Smart Key Dead?

[nyc1dxo]

I have two Smart keys. One does not work. i replaced the battery and still no response. I switched batteries with the other Smart key to validate new battery works. It did. Now on the dead Smart key, i've noticed that the top left red led never blinks any longer. Is the Smart key dead or needs to be re programmed?

 

[ceric]

I have two Smart keys. One does not work. i replaced the battery and still no response. I switched batteries with the other Smart key to validate new battery works. It did. Now on the dead Smart key, i've noticed that the top left red led never blinks any longer. Is the Smart key dead or needs to be re programmed?

The red LED is a good indicator. If it did not blink, that means that no signal is going out.
Either bad contact of battery or bad electronics.

 

[nyc1dxo]

The red LED is a good indicator. If it did not blink, that means that no signal is going out.
Either bad contact of battery or bad electronics.

What are my options for a new Card? Can I reprogram a used Ebay one without a dealer?

 

[ceric]

Unlikely.
You need two working ones to program a third one.

 

[nyc1dxo]

The red LED is a good indicator. If it did not blink, that means that no signal is going out.
Either bad contact of battery or bad electronics.

Well I took apart the smart card and found nothing wrong. So I then hard wired the battery to the terminals on the circuit board. The remote works. It looks like the wires from the circuit to the battery contacts must have be came broken. But I'm still in need of a new remote as this one is not feasible to re install in any case. At least I'll be able to program the new smart card without the dealer involved. Can I use an EBay used one and reprogram it to my car? Or must I purchase a NEW one?

 

[ceric]

Well I took apart the smart card and found nothing wrong. So I then hard wired the battery to the terminals on the circuit board. The remote works. It looks like the wires from the circuit to the battery contacts must have be came broken. But I'm still in need of a new remote as this one is not feasible to re install in any case. At least I'll be able to program the new smart card without the dealer involved. Can I use an EBay used one and reprogram it to my car? Or must I purchase a NEW one?

Keycard is made to be recognized by the computer onboard. Each keycard has an unique ID to be programmed into the computer (up to 8, I believe).
Yes, if you buy a correct one from eBay, it will work (but you will have an unusable metal key). If you buy a new one, you get both.

 

[HOLOHOLO]

You need two working ones to program a third one.

Can you elaborate on why this is?

 

[ceric]

This is to prevent illegal duplicate, of course.
Imagine anyone who gets ahold of your keycard and duplicate one. That won't be good.
Therefore, it requires two.

 

[nyc1dxo]

Just got used remote on EBAY.

I can't program it.

Either I have the wrong instructions or the used remote isn't compatable.

Help!

 

[nyc1dxo]

Just got used remote on EBAY.

I can't program it.

Either I have the wrong instructions or the used remote isn't compatable.

Help!

I want to add that I'm refering to a credit card type remote.

 

[nyc1dxo]

Any DIY instructions?

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Thanks Ceric. As a policy it makes sense. Technically, there was no reason I could imagine.

If one dies, is it warrantied like the rest of the vehicle?

This is to prevent illegal duplicate, of course.
Imagine anyone who gets ahold of your keycard and duplicate one. That won't be good.
Therefore, it requires two.

 

[ceric]

Of course, the keycard/fob is covered by same 3yr/36K warranty.

 

[archeng59]

I have a 2007 CX9 with two dead key fobs. The dealer replaced the batteries earlier this summer and they worked ok for a while, but now they do not work again. The service tech said we need to push hard on the buttons to make the keys work. I can't push hard enough in the right way to make them work. Spending $165 per key to get new ones. Not happy about it. Seems like a key fob should last more than 5 years.

 

[ceric]

archeng59,
Were you talking about keycard or regular fobs?
If the former, how far away do you keep your keycards from the CX9?
If within 5-10 ft, you should move it further away....

 

[dubdog]

Does anyone know if you can replace the Keycard with the regular Keyfob ? I'm in the same boat - two dead keycards and only one working aux key from one of the cards !! I'm loathe to pay $250 per new key card then another $150 for programming ...