Key Fob Remote - Dead!

[VR8]

My two key fobs to an '04 RX-8 have died! I installed new batteries in them as they were getting weaker and harder to operate, but it only gave them a short life boost. Now with more new batteries in them, I get nothing.

I also tried a reprogram series of steps posted on another forum, turning the key on 3 times, pressing the door closure button 3 times, then the key fob button twice ... nothing seemed to work.

Has anyone ventured into replacing the sending/receiving unit in the car?

[djmtsu]

Never heard of the receiver unit failing, but that is always an option.

[RotorDad]

Not sure if it's similar to the one on my Speed6, but we had to replace the sensor at the back of the car. Resetting the keyless entry only worked the first couple times it acted up.

[VR8]

Not sure if it's similar to the one on my Speed6, but we had to replace the sensor at the back of the car. Resetting the keyless entry only worked the first couple times it acted up.

Any idea what that part was called? I've been unable to find a part name or number and of course a cost.

[RotorDad]

On my key card the little LED was flashing when I couldn't unlock the doors & trunk. At Mazda they called the part an antenna/sensor. It was located in the rear bumper. I was told that water had damaged it, which sounded right considering when it happened it was constantly raining. IIRC there are also sensors in the front doors.

[Mad Max]

I haven't heard of the recieving unit dying either, at least not in my experience. This happened to my Key fob and I finally broke down and bought another OEM one (EXPENSIVE!). No problems yet it's been working great for at least half a year now. You could always just buy an aftermarket system, imo they aren't that great though

[VR8]

I did find out that the receiving unit, or one of the peices, is behind the glove box, and it retails at $500+. Figures. Currently I'm still using my key the old fashion way, and it sucks. I think I'll let the mechanic (former Mazda mechanic) take a look at it and see what he comes up with on my next oil change.

[JL1RX7]

Maybe they both lost the pairing with the car? Where you have to have two keys programmed to program the third thing.

[VR8]

Maybe they both lost the pairing with the car? Where you have to have two keys programmed to program the third thing.

I made it through the pairing process on the car, but the remotes did not interact. I also checked the remotes at the local Advance Auto and supposedly they are both sending out a signal.

[reddozen]

My receiver died. I haven't bothered replacing it. I just use the key to unlock the car.

[VR8]

Took mine to the mechanic (not at Mazda), he said he could check the mechanism. His suggestion at days end was to buy a new remote ... so I did, off of Ebay. It won't interact with my car after the programming steps either. So, now I have three non-working remotes!

[RotorDad]

Three non working remotes, well damn man that sucks.

[reddozen]

only thing i can suggest is to rob the receiver from a wrecked 8... Mine still doesn't work, and for $500 I'll pass.