remote
andy
i've gotten several e-mails about this problem and i've been keeping a log to try and rule out certain possibilities. i think i've got it narrowed down. but, you never know. so, you're experience with the problem and the dealer will be very helpful.
i've got an appointment too for next week. in the meantime, this is what i've noticed:
mine is intermittent. it affects both keys and the car battery voltage is fine when the problem is there. moreover, the keys work manually to lock the doors. so, it's not the central locking system.
one e-mailer said that on these stock remote entry systems (which started in 2001), the reveciver electronics are in the interior rearview mirror (larger size and wiring boot unlike earlier models?). if this is the case, i'm guessing that it is either a problem in the receiver (switch out the mirrors) or in the wiring to the locking mechanism (my understanding is that this is under the dash and behind the glovebox). watch your mirror (carefully) and you'll notice that it does a fair amount of vibrating over bumpy roads and the like).
my problem does not occur when the car is cold at first morning startup in the garage. once the car is warm and if the outside temp is 60+, it may or may not happen (several button pushes to get either the courtesy light or locks to work)after a short drive (as little as a few yards can start or stop the problem). so, i'm betting that the motion of the car is affecting something that is loose in the receiver (mirror?) itself or at the wiring connection between the mirror and the central locking system.
let me know what you find out a.s.a.p.. like i said, i'm going in next monday (7/15) and i want to share as much information as possible before then.
btw, this problem was evident before i took delivery. the dealer said the car needed a battery charge and, after that, i didn't notice the problem for another 3 weeks (1000 miles). then it started again. my guess is that it was probably there all the time -- just intermittent and needing the right car motion and ambient temp to get it going.
right now i'm focusing on the mirror and trying the occasional jiggle to see if i can recreate the problem on demand. but, what i need is for someone to clearly indicate that, in fact the receiver is in the mirror (2001-02).
thanks for sharing. hope to hear from you soon.
dr z