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Can't enter programming mode for key fob

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29K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  alexokanenas  
#1 ·
Hi all, I've been halfheartedly searching for weeks, and now it's just personal. I have a 2004 Element, purchased this spring. within 3 months, both key fobs stopped working (staggered, not simultaneously). My girlfriend replaced the batteries in both, and of course neither started working.

I have been trying to program the remotes to no avail. I've used various instructions, all repeating the turn on/hit lock/turn off 3 times, and on the 4th the heavens shall open.... The variations are the key positions, position II to position I, and III to 0.

I can't get the doors to chunk. I've tried. Took it to the dealership, they tried. They replied with "both your remotes are bad". I'm throwing up a BS flag right there. Both remotes didn't just go bad, I stand a better chance of winning the lottery.

Any help or suggestions would be fantastic.

One more item that I think is worth mentioning, While following the instructions, I never got the remotes to chunk, or activate the doors, but I turned the key off and removed it, and while sitting in the drivers seat with the doors closed, I can intermittently get the doors to lock and unlock. When I exit the vehicle that ends. WTH???
 
#2 ·
I work in a GM dealer, and we have a remote tester. I know it will test honda remotes as I have done it. Simply shows each button puts out an RF signal.
Try going to a gm dealer with both remotes (you dont need to have vehicle), most times the service writers have the tester in their desk, should cost ya nothing but your time.
 
#6 ·
Keyless program mode fail

I just purchased my son a 04 and it did not come with a fob, I purchased 2 after market fobs on ebay and had the same results (no program mode confirmation) I figured the remotes may not be correct so I purchased a used Honda fob and it doesn't work either.
I even disconnected the battery and did it again, still no luck. I believe I have gone through the sequence more than 10 times.
Is their a way to know if the system is working?
The key will lock the doors from the driver door but only unlock the driver door, the unlock button on the driver door will unlock both the doors and hatch.

Please help if anyone can solve.
 
#7 ·
These Instructions Worked!

I know this is a year late and a dollar short, but after 2 weeks of frustration in trying to program a new remote fob for my 2006 Element, I finally found a set of instructions that were slightly different than the standard ones all over the internet.

The difference was in both closing and locking, then unlocking the doors using the power lock switch on the door, and also the timing... only 4 seconds can lapse between each step, including closing the door and locking it.

I did note that on the final (4th) time through the procedure, when the locks are supposed to cycle, that if I hit the button for the 4th time too quickly, it didn't work. The second time through the procedure I actually heard the clunking sound and then counted to 4 before hitting my lock button and bingo, the doors locked and unlocked again! Then I turned off the key.

I followed the new instructions and in 5 minutes I had the remote working! Woot!

Here are the slightly different instructions, for anyone who is having trouble and wants to give this a try.

REMOTE PROGRAMMING
Please make sure to read through the programming before attempting. All remotes that are expected to work for the vehicle will need to be with you in the vehicle before attempting the programming. Any remotes not present at the time of programming will cease to function until reprogrammed.
1. Enter the vehicle, close, lock and then unlock all doors using the power lock switch on the driver’s door.
2. Within 4 seconds, with a key that is cut and working for the vehicle currently, insert the key into the ignition cylinder and turn to the ON position as far as it will go without starting. Leave in the ON position.
3. Within four (4) seconds using any remote (continue using the same remote for the following steps), press and release the LOCK button once (We recommend using a working remote if you have one to activate the programming mode).
4. Within four (4) seconds switch the key to the OFF position.
5. Repeat Steps 2-4 two (2) more times then proceed to step 6.
6. Within four (4) seconds turn the key to the ON position as far as it will go without starting and leave in the ON position, then within four (4) seconds press the LOCK button on the same remote you have been using.

At this point the vehicle door locks should automatically lock and unlock, indicating that the programming mode has been activated. (If the door locks do not cycle automatically then the programming procedure has failed and you need to restart the procedure from STEP 1)

7. Once the door locks stop cycling, within four (4) seconds press the LOCK button on the same remote you have been using. The door locks should automatically lock and unlock indicating that the remote programming has been accepted.
8. Repeat STEP 7 for all remaining remotes you wish to program (You can program up to 4 remotes total).
9. Once you have programmed all your remotes, exit the programming mode by turning the key off and removing it from the ignition.
10. Test all remotes to ensure they are functioning. If any do not function, restart the programming procedure from STEP 1 and switch the order in which you are programming the remotes (STEP 7).
 
#8 ·
Please HELP!!!

I was having the same issue as above, lost my fob, bought a new aftermarket one and couldn't get it programmed. I followed the above instructions and failed to program to FOB but now to make things worse, my alarm is going off and the vehicle will not start. (it was starting with and unlocking with the key before this)

Please HELP!!!