When I press the light button on my fob nothing happens, whether the car is locked or not.

Tried the spare fob same result.

New battery installed into fob, 3 quick presses of the button does not sound the alarm either.

Is this a dealer coding option?

2003 X type V6 2.1 SE Auto

 

Mike - I haven't had that specific problem but periodically my lock buttons act up. My solution has been to open the Fob and spray the buttons, with the battery removed of course, with an electronics cleaner. Back when TV's had them we called it "Tuner Cleaner" not sure what it's called today but Radio Shack should be able to guide you to the correct stuff. We use it at the factory where I work, it's "PW2" or "Genesolve" brands but not sure how readily available those are retail wise. Hope this helps with your issue.

 

If you do that also spray the contacts on the back of the silicone buttons. More than likely they have conductive carbon pills on the back that make contact with the circuit board.

 

I rub the contacts with a pink pearl pencil eraser.