# My keyless entry fob doesn't work

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-keyless-entry-fob-doesnt-work/680290>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 1, 2014, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-keyless-entry-fob-doesnt-work/680290 "2014-02-01T18:14:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2014, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-keyless-entry-fob-doesnt-work/680290/1 "2014-02-01T18:14:38Z")

</div>

I have one of those key fobs to unlock the doors, trunk, etc. I replaced the battery but all that works is the horn/panic button. The power locks all work fine.

Is the fob bad? Need to be reprogrammed/replaced? What’s the easiest way to fix this? I assume going to the dealer will be costly. It’s a 2009 Pontiac so that just increases the level of difficulty. 🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2014, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-keyless-entry-fob-doesnt-work/680290/2 "2014-02-01T18:25:25Z")

</div>

Check your car’s manual. You may be able to reprogram it yourself, if that’s the problem.

It’s a 2009 Pontiac \_\_\_\_\_? Depending on your exact model car, you may be able to order one from an internet store for significantly less than the dealer. You can check it at a place like:

> **[Key Fobs, Replacement Car Alarm Remotes & Keyless Entry Systems :...](http://www.remotesunlimited.com/)**
>
> When you're looking for key fobs, replacement car remotes or keyless entry systems - whether you drive a Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota or other vehicle - Remotes Unlimited can help.

You don’t have to buy it from them or course, but you can get the part number and try to find the best price. They’ll also be able to tell you whether you can program it yourself or not (some remotes must be programmed by the dealer, unfortunately).

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2014, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-keyless-entry-fob-doesnt-work/680290/3 "2014-02-01T20:27:00Z")

</div>

The switch is probably bad.  
You could try taking the fob apart and cleaning it - if it’s an[elastomeric switch](http://www.eecoswitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Elastomeric-Keypads.png) try cleaning the metal contacts with a rough paper towel and some alcohol, and running your thumbnail over the carbon button on the keypad membrane. If it’s a mechanical switch, try flooding it with alcohol while repeatedly pressing the switch.