2004 Remote Door Locks

[James G.]

It becomes more and more difficult to unlock the doors of my 2004 with the remote device. The car has about 30,000 miles. I have just replaced the battery as well as the batteries in the remote device. Has anyone else had this problem, and is there an easy fix? Any help or comments would be appreciated.

[Tom H.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Are you noticing any issues with the lock and unlock when using the power door lock button on the car, or are your issues only with the keyless remote ??? Do you have both remotes ?? If so, are you experiencing similar problems with both remotes ???

[James G.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Tom: There are no issues with the automatic door locks on the inside of the door. Both of the remotes experience the same problem. Additionally, the remote works well when locking the car, and the trunk unlock works reasonably well. It is only a problem when unlocking the doors. Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

That is strange. I've had issues with the lock modules on quite a few of the C5's but can't say I've had the same issues you are having with yours.

[James G.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Tom: Thanks for your reply. Do you think the keyless remotes can be replaced, or is it a problem with the control module? Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

I'm going to guess it's module related since both remotes are giving the same results.

Do a search and you will find DIY repairs for these modules as well as rebuilders offering serviced to rebuild them.

Since I have not personally seen your car, I would have it diagnosed by a tech to be sure we are correcting the right parts and not just throwing parts at it.

Have your dealer run the remotes on their tester to be sure they are both good.

[James G.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Tom: Thanks again for your help. Jim

[Edward J.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Jim, I think Tom has you on the right track, if theres a chance that both key fobs have had some wear and tear thought the years, I believe that the remotes get used more to un-lock the doors than to lock, Sometimes we use the inside switchs to lock, So just maybe thekey fobs may be having a tough time making a transmit siginal to un-lock the doors.

Maybe try one new key fob and see what happens.

[Tom H.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

James, do you have anything plugged into your car, like radar detectors or GPS devices in the car ?? Ocasionally, they can interfere with the RKE transmitters. Doubtful, but worth a look.

[James G.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Tom and Ed: Good thought, but the only external device I use is a battery tender which is not connected when the RKE is used. I'm too old and slow to need a radar device, and my bride does a good job of keeping us on course. Jim

[James G.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Tom: The battery tender that I used was a "cellmate". It was made in two parts that were connected with an amphinol (sp?) connector. The transformer is outside the car and always disconnected from the control when the car is in use. The control is mounted to the inside of the fender with Velcro with the leads permanently connected to the battery. When I disconnected the leads from the battery, the RKE worked just fine. I now have a different type of tender maintaining the battery. Thank you so much for your patience and wise council. Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

I'd say the tender won't cause your issues. The only other suggestion I would try is to be sure the remotes are acting up outside the garage. Do they act the same way if you put the car out in the street, away from the house and garage ? Another long shot, but worth a try.

[James G.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Tom: It finally stopped raining so I could get outside and try the locks. Without the "Cellmate" battery tender, both of the fobs work acceptably either inside the garage or outside. Thanks again. Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

That is great news. I knew your problem was just a bit different thatn I usually see, so I'm glad we covered the easy stuff first !!! Nice job !! Take the money you saved on diagnostic time and have a steak dinner !!

[Mark D.]

Re: 2004 Remote Door Locks

Jim,

One other thing you could do is trade the 04 in on a new 2011 ZR1. That would fix your current problem.

I'm just sayin...

Mark