Key Fob problems

[Dalt10]

I have a2002 Yukon. I've been messing with my key fob working off and on for the last year or so. It would randomly work but not very often. I would try it at different times just to see if they would work. 99.9% of the time they did not work. I have not gone to a lock smith yet for the issue. I had a post a while back on this. https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/key-fob-keyless-entry-module.138234/
Today I decided to read as much as I could online to figure it out. Key fobs don't work and do not program. New ones, old ones, old battery or new battery. Today I went out and after a few tries one of the key fobs did program. I just happened to be holding the key fob with my hands on top of the steering column when I tried to program it when it worked. (i have been holding the fob away from the dash just sitting in the truck). But the issue is you have to hold the fob within 2 or 3 inches (crazy but I measured it) from the Dash panel (Speedo-gauges) for the fob to work. If you go 3-4 inches or farther away it does not work.
I am assuming it's the RKE module does not read the fob when its farther away from the gauges (RKE should be behind the gauges). Has anybody replaced the RKE module before? I assume I would have to get one that goes to my specific vehicle. I think I remember something about there are numbers on the module that you have to go by. Once one is put in can you just reprogram the fobs or does the module have to be programed after you install it?
Thank for any info anybody has.

 

[Trey Hardy]

I’ve had good luck with my boost auto 2018 style key fob it unlocks my truck from a much farther distance the the original and I like how the new fob clicks when you hit the button so you know it worked. My old fob eventually bit the dust and same thing happened with the fob for my Silverado. I need to get another fob but until then I was able to program that boost auto key fob so that it works on both my Tahoe and Silverado I think it was like 40-60$ I have a 07 though and I think programming them is much easier on these body styles. Might be something to look into though depending on how much that module thing is because it might just be the fob that’s bad

 

[Dalt10]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into that.

 

[SilverSport]

 

[mountie]

Today, my '05 Yukon OEM key fob..... It took a few 'firm' presses to work....
Maybe the battery is low? Don't know, but I'll change the battery..
Will I have to re-program the fob after changing the battery?
( probably not? )

 

[Fless]

Will I have to re-program the fob after changing the battery?
( probably not? )

Not if it was programmed correctly before.

 

[SilverSport]

no reprogramming needed after battery change...good luck

Bill

 

[mountie]

no reprogramming needed after battery change...good luck

Bill

On some subjects, the forum discusses, ..I'll ask a question... that some members might wonder about.

 

[SilverSport]

did changing the battery help or are your remote buttons worn out?..hoping it being the easy fix...

Bill

 

[mountie]

did changing the battery help or are your remote buttons worn out?..hoping it being the easy fix...

Bill

A new battery fixed it. Just a slight touch of the buttons, again ...It even makes the distance better. ( I guess the power of the battery, improves the signal )

 

[Dalt10]

I'm assuming mine is the module. I have new batteries in my fob and still does the same. I can hold the fobs by the windshield and they work. The module is discontinued so I will see about getting a used one to see if it works. It looks like this has probably happened before on my Yukon because when I went to take it out the tabs are broken and it is just sitting under the dash.

 

[Dalt10]

Finally got a used RKE Module from the junk yard this weekend ($8- they are $40 to $75 on Ebay when you can find one that is the correct number). Just put it in and key' fob works now. My second key fob doesn't work but I assume its the battery or the buttons. I'll mess with that one and get it working.

 

[yellowcj7]

Have a similar problem. My doesn't work when it gets below 75 degrees. Changed battery, no change. Where is the module located. It's worth a try to fix the problem.

 

[Fless]

Have a similar problem. My doesn't work when it gets below 75 degrees. Changed battery, no change. Where is the module located. It's worth a try to fix the problem.

Location depends on your specific vehicle. Please share that info with us.

 

[yellowcj7]

Ooopps 2002 Yukon XL

 

[Dalt10]

If it's a '02 Its behind your gauges. Easy to get to. Take the cover off in front of your gauges. You have to tilt your steering wheel down and put the shifter in drive or lower to get it out. There are 4 bolts to pull the gauges out. It should be to the right towards the firewall. It's usually attached with a tab. You have to get one with the same number that is on yours.