key fob battery replacement?

[oldblonde]

I feel dumb asking this but here goes. My fob won't unlock my doors but will unlock my trunk, anyone know why?

Inside the fob, above the battery is printed: "Press Lock + Unlock 7 sec to reset", is that supposed to be done at battery replacement each time? Since I've already been using fob since replacement a year ago have I messed up my chances of doing that now or should I put in new battery & start over?

1998 Buick Century

[DeltaP]

That can be done anytime a good battery is removed and reinstalled. If that will fix the problem, I dont know. I do know that the transmitted signal is more powerful if you hold the transmitter,(FOB), to your chin when you press the button. It increases its range. HTH

[oldblonde]

You're pulling my leg?!

[DeltaP]

Or you can put it to your leg... probably doesn't matter. But yes its true.

[Tech II]

If the trunk button unlocks the trunk, it sounds like your fob is in "synch".....

You can try the synch method....hold the lock and unlock buttons down for at least 7 seconds, and you will hear the horns chirp.....if only the trunk button still works, you have a fob problem.....can verify if you have another fob to try....

And yes, putting the fob under your chin, does extend the range.....you can prove it, by backing up using the fob.....when it no longer works, back up a few more feet....now put it under your chin and hit a working button(trunk)....it will work....that's how I always found cars that were parked across the street, when I had to go get them....

[DeltaP]

Yeah a used car salesman showed me that some years ago. Another unusual thing on the subject of car alarms. Whenever I go to this one particular Honda dealership for parts my car alarm/FOB will not activate my car alarm. Drive a block away it works fine again. Does this everytime I go there.(???)