Issues with key fobs

**Jaymez** · 01-07-2014

Is it common for these crappy cars to have issues with their key fobs not working?

I just had to order my third set of replacement key fobs because they keep acting up. I had a hell of a time getting into my 06 this morning when my key fob didn't want to unlock the doors and the only lock cylinder was frozen solid.i replaced the battery I the remote hoping that would solve the issue and it didn't help. None of my other vehicles have this issue and I keep all the remotes on the same key ring.

If there is an easier fix, please let me know.

I hate Pontiacs.

**Scottydoggs** · 01-07-2014

try cleaning it.

pop it open push the board out of the rubber buttons, then with a Q tip and rubbing alcohol. clean the metal contacts on the board where the buttons touch, and the backs of the buttons.

most of the time this fixes them up. if they are new ish.

**loopy smurf** · 01-07-2014

On ebay, you can find full fob rebuild kits for the fobs with new buttons and cases. The buttons can wear out on these fobs, and the kits give everything except the circuit boards which you take out of your old fob and put in the new case with the new buttons. No need to reprogram anything - just put the fob together and you're set to go.

**Jaymez** · 01-07-2014

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

try cleaning it.

pop it open push the board out of the rubber buttons, then with a Q tip and rubbing alcohol. clean the metal contacts on the board where the buttons touch, and the backs of the buttons.

most of the time this fixes them up. if they are new ish.

Ill have to give that a try when I get home. If I can get home, that is.

I hate Pontiacs.

**loopy smurf** · 01-07-2014

Why the Pontiac hate?

**goochman** · 01-07-2014

These key fobs work via 'completing' the circuit when you press a button. I might be a bit off but basically the button pad has carbon in it which over time wears out and hence does not 'complete' the circuit when pressed.

You have 2 ways to fix these that I know of:

1. Circuitworks Conductive Pen or similar Silver Conductive Paint to be applied to the button
or what I do
2. Take a hole punch and punch out a circle of aluminum foil that you use for baking. The circle should be just a tinch bigger than the button so you might need to trim a bit - get some good crazy glue to attach the foil on the button head. Wait for it to REALLY dry. Reassemble the keyfob and I bet it works

Problems to solution #2 - Foil is more abrasive than the soft rubber button - over time it could/will damage the circuit board (Ive had my fix in place for over 2 years).
The other problem is every so often the foil will come off and it possibly could connect the circuit of 2 buttons so when you press unlock you might get a variety of things happening

This is easily fixed by re-glueing the foil.

**Jaymez** · 01-07-2014

Originally Posted by loopy smurf

Why the Pontiac hate?

They built nothing but low grade rental fleet fodder. This car is my third, and thankfully, my last Pontiac. It is also the car that killed my love of GM cars.

The only reason I even own the car is because it was the last one my dad bought before he died. I never would have picked such a bland vehicle, but, it was paid off when I got my hands on it. The only reason I keep it is because it gets better fuel economy than my trucks.

None of my Pontiacs ever had major issues. Like this key fob, they have all been stupid things that have gone wrong. Blower motor resistors, broken shifter interlock not releasing my keys, headlamp lenses falling out, broken seat backs, rattling dashes, dead window switches, etc. The real kicker is none of my cars were high mileage.

As it stands, the only way I will buy GM again is if I am in the market for another truck.

I hate Pontiacs.

**GrandPrix06GT** · 01-07-2014

This is what ive done to mine n never had a problem since.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/showthread.php?t=80276

**Jaymez** · 01-07-2014

Originally Posted by GrandPrix06GT

This is what ive done to mine n never had a problem since.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/showthread.php?t=80276

I like that trick. I'll see if I can find some of that tape in the garage.

I hate Pontiacs.

**Phlip77** · 01-07-2014

Originally Posted by Jaymez

They built nothing but low grade rental fleet fodder. This car is my third, and thankfully, my last Pontiac. It is also the car that killed my love of GM cars.

The only reason I even own the car is because it was the last one my dad bought before he died. I never would have picked such a bland vehicle, but, it was paid off when I got my hands on it. The only reason I keep it is because it gets better fuel economy than my trucks.

None of my Pontiacs ever had major issues. Like this key fob, they have all been stupid things that have gone wrong. Blower motor resistors, broken shifter interlock not releasing my keys, headlamp lenses falling out, broken seat backs, rattling dashes, dead window switches, etc. The real kicker is none of my cars were high mileage.

As it stands, the only way I will buy GM again is if I am in the market for another truck.

I hate Pontiacs.

I've had an 05 Grand Prix GT for 3 years without a single issue. My 05 GXP on the other hand, ton of problems. But I think I'm just catching up on the previous owners lack of maintenance.