I have a 2003 STR with about 110k miles. The other day, the key fob stopped working when trying to lock/unlock the car remotely. So, I purchased a new battery, cleaned the contacts with rubbing alcohol (after trying the batter thing first) and had no luck. So, I grabbed my back-up key fob which used to work before putting it in my drawer a few years ago. It did not work either. Went through the same process...no luck.

Ok, here are a few strange things that happened.

Possession #1:
I parked my car in my garage and got out and left the key inside (like I normally do). As soon as I closed the door, all the doors locked locking my key inside the car.

Posession #2:
When I couldn't unlock my car with the remote, I used the key and opened the car. I pressed the button to unlock the doors and it wouldn't work. So, I put the key in the ignition and turned it to accessory mode and it still wouldn't unlock. The unlock button on the center console would not work until I actually started the car.

Posession #3:
While the car is running, I pressed the door unlock button on the center console. Sometimes I had to press it a couple of times before the doors would lock/unlock. Sometimes the doors would just 1/2 unlock (somewhere inbetween in lock pergatory). Somtimes the windows and sunroof would go up or down a couple of inches. (play creepy music here).

So, anyone know how to do a STR séance?

Thanks.

Paul

 

How old is your car's battery? Not the key fob batteries, the actual car battery. These cars consume massive amounts of power and must operate with a fully-capable battery at all times. Dying batteries cause all sorts of problems that can have you scratching your head. This could be one of them....

 

May have a button on fob sticking down, maybe intermittent. Or may be a wire chafed in a harness. Or damaged lock which activates such a wire. Then there are the modules which could be involved. Grab JTIS, free download, and go logically through anything that would cause it.

 

Hmmm...good point. It is an Interstate battery dated Nov 2010.

 

When my wife's 2006 XK8's factory battery began to die back in September 2012, the car would pop the trunk open all by itself. Happened three or four times before I figured out that it had to be the battery....

 

I think you may all be right. I tested the battery with a volt meter, and it said it was putting out 11.95 volts (car not on). Then I plugged the car into a CTek trickle charger and after about 30-minutes, the key fob started working again.

Hmmmm...I think we are on to something here.

Thanks all!

 

Let us know because a new battery has been proven to fix a whole list of odd problems.
.
.
.

 

New Bosch battery installed...so far so good!!

Looks like it solved the issues (knock on wood).

Thanks all for your help and suggestions!

 

With The Car Running If You Hold The Center Lock/Unlock Button It Will Open/Close All Windows And Moon Roof. I Use This Feature Everyday.