Key won't unlock doors
 

Key for the newest Crossfire stopped working this week -- cannot lock/unlock doors. (Have not tried to start car, though.) Went to backup key and it worked fine. I suspect dead battery in key fob but before I go to the dealer for new battery + install, I thought I'd ask for a sanity check on my diagnosis. I do have Tom's write up for taking fob apart, but meticulous effort is beyond my patience and I'd rather pay the dealer so if he messes up, he's responsible.

Gripe: I have two keys each for 2005's which both work great. Why would a key for a 2 year newer car fail so soon?

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

May I offer a few suggestions;

1. You can buy new batteries cheaper at Wal-Mart, etc. Check you owners manual for the number for the battery. It is listed in there. It takes 2 of them.
2. Take batteries from any working fob and see if it works. If it is working then replace them. Replace them in pairs.

Hope this helps.

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

In response to your gripe:
Any number of reasons: you use it more; less batteries; weaker batteries etc. etc.

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

I was a little daunted by the steps and care necessary to crack the fob case to get at the batteries. There seems to be real danger of ruining the card. I'd rather pay a little premium and hold the dealer accountable rather than DIY and have to buy a new key for $140.

Or is it easier than I realize?

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

Try to reprogram it. I have had to do it to mine a few times. The batteries are easy to replace. These snips from the service manual should help. It should be a easy fix without having to go to the dealer.

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

It is A LOT easier than you think, unless there are different keys out there.

Simply open your key get your fingers in where the key would be near the end of where the key would be and pull up on the plastic section with no emblem on it (directly below the section with the emblem) it should come right apart, I just did mine in 2 seconds to verify...

Hope this helps friend....

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

You can get a 2-pack batteries for a couple of bucks from Radio Shack.

I just did mine a month ago.

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

do you have to reprogram the key after new batteries? Mine started the car, but wouldn't operate the keyless entry?

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

I have 2 keys and had the same problem with my key after the car was in the body shop for 4 months. Once i got in the car (working key was locked in it) and started the car with the key that wasnt working it began to work and havent had a problem since.

Re: Key won't lock or unlock doors
 

Ok guys need your wisdom and experience on this problem. The key will not go all the way into the door lock (works great in the ignition and gloce box). Took it to a lock smith, thinking something was in the lock, and he found nothing and using a small scope saw nothing. He squirting a solution into the lock without any siccsuc. Said I should take it to a dealer for them to remove the lock and see if any of the small pins and needles were missing.
Any suggestions before I take the door panel off (if I have to remove the door panel is there a link to assist/guide with the task?
thanks

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

Are you the original owner? Has the key worked in the past?I had a trunk emblem that opened up for the trunk key (Boot for you). The chrome kept corroding on the emblem. I had it changed out three times under warranty before I received good one. I know I checked the key on the two doors and trunk when I bought the car new. Eight years later when I tried to open the trunk with the key it did not work in the lock. You never know what could have taken place when you buy a used car. I am sure whoever bought my Riviera could not figure out why the key did not work for the trunk.

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

Re: Key won't unlock doors
 

Re: Key won't lock or unlock doors