kops

iTrader: (1)

I'm having trouble deciding..

I have an 06 GT with the advanced keyless 'smart' key. The buttons on the fob work, but the proximity stuff (door handle buttons, trunk release button, and keyless ignition do not work). This means every time I get in my car, I have to slide the physical key out of the fob and use that to start the car. Not a big deal, but it is rather annoying =/.

I've got a quote of $325 for the fob, $75 for the slide out key, and $100 for programming from the dealer. So thats $500 for a new fob/key...but that will still not fix the proximity features. I've read that this can be cause by a dirty sensor under the rear bumper, and I have service records from the previous owner dating back to 2010 where this was reported, and replaced in 2012 for $500 parts/labour. With that, the proximity stuff still does not work. I have been planning on ripping the bumper off and cleaning the sensor to try to fix the issue, but with December weather here its not going to be enjoyable. Also, the owners manual seems to say that the rear bumper sensor isn't required for ignition (see image). All in all, for this to be functional, I see about $500 for a fob (mine is falling apart, want to replace), $120 for diag fee at dealer, plus who knows how much for parts/labour to fix the proximity sensor features. Into the $700+ range....

My alternative is to get a Viper 2-way remote start/alarm. I have a friend who can get one for me installed for about $400. The plan would be to use the viper fob for unlock/lock/trunk/remote start, and to have a regular physical key made to start the car - like most other cars on the road. A regular key is quoted at $180 from the dealership, and would require me to cut the tabs off of the ignition cylinder to fit the physical key in (as is, it only allows the slide-out key from the factory fob). Looks like I'm well over $600 for this setup as well, plus some hacking away at my regular ignition cylinder.

My question to you guys is, how are you starting your RX8? Does the keyless/proximity stuff work for you (if you have it)? Are there any other alternatives for me? I'm not picky - I just want to be able to lock/unlock my car with a fob, and start it without having to slide the key out of the fob every time.

kjb

It's probably just the battery in the fob. The first replacement battery I bought only lasted about six months. The latest one has lasted over two years.

kops

iTrader: (1)

Bought a new battery for it. Worked from much further away, but didn't help with the keyless ignition type stuff unfortunately

godesshunter

Has it ever worked? I remember reading something in the owners manual about how the key can become nonoperational if you make some sort of awkward mistake with the locking sequence. I'm looking it up now.

godesshunter

The proximity stuff you refer to are called the "request switches".


Advanced Key Suspend
Function
If one key is left in the vehicle or trunk
and the second key is used to lock the
vehicle, the functions of the advanced key
left in the vehicle or the trunk are
temporarily suspended to prevent theft of
the vehicle.
The following are inoperable:
l
Starting the engine using the start
****.
l
Operating the request switches.
To restore these functions, perform any
one of the following:
l
Press the lock or unlock button on the
advanced key which has had its
functions suspended.
l
While carrying another advanced key,
push in the start **** until the KEY
indicator light (green) in the instrument
cluster illuminates.
l
Insert the auxiliary key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position.

godesshunter

Try that. See if it works...

kops

iTrader: (1)

When I bought the car about 2 months ago, the request switches and ignition stuff would work maybe 1 out of every 10 times I got in the car. I tried to replicate exactly what I was doing in those scenarios but it was always hit or miss. I eventually just stopped trying to use it out of frustration.

The car only came with 1 key, and the previous owner claimed to only have 1 key when he bought it at an auction in 2008. Service records showed this issue reported in 2010 but not fixed until 2012, but even now it doesn't work.

I will try these recommendations and report back, I think what I'm doing now is the one you listed last, using the physical auxiliary key to start the car

openeye71

I have issues with mine too, on mine everything works except for the alarm button and i can't lock the car with the door buttons. If i hit lock with door open it immediately unlocks itself. When i first got the car the the key in the smart key was broken and wouldn't stay in and it ended dropping under the seat then under the carpet so i don't know if that rattling around in the car would cause that or not.

PapaJ

I use my key in the ignition, but only because that's the only way to start it. I don't even have the key that allows me to unlock the doors with a button, my wife has that one. I have to open the doors with the key, and if I want in the trunk, I have to open the door with the key then pop the trunk. Good think I don't drive it much!