QuestionQUESTION: Subject: Remote Keyless Entry on 1989 GM W cars:
(Pontiac Grand Prix, Olds Cutlass Supreme and Buick Regal.)
Dear Todd,
You have helped me in the past with a problem on my ABS system, which now operates satisfactorily.
Although you are named as an expert for Pontiac cars and mine is a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupe, the remote keyless entry is exactly the same as for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix and I shall be grateful if you could give it some attention.
My car (2.6 L engine) has run 92000 miles and I experience the following problem with the RKE system:
Sometimes it works flawlessly for a period of time and then again it doesn’t operate at all.
I have tried new batteries in the transmitter and cleaned the battery contacts as well as the contacts from electric cable to the module (receiver) but the results are the same.
When coding the transmitter with the program wire grounded, it always works, so I don’t think that it is a transmitting fault.
I don’t know if the following can be helpful but, with the module removed from the car, the power door lock on the driver’s side does not work, not if activated from the right door lock switch nor from the (own) left door lock switch; the power door lock on the right door works flawlessly from both switches.
If the module is put in place, both power door locks work flawlessly from both switches.
Do you know what could be wrong with the RKE?
Your help will be appreciated!
Tks.
(Pls note that my e-mail address is .nl not .com)
E-mail address:
H. Niekoop – Eindhoven – The Netherlands (Holland)
ANSWER: more then liley the keyless entry module (receiver) in the cars is the issue they are on the rear package shelf on that car I belive and the heat cycles from the sun reek havoc on electronic parts if you have newer key fobs with good batteries in them and it still doesn't work I would "guess" at a receiver that is the culprit here. It was pretty common for those to go on grand prix's Same car..
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QUESTION: Tks for yr prompt answer.
Does this imply that I must replace the receiver, although it can work flawlessly during periods of time?
If yes, do you know where I can find such a replacement as GM does not carry them anymore.
ANSWER: Like I said it's a guess but if for some reason it seems to be heat related if the car sits and bakes in the sun all day and the keyless will not work but in the AM when it's cool it works for sure it's a receiver issue. I have no idea where you can find old parts for these try a google search and see what you can find. try new old stock or classic cutlass supreme parts and see what you can find. If the old receiver in the car has a part # on it plug that # into a google search. try a place called wilberts buick and GM parts they may be able to point you in the right direction. Parts is not my end of the business I just fix 'em.
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QUESTION: I have already filled out the rating and this is not a question but just for yr information as it confirms somewhat your diagnosis. During the past winter period namely, I found out that with lower temperatures (from below freezing and upwards) the RKE operates more often than when temperatures are somewhat higher.
I had already removed the receiver from the rear panel for inspection without knowing that the sun could have an influence.
Tks again for your support.
AnswerYour welcome. Glad I could help you out. Like I said it's a guess but you just confirmed what I was thinking. Heat and electronics do not mix well so it makes sence as to what is wrong with it. Hope you can find the part you need to fix it.
Thanks for the positive feedback :)
