Remote Key stopped working

[AzNMpower32]

A couple days ago, the X3 stopped locking/unlocking remotely. Neither of the keys will work, although they both function normally if you stick the key into the hole and un/lock manually. There are no other side effects.

I have an appointment with the dealer to check it out next week, but today I happened to stop by Autozone and they had a remote receiver that allowed you to see if your remote was working. My remote works fine; I think something is wrong with the car that doesn't allow it to receive the keyfob commands.

Both me and the service advisor have attempted to reinitialise the keys to no avail.

Any fix? Will I have to replace the entire inside rearview mirror (which houses the antenna)?

[AzNMpower32]

Ok, after no success at the dealer and 2 hours of labour, I'm still puzzled as to what's going on. Here are the error messages stored:

Of note: The headlight washers stopped working over the summer, so I replaced the pump in October. Now everything works as normal. Also, the rear passenger anti-trapping mechanism has had sporadic problems since it was new but I never bothered to address that.

[nosoule46]

How old is your car battery? When we replaced our only 3 yr old OEM battery in Sept of 2008 (with a Duralast DL49 I think) the key remote has never failed since..... Initially thought that we'd have to replace the GM5 module- whew.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Ok, after no success at the dealer and 2 hours of labour, I'm still puzzled as to what's going on. Here are the error messages stored:

Of note: The headlight washers stopped working over the summer, so I replaced the pump in October. Now everything works as normal. Also, the rear passenger anti-trapping mechanism has had sporadic problems since it was new but I never bothered to address that.

[AzNMpower32]

I still have the original battery (it's a 2004 with near 90k miles) but I highly doubt that is the problem because the battery is still running strong with no side effects. The key batteries themselves are also fine.

I've been putting off this repair for months due to the cost (labour is expensive) and there doesn't seem to be a pinpoint as to what's failed. I think it could be the rear receiver antenna in the glass, but no guarantees. Hopefully I can rectify this over spring break.

The car battery is slated for replacement later this year as well.

[nosoule46]

The dealer had tested our Battery and said that it was fine at the time... It was no noticeable failings/effect. However after I swapped the battery voila- working remote.

Being 6 years old, the battery may be worth changing out anyway as you've inidcated. If your key remotes work fine thereafter, Bonus.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I still have the original battery (it's a 2004 with near 90k miles) but I highly doubt that is the problem because the battery is still running strong with no side effects. The key batteries themselves are also fine.

[The Big Easy]

Sensors in the key fob itself - mine had to be replaced after 2 years on the E70. However with both of yours not working that's unlikely..... batteries?

[nosoule46]

Curious- Any update?

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I still have the original battery (it's a 2004 with near 90k miles) but I highly doubt that is the problem because the battery is still running strong with no side effects. The key batteries themselves are also fine.

I've been putting off this repair for months due to the cost (labour is expensive) and there doesn't seem to be a pinpoint as to what's failed. I think it could be the rear receiver antenna in the glass, but no guarantees. Hopefully I can rectify this over spring break.

The car battery is slated for replacement later this year as well.

[AzNMpower32]

Haven't had a chance to take it in to the shop. It's such a minor issue and even the shop said the labour cost might not necessarily be worth it to bring it in as a stand-alone service.

I'm going to do it when I bring it in for Inspection I, so the labour hours paid for that major service might cover some time looking over the rear antenna.