chade617

I've been having some issues lately with the factory keyless entry on my 2000 4Runner Limited. Sometimes it works and some times it does not. I can go 3 days at a time of it working and then a week of it not working. I have replaced the batteries, checked the contacts and even replaced a fob. I thought maybe the touchy performance was related to the Cleveland cold, but I can't seem to pin down a pattern. For instance, yesterday after work, I headed out to my car (been sitting for almost 9 hours) and the keyless entry worked flawlessly. I even tried it a couple of times to see if it was a fluke. However, when I got home, I could not get the system to lock. I am wondering if perhaps I have a short somewhere in the system? Does anyone else have this problem or have any suggestions?? Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is quite frustrating. Thanks!

Maine Runner

I have the same issue. I thought it might be the fob but mine is erratic with both the lock and unlock buttons.

Mahoney

I am also having this problem....i can lock the 4runner no problem with the remote, but now i can't unlock it or roll down the back window...i replaced the battery and no such luck..im ordering a new remote from ebay this week...i will post if that works

chade617

Maine and Mahoney, just a quick thought. My keyless entry system seems to be working just fine today. It is a warm, dry sunny day here in Cleveland. I am wondering if the problem may be related to moisture in the engine compartment? Yesterday the roads were wet from the thaw, but today everything is dry. Do either of you notice any difference on wet vs. dry days?

89-4run

Mine on my 2002 went completely dead in the fall of last year. The stealership actually gave me a free battery for the fob to see if that would work, didn't. I too am looking for a fix

fasthorse67

This has nothing to do with your problem, but I noticed you're in Cleveland. You should check out www.jeepskool.com Good bunch of people and great legal place to offroad. I'm going again this spring!!

chade617

Looks like a blast! I'm afraid I will regret not getting a rear locker though! I might see ya there!

chade617

Ok Guys, We might be getting somewhere. I just got off the phone with a service tech from the local stealership and got some info on the possible causes of the shotty keyless entry performance. As it turns out, the receiver for the entry is in the lift gate (back door). They said that because of the power window in the lift gate, moisture sometimes gets into the system and shorts it out. Why they put it there i will never know, but I plan to pull the cover off of my hatch sometime this week and take a look see. If anyone else gets to this before me please feel free to share any info. I am hoping it is something that I can fix myself, but if not I will go the aftermarket route and get a starter/entry/security. The stealership wants 83 bucks for an electrical diagnostic and then another 380 or so for the computer. After labor I might as well buy a whole new truck . Good luck and I hope this helps!

TheDurk

Here's one thing to try: Both my fobs were getting progressively funkier and new batteries didn't help. I found that if I bent the spring arm contact that holds the battery to increase tension it improved performance remarkably. I have a '99 and I guess it just gets tired after a decade. Hope this helps someone.

chade617

So I won't lie, after reading your suggestion, I was not too optimistic. But with nothing to lose, I tried it anyways and guess what?? So far so good!! I have only gotten in and out of the car a couple of times since the adjustment, but the system has responded every time on the first click. Before, I was standing at the door pushing the button 20 times with nothing. I am feeling very good about this now. I am about to head out for lunch now and will post in about a week to let you know if this is a permanent solution! Thanks for the help!!!!

chade617

Good news! My keyless entry has worked flawlessly since trying TheDurk's suggestion. I highly recommend that anyone having keyless entry problems try this simple fix. If anyone needs any explanation, I would be glad to help! Thanks Durk!

lola

Thank you SO MUCH for putting the post out there chade617 and for replying TheDurk!! I have had this problem for several years! I refused to buy a new remote @ $200!! so I have just dealt with the issue. FINALLY IT'S FIXED!!

jla123

Got all excited and mine still doesnt work right. Im guessing that you bend the tiny three prong medal thing under the battery upwards, so it gets better contact. Did it, and only my lock button works, same as before.

chade617

There are also 2 small prongs at the top of the remote under the plastic rim that make contact along the edge of the battery. Try squeezing these together with a needle nose plier to make a stronger contact. Good luck!

chade617

Update: I sucked it up and spent the hundred bucks on a replacement key fob from the stealership and it works like a charm. Parts guy said the clickers seem to last about 10 years. The new ones have a revised chip board design and better contacts for the battery as well. I guess its worth it.

mwc0404

Anyone that has ordered a new fob and and has no use for the old one if you could spare the casing for it ill take it, mine has he lock, unlock, rear window on the front and panic on the back. i need a new casing due to the fact that mine broke where the hole is to hang on the key chain. if you have one you can do without pm me. Thanks
HERE IS PICS..Front

Rear

mwc0404

festerrooney

My door open light stayed on and it was determined that the problem was in the power window module in the lift gate. I ordered a used replacement for $35.00 U.S. plus shipping. The door open light is now off but my key fob doesn't work anymore. It appears that I swapped one problem for another. I can live with it, though