C6 starting issues

[John S.]

I searched posts and found nothing on this. I know plenty of us have a C6 as part of the collection. Took a 500 mile road trip this weekend in the 09 and had a wonderful time celebrating my dad's 70th birthday, except for this. Stopped in Needles Ca. to eat some lunch. (half way from Palmdale Ca to Sedona Az) Got back in the car and the only thing it would do when trying to start was throw up "no fob detected" in the DIC. Well, I tried about everything and was not happy! Called OnStar and after they checked with their tech people, I was asked if I had anything plugged in to the cigarette lighter. (I had my Garmin GPS plugged in) She told me to unplug it and it was like magic. Car started fine. Apparently the cord with electricity running thru it interferes with the ability of the car to detect the key fob! I was happy that was the only problem and went on my way. So if this happens to any of you C6 owners, try unplugging you cell charger, GPS, or Radar detector before you have a cow trying to start it. On a side note, my wife tried opening the door after it did not start and it would not open initially. She about had a coronary right there in the car when she thought she was looked in. We're still laughing about that one. Actually, she is not laughintg, I am!

John Seeley
67 Black/Teal 300hp 3 speed coupe
09 Atomic Orange 6 speed coupe

[Tom H.]

Re: C6 starting issues

John:

Did you try inserting the fob into the slot inside the glovebox ?? Many times this procedure will allow the car to start in this type of situation.

If you are not familiar with the slot, open the glovebox and you'll see the slot towards the center of the car. The remote fits perfectly in there. It is designed to give the car a direct signal from the fob in a low fob battery condition. If the car is a 2010, this feature is outlined in section 3-7 of the owner's manual.

For those like me, who feel a picture is worth a thousand words. Here ya go !

[Terry M.]

Re: C6 starting issues

If my memory is correct the fob has to be inserted with the buttons facing a specific direction, also. I can't remember whiich way though.

[Tom H.]

Re: C6 starting issues

If my memory is correct the fob has to be inserted with the buttons facing a specific direction, also. I can't remember whiich way though.

Buttons facing passenger's side.

[Roy B.]

Re: C6 starting issues

This was a great read , I have radar connected to the rear mirror and have had no problem but was wondering if the battery was dead can you still open the trunk using that button @ if you lose your fob but have the key hidden in the trunk (battery OK) how do you start the Corvette. I have a 06

[Terry M.]

Re: C6 starting issues

Which battery is dead, Roy? There IS a battery in the fob as well as the car battery. What you have to do is different depending on which battery goes dead.

I have heard no reports of starting issues with the power being taken from the rear view mirror. Just don't leave things plugged into the cigarette lighter. Use the power accessory plug. On the '08 it is in the center divider storage box, but it may be in a different place on your '06.

[Roy B.]

Re: C6 starting issues

Which battery is dead, Roy? There IS a battery in the fob as well as the car battery. What you have to do is different depending on which battery goes dead.

I have heard no reports of starting issues with the power being taken from the rear view mirror. Just don't leave things plugged into the cigarette lighter. Use the power accessory plug. On the '08 it is in the center divider storage box, but it may be in a different place on your '06.

Sorry the CAR battery not the fob

[John S.]

Re: C6 starting issues

Tom,
simple answer is no. I completely forgot about the slot in the glove box! I have CRS syndrome. (Can't Remember S**T). Thought about it later though. One day I will try and reproduce the scenario and put the fob in the slot and see if it works.

John

[Terry M.]

Re: C6 starting issues

This was a great read , I have radar connected to the rear mirror and have had no problem but was wondering if the battery was dead can you still open the trunk using that button @ if you lose your fob but have the key hidden in the trunk (battery OK) how do you start the Corvette. I have a 06

If the car battery is dead -- the button doesn't work.

If you lose the fob, you can not start the car. The key will get you into the car -- open the rear hatch and pull the manual cable to open the door -- but that will do you no good if you have lost the fob. Once the car door is open you can open the hood and connect jumper cables, or replace the battery. At that point you may be able to start the car, if there is enough power from the new battery or the jumper cables.

When I am traveling I bring both fobs, and give one to the passenger. I warn the passenger (and myself) to NEVER leave a fob in the car. That is a bad habit to get into and will eventually bite you -- you know where.

[Tom H.]

Re: C6 starting issues

All you have to remember is................... the FOB is the key. No different than Roy's 55. If you lose the key, you can't start the car. Well, maybe not Roy ! You know what I mean. No key, no start. Period.

[Tom S.]

Re: C6 starting issues

I agree very good info here.Tom

[Tom H.]

Re: C6 starting issues

................ and yes, it is a major issue if the FOB battery dies, but keep in mind, the C6 will give you a warning that the FOB battery is getting low. It will alert you through the driver's information center ( DIC ) with about 30 days advanced notice. A spare FOB battery might be a good thing to have around in case of emergency though. Lithium battery # CR 2032 Good for Corvettes from 2005 - 2010.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C6 starting issues

If the car battery is dead -- the button doesn't work.

If you lose the fob, you can not start the car. The key will get you into the car -- open the rear hatch and pull the manual cable to open the door -- but that will do you no good if you have lost the fob. Once the car door is open you can open the hood and connect jumper cables, or replace the battery. At that point you may be able to start the car, if there is enough power from the new battery or the jumper cables.

When I am traveling I bring both fobs, and give one to the passenger. I warn the passenger (and myself) to NEVER leave a fob in the car. That is a bad habit to get into and will eventually bite you -- you know where.

Don't put the fob into your briefcase, set it in the back of the car, and then expect it to allow you to enter the car. One of those "don't ask me how I know" things - twice.

FYI, I still hate the fob, two years later and two years of trying to get used to it. I'd pay extra to have a key.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

[Clem Z.]

Re: C6 starting issues

Don't put the fob into your briefcase, set it in the back of the car, and then expect it to allow you to enter the car. One of those "don't ask me how I know" things - twice.

FYI, I still hate the fob, two years later and two years of trying to get used to it. I'd pay extra to have a key.

Patrick

what is wrong with keeping the fob in your pants pocket ? that is where you kept your car keys correct? you are not a nudist are you ?