Radio Head Unit Light Blinking?

[Joe Cabrera]

I'm having issues with my remote key fob. It doesn't want to lock and unlock the car. I just changed the key fob battery and it worked for a bit now it doesn't work at all. It blinks normally when I press the button, but nothing happens. I tried all of the remedies by resetting the key fob and nothing seems to work. Before I fork out cash any of you guys had this problem and able to do a DIY? One note when I unlock the car manually the alarm goes off and I can still unlock the trunk and hood from the switch in the car. Does that rule out a blown fuse from the alarm box under the seat? Also the radio light blinks when I take the key out of the ignition. I've been looking in my owners manual and can't find anything, is that a fault or normal. I just didn't pay attention when all was working. Thanks!

[RFM]

I see no DIY regarding the remote, a visit to the dealer seems inevitable. The other problems are common when using the key to open the doors which will disappear when the remote is repaired or replaced. (ROW 996)

[02tx996cab]

Some more info would be helpful:

-- If you lock the car with the remote and then leave it for more than 5 days, the "remote unlocking" feature becomes inactive in order to prolong the car battery's life. Is your key fob failing to open the car "all the time" meaning within 5 days of locking it (with the remote)?

-- Can you lock the car via the key fob?

-- If you have both keys, do both fobs exhibit the same behavior?

If only one fob neither locks nor unlocks the car then I'm guessing the remote sender in that fob is the problem. If you have two keys and both fobs won't lock/unlock the car then I'd be inclined to suspect the detector in the car.

If you unlock the car manually, you must insert the key into the ignition and power the car up (don't have to start it) within 10 seconds or the alarm will go off. That's a design "feature". And, that suggests the alarm system is fine i.e. no blown fuse.

Edited November 25, 2011 by 02tx996cab

[Joe Cabrera]

I only have one key fob:(. Thanks for the reply.

[xmac]

Have you tried a second battery? If you replace the battery again and it "works for a bit" but then dies again, would suggest there is a bad circuit in the transmitter draining the battery. Then the only option is a new key which would require dealer programming.