Both key fobs won’t work after airbag recall replacement.

Brought vehicle in for 90,000 mile servicing and airbag recall. Both keyless entry fobs no longer work. Auto locks inside car do work, and audible beep sound when manual locking and door closing still works. Module unplugged possibly?
Thanks, Chris

My car has 90000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi Chris. Did the wireless key fobs work prior to the service? If so, have you had the batteries replaced recently? If the batteries are new or ok then it sounds like the module have be unplugged or insufficiently connected. This can and does happen; a simple and silly mistake while remembering all the connectors that are available. I’ve completed several airbag recalls while at the Lexus dealer and have occasionally had a connector that looked like it was connected when it actually was not. I located mine during the quality control inspection to verify that everything that worked when the vehicle came in prior to service works after the service. I suggest a friendly visit back to the dealer for an inquiry as to what needs to be done or if there is something noted by the technician on the repair order that was not relayed to you; the technician may have noticed a concern with the wireless key fob. Your Mechanic has technicians available 7 days a week to assist you with service, inspections, and repairs at your home or office at www.yourmechanic.com.

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Do I need to reprogram the key fob after changing the battery? Typically, you do not need to reprogram the key fob after changing the battery. However, if you`ve replaced not just the batteries but also some of the internal wiring and electronics, you may need to reprogram it by pairing it with your vehicle once again.
A bad battery in the key fob is most commonly the reason for a failure to send signals to the keyless entry system. If it is available, use the spare key fob to open the vehicle and start the ignition. If the spare fob is not available, use the provided key embedded in the fob to unlock the door.
This usually happens because of low batteries, but shock can also cause the fob to lose its pairing. Most remotes can be reset, so check your car`s user manual for the resetting sequence. If resetting fails to solve the problem, the fob will need to be reprogrammed.
No Programming

If you allow a key fob with a battery to go dead, it can lose its initial programming. This is because any key fob must be “paired” to the car it is meant to operate.

You can replace a key fob using the do-it-yourself method. You can purchase a new key fob from a local retailer or auto parts store. Then you can use the universal key fob programming method to program the remote, and it`s done.
If you`re experiencing issues with your remote start after changing the battery, it`s possible that the coolant temperature in your vehicle is too high or the oil pressure is too low. If this is the case, then your remote starter system will be disabled.
Disconnecting your battery for a few minutes won`t harm your car and may help your key fob return to factory settings, but the best place to figure out if this is a viable strategy is in your owner`s manual or at the dealership.
The majority of cars now have remote central locking, however, with a flat or dead battery this won`t work and you will be forced to use the key to open the car doors.
As you enter or exit the car, the vehicle sends a radio signal to the key fob. The fob responds by relaying its code to the vehicle. The vehicle recognizes this code and unlocks or locks the car doors.
Store your key fobs (all of them) in a metal container when not in use. The metal provides a barrier that interrupts radio signals to/from the smart fob.
If your key fob isn`t working after replacing the batteries, you may need to reprogram it or check for loose buttons and broken battery terminals. If your remote key fob isn`t working and you`ve already replaced the battery, you may need to reprogram the key.
Check your owner`s manual. There is usually a section on keyless entry or key fob that will let you know if your key fob is self-programmable. The instructions are even printed here sometimes. Visit our programming instructions page and search for your vehicles programming procedures.
If your key fob isn`t working after replacing the batteries, you may need to reprogram it or check for loose buttons and broken battery terminals. If your remote key fob isn`t working and you`ve already replaced the battery, you may need to reprogram the key.
Check your owner`s manual. There is usually a section on keyless entry or key fob that will let you know if your key fob is self-programmable. The instructions are even printed here sometimes. Visit our programming instructions page and search for your vehicles programming procedures.
Press the Lock button on your remote car starter. Within five seconds of turning it on, turn your key back to the “off” position (or press the start button again). Repeat the on-off cycle three more times—you`ll do four in total.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Both key fobs won’t work after airbag recall replacement.
ANSWER : Hi Chris. Did the wireless key fobs work prior to the service? If so, have you had the batteries replaced recently? If the batteries are new or ok then it sounds like the module have be unplugged or insufficiently connected. This can and does happen; a simple and silly mistake while remembering all the connectors that are available. I’ve completed several airbag recalls while at the Lexus dealer and have occasionally had a connector that looked like it was connected when it actually was not. I located mine during the quality control inspection to verify that everything that worked when the vehicle came in prior to service works after the service. I suggest a friendly visit back to the dealer for an inquiry as to what needs to be done or if there is something noted by the technician on the repair order that was not relayed to you; the technician may have noticed a concern with the wireless key fob. Your Mechanic has technicians available 7 days a week to assist you with service, inspections, and repairs at your home or office at www.yourmechanic.com.

Key fob won’t unlock or lock doors
ANSWER : I believe you should have a technician use a capable scan tool to test the immobilizer and security system of the vehicle. There are likely codes present that will lead you directly to the issue. Also have them test the EVTS because it is possibly interfering with the factory immobilizer system.

I’d recommend getting some help from a certified mechanic who has the tools and capability to diagnose the issue with your doors. Once this is done, an accurate repair can be made.

Car worked fine last night. Key won’t turn in ignition this morning. Black looking liquid on key when taken out. Chimes sometimes.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There is a rubbery stick substance that is inside the ignition switch to protect the key as it is inserted. What seems to happen is the ignition switch got hot and melted the rubbery stick substance. The fix to this is replacing the ignition switch for it to got hot and failed. Also, check the wiring to the ignition for any loose or damaged wires. If you need further assistance with the ignition switch, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic to help resolve this problem for you.

My key fob will not open my car doors or trunk. I inserted a new battery in the fob and that did not help. What cld be the proble
ANSWER : Based on your description, I believe that the first issue is the lack of programming for your new key fob. If the dealership told you that the key requires programming and that was not done, this is the reason that the new key fob is not responsive. Next, it is possible that the key hole in your door is electronic. This means that there is a sensor on your door lock that will allow you to lock or unlock all of the doors by turning the key inside the driver front door lock. If this is the case, the fact that that part has been damaged could have caused this issue. This may not have happened immediately after the key hole was damaged, but over time the issue may have gotten worse causing the key fob problem. I would recommend having your key fob programmed by the dealership to see if that will resolve the issue because that will have to be done anyway. If this does not fix the problem, I would then recommend having the key hole replaced by a qualified professional.

I tried to start my truck after a -35 degree night. I got nothing from the starter. The key fob worked once to unlock the car, but
ANSWER : Hello. If all of your issues began after severely cold temperatures, then it may be possible that the issues are temperature or moisture related. It is important to keep in mind that at lower temperatures, especially those as low as you experienced, it takes considerably more effort to start a vehicle. It may be possible that the required effort is simply too much for the battery to handle. You can have the battery tested to determine if it is providing enough power to meet the requirement, as well as holding a charge. It could also be possible that there is an issue with the starter as well. I would also check to make sure that the key fob batteries are not dead as well, as that could also cause similar malfunctions. As electrical issues can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, if you are unsure, I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, visit your location to determine if the battery may need to be replaced.

Key Fob push start not working
ANSWER : Hi there. If you’re able to lock and unlock the doors on your Chrysler with the FOB, then the issue with starting it is probably related to either the ignition switch or the ignition relay. If you tried to jump start the vehicle and it did not crank over, then it’s most likely the ignition switch or relay. However, if it did crank over, then it’s an ignition system component like a camshaft position sensor for example that is faulty – or the electrical connection is bad. It would probably be a good idea to have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection, so they can isolate the root source of this problem and complete the right repairs.

Passenger side door not unlocking manually with key. Key won’t insert into the door. Trunk lock works fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. The door lock cylinder has either an object in side it causing the key to not fit or the pins inside the cylinder has fallen into the key hole. I recommend replacing the door lock cylinder. If you need further assistance with your key not working in the door lock cylinder, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I accidentally hit the panic button on the key fob of my 2005 chevy avalanche and now it won’t start. I put a new battery in the key fob.
ANSWER : Hi there. Remove the battery cables (+ and -) and then put them back on after 12 minutes. This will clear the computer out and reset the security. Then put the key in the door and as you unlock the door, push the unlock on the key fob. This will reset the key fob to the computer as a relearn. Then attempt to start the engine. If the engine does not start, then you may have to reprogram the key fob to the vehicle. If you need further assistance with your vehicle not starting after having the panic button pressed, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.