Hyundai Repair: RE: 2001 Elantra Keyless Entry, power locks, turn signals

Question


Thank you for your response.  Ill be happy to answer any questions that might help with the answer!

1.  The LED light on the remote lights up when the button is pressed.  I have 2 of them, and they both light up, but the doors dont lock/unlock, and the alarm doesnt activate/deactivate.

2.  The power locks seem to work fine.  If I lock/unlock my drivers side door, all other doors automatically will follow that setting.

3.  No lights flash on the car when I attempt to lock/unlock the vehicle using the remote.

Its the factory installed Hyundai keyless entry/alarm.  Previously, if I left the car unlocked for a period of time, the doors would automatically lock, and the alarm would activate.  This also stopped working along with everything else.  So, I really figured the whole thing might be shot.  I just found it hard to believe it would cost so much to have fixed.  It was nice having the keyless entry, but to be honest....the alarm just didnt seem very good or loud.









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Answer
To have made that statement, I'd hope that they had already checked the simple things, like whether the power locks work whether the remotes are still functioning.  

If there's an actual electrical issue in the wiring, it's true that this will likely take a significant amount of time to sort out where the issue is.  But if the issue is in the remote, a relay, a lock actuator, or the time and alarm control module, I'd think that they would be able to come to this conclusion reasonably quickly.  

There are a few things you can tell me that will help me know what may be the issue with your keyless entry:
1.  Do the LEDs on the remotes light up or flash when either button is depressed?
2.  Do your power locks work normally (other than the keyless feature)?
3.  Do your turn signals flash when you attempt to unlock the vehicle with the remote?
4.  Tell me anything else specific to your concern that you think may be relevant.  

Answer
It certainly sounds like the ETACM (electronic time and alarm control module) isn't receiving the signal from the remotes.  If I were diagnosing this, I'd try to reprogram your remotes to see if it solved the issue.  If not I'd try programming a new remote to see whether the issue was with the car or the remote.  

We already know that the ETACM is performing some function because your power locks are operating.  Simlarly, the fact that they operate normally indicates that all the wiring is in good condition.  Your problem should be limited to one of three things:
1.  ETACM somehow lost remote programming
2.  Defective remotes
3.  Defective ETACM.

Unfortunately, neither the remotes nor the ETACM are inexpensive.  The reprogramming should be able to be performed for a small fee by the dealer.