Remote Question

[K_lo]

My Remote worked perfectly 2 weeks ago, then all of a sudden it started to work sporadically. I replaced the battery, now it doesn't work at all.
Any ideas? Thanks!

[Ronnie]

Try this:
Remote Transmitter Programming Instructions*-*ReattaOwner.com

[DAVES89]

First off make sure your remote works. In our area Advance has a remote tester. If it works go to Ronnies site and follow the steps to reprogram your remote. Be sure to do the steps twicve if you only have one remote as the car needs to "see" two remotes.
If the remote has failed I am sure someone here has extra or you can buy one off ebay. The Cadillac remote is a better remote.

[K_lo]

Well, it seems my remote is sending a signal, I guess I will try to reprogram it. Thanks.

[Corvanti]

if it won't respond after the reprogramming - i agree with getting the Cadillac remote. the p.o. of my reatta got one and it works great!

[KDirk]

Will vouch for the Caddy remotes. I use the same two remotes on my 91 Reatta as on my 95 Deville. Also, regarding reprogramming, the code on a remote never changes. You are simply "associating" a certain remote (or pair of remotes) with the car, there is no randomization or rolling code function as with keyless systems on newer cars. My point in stating this is a remote that is not working properly will not normally start behaving just by reprogramming the RKE system.

Consider that the problem might be interference. Is the intermittent operation always in the same location? If so it could be a signal quality/blockage issue. I have noted this with my 91 in a multi-level garage I park in sometimes. The RKE is very hit-or-miss there, elsewhere it is solidly reliable.

Finally, double check the snap-on connection where the antenna coax lead attaches to the back glass. This connector can be a bit troublesome, and may have popped off reducing the range. If all that is ruled out, then the remote is likely on it's way out.

KDirk

[Richard D]

If nothing else works you can try wiping the battery contacts in the fob with an ink eraser. Be careful not to bend the contacts. The eraser is slighty abrasive and will clean minor corrosion.

[handmedownreatta]

My Remote worked perfectly 2 weeks ago, then all of a sudden it started to work sporadically. I replaced the battery, now it doesn't work at all.
Any ideas? Thanks!

did you double check that the battery isn't in backwards?

[Ronnie]

Well, it seems my remote is sending a signal, I guess I will try to reprogram it. Thanks.

No matter which remote you use: Cadillac, Reatta, whatever, you will still need to reprogram the remote. Reprogramming synchronizes the RKE module in your car to the specific frequency (signal) that is being transmitted by the remote you intend to use. There is no one size fits all remote that will work with your car without reprogramming.

[K_lo]

No matter which remote you use: Cadillac, Reatta, whatever, you will still need to reprogram the remote. Reprogramming synchronizes the RKE module in your car to the specific frequency (signal) that is being transmitted by the remote you intend to use. There is no one size fits all remote that will work with your car without reprogramming.

Original remote is sending a signal, however regrommaning remote didnt work. Grounded wire, car locks then unlocks, or other way around press unlock button and nothing. Tried several times, pressing remote did nothing. Is it worth getting a new remote if the one i have is sending a signal?

[steveskyhawk]

Check the voltage of the battery with a DVM. You may have bought a bad battery. Proper voltage is listed on the battery.

[K_lo]

Check the voltage of the battery with a DVM. You may have bought a bad battery. Proper voltage is listed on the battery.

Thanks. Voltage is fine. Maybe the button contacts are just worn. Is there any reason not to buy one of those smaller generic remotes that are supposed to work with our cars?

[KDirk]

K-lo,

I haven't tried the aftermarket replacements, but assume they must work as advertised. I will say I suspect they are made more cheaply than the originals. Even the current design OEM GM keyfobs are not as robust as those from the late 80's and early 90's so I suspect these replacements that are made by a third party are likely to wear out or break sooner than a factory unit will.

Most of these use rubber button actuators coated with a thin layer of conductive carbon. When pressed, this conductive carbon "shorts" against gold plated traces on the circuit board, thereby functioning as a switch closure. The carbon layer will wear off after so many uses leaving the button(s) on which it has deteriorated non-working. The factory remotes use an actual mechanical micro tact switch under the rubber button inlay, which is why the factory units last much longer in typical use.

KDirk

[63viking]

You do know that if you only have one remote you must program it twice in a row to get it to work.

[K_lo]

You do know that if you only have one remote you must program it twice in a row to get it to work.

Yes, thanks. I cant get my remote to do anything, pressing the unlock button twice during the reprogramming process has no effect.