tested at 2.9v. We change it for a fresh one, which tested at 3.4v . Been 3 hours and so far so good. Let's see now how long it last. Thank you all

[Scrapster]

I have similar issues. Intermittent lack of power from the key fob located close to the door or trunk (can't open the doors with the pushbuttons located on the car, have to use the button on the key fob) and randomly have to insert the key fob into the clot in the car, instead of using the push button start. I have also replaced the battery. I will try another new battery to see if that helps. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
thanks!

[meanie]

I recently changed my key fob battery, not because I was having a problem, but because it was (automatically) showing up as low on the display in the center of the instrument cluster. Is it only specific years that show battery strength?

[CDNicecube]

It seems I need to change my fob's batteries every 5 to 6 months . Something is draining my batteries. I thought it was where I keep it (pockets) but changing that does not help. The dealer found no problems with the fob. So I keep changing them twice a year. I am getting due for a new battery, I suppose.

When we check the battery strength at Radio Shack (here its called The Source), the battery was indeed low and dying. We put a fresh one it and it works again. Once, we tested the new battery and it was low (!), so the guy used another new one that tested strong but even that one died after 4 to 6 months. The guy said that the only thing that he can think of is humidity from my body if the key is in my pants pocket (!). I have now been keeping my fob in my coat pocket and waiting to see if this has an impact.

To your query: m 2010 EX indicates the battery in the fob is getting low (but not the actual strength remaining): It is just an "key icon" with a key that is half "full". And if I wait too long, eventually, the car does not recognize the fob so I have to enter it in the key "hole" next to our left knee to start the car. A fresh battery solves this.....for 6 months.


Oh well.

[meanie]

I bought my car 3 years ago this month and always keep the same key fob in my pocket, and rarely use the other, spare one. Yet my battery wasn't running low until last month. Perhaps my body generates less humidity than yours?

[jakenbake]

The last few days the intelligent key has had issues locking the car when I press the button on either of the door handles and the button on the trunk. It hasn't had any issues unlocking or starting the car and the buttons on the key fob itself work fine. I thought it must be the batteries, so I replaced them but still no luck. So I started using the spare key fob but I am having the same problem. So basically the car doesn't seem to sense the key when I try to lock it. The only way to make it lock is to either hold the keys right up against the door or use the buttons on the remote. I also thought about radio towers or the keys being in the same pocket as my cell phone, but I never put them in the same pocket as my phone and the problem happens at various locations all around town...so neither of those would be a problem either.

Anyone have any ideas?

[pilotbob3]

Sane problem started for me a few weeks ago, except my buttons only work intermittently. Sometimes everything works fine. Other times I have to push one or the other buttons a bunch of times before anything happens. I replaced the batteries too.

[Rogue One]

2009 Infiniti EX35 Door Latch TSBs

TSB Number: ITB-12-005
NHTSA Number: 10043720
TSB Date: February 3, 2012
Date Added to File: April 24, 2012
Failing Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Summary: Infiniti vehicles using intelligent key system and/or door request switch can not lock or unlock vehicle doors.

[pilotbob3]

Thanks Rogue One,

I'm trying to download the TSB, but having problems trying to register on the infinithelp site.

Is there another site to download the TSB?

Thanks,

[Rogue One]

Sorry, but for some bizarre reason they keep this stuff under lock and key (where's wikileaks when you need them?). I'm registered with NissanHelp, but not InfinitiHelp (still waiting on the confirmation link). I found a summary from Infiniti, but their subscription rates are ridiculous.

Online Subscription Rates:
1. One Year Subscription $720.00
2. 90 day Subscription $225.00
3. 30 day Subscription $75.00
4. One day Subscription $19.99

Summary of ITB12005:
SERVICE INFORMATION: If the doors will not lock/unlock using the Intelligent Key buttons and/or the Door Request Switch; before replacing any component: a. Review the door look/unlock Diagnostic Items in this bulletin, and b. Follow all diagnostic steps in the appropriate Service Manual. NOTE: The Intelligent Key door lock/unlock functions are controlled by several components. Proper diagnostic steps should be performed before replacing any part. The BCM (Body Control Module) is usually not the cause of an inoperative condition. See this bulletin for further detail.

[Rogue One]

Found it! PDF format: ITB12-005

BTW, there's a possibility the problem is a defective receiver in your car. You'll have to take it to the dealership to have it checked.

[pilotbob3]

Thanks Rogue One,

Appreciate you finding this. Yup, I think it's most likely the receiver. Bought a used one, and going to see if this fixes things. Can't take having to take it to the dealer...