2006 Shinka Key light on IP
 

I've been having an intermittent problem with my RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) for about a year now.

Symptoms:

-Key light in IP glows a steady red
-"request" buttons do not work at trunk or doors
-Car starts via keyless start (with keys in pocket)
-Key fob works fine for remote open and lock via a keypress. Batteries are new in both keyfobs that came with the car, and I've used them both to rule out the fault.
-Sometimes these symptoms go away and RKE works like it is supposed to.
-RKE system "senses" when I have left the vehicle with the engine running and have keys in my pocket by repeated "chirps" as I walk away from the car, which is normal for the Keyless Start system.

I read some other threads on here about this problem, and some have mentioned that it might be a dirty, salt encrusted antenna for the RKE behind the rear bumper. I removed the bumper last weekend and could not locate the antenna. However, INSIDE the trunk, behind the "end trunk trim panel" I located a black box with two wires on it, about 6 inches long. I have an identical box up front, under the glovebox. Are these the antenna used for the RKE? (In addition to ones supposedly in the doors) These antenna are not exposed to the elements and disconnecting them and reconnecting them made no difference in the operation, or lack thereof in operation of the RKE.

Perhaps these are the "fixed" antenna for the faulty one that was exposed to the elements? I am at a loss to identify whether these are the culprits, or where to go from here.

I used to have a problem similar to yours, the easiest way to solve it is to replace the battery. I did, and the problem went away.

Thanks Sphinx. But as you'll note, I replaced the batteries in each of my keyless remotes already. The problem is in the RKE system somewhere.