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2007 - keyless entry stopped working? - SOLVED!

11068 Views 17 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  2.5x_sleeper
I disconnected my vehicle battery to access the left front headlight for replacement. After reinstalling the battery, the keyless remote no longer works. Another clue is after locking the doors with the door lock switch, the car no longer beeps once and flashes the parking lights when the door is closed. Total time with the battery disconnected was about an hour. I previously had the battery disconnected for a timing belt replacement for about 8 hours with no ill effects on the remote, so I was surprised when this happened. Any help is appreciated.
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@markswi is the security LED in the combination meter... instrument panel flashing?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]
@markswi the security LED is pictured in your Owner's Manual, "Keys and Doors", 2-13.


Your '07 doesn't have immobilizer security, so when the security system is not activated, it should not be flashing. If it is flashing, that could be a clue.

Disconnecting the battery should not affect the keyless entry or security system. It hasn't been an issue on either of our Foresters.

There are fuses associated with the keyless entry & security system, if blown, would only affect those systems. Have you looked for blown fuses in the engine compartment & cabin fuse boxes?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]
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@markswi try disconnecting the battery again. This is basically a system reset.

[1] Disconnect the battery ground cable.
[2] Press the brake pedal & hold for 5-10 seconds. This will operate the brake lights, draining any residual voltage in the system.
[3] Reconnect the battery cable.

Note on the first start after a reset, turn the ignition key to run, but don't start for 5 to 15 seconds. This gives the ECM time to reinitialize & the engine won't stall after starting.

Once the reset is complete, while standing outside the driver's door, use the electric lock switch to lock the doors. Close the close the door. Was there a chip"?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]
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@markswi lets focus on the system first... we can address the remote fob operation later. 😉

I have more questions:

[1] The security LED is not flashing in the combination meter... the instrument panel. Correct?
[2] When you get out of the vehicle, lock the doors with the electric door lock switch, close the door, there's no audible chirp or a flashing security LED in the instrument panel? Is this correct?
[3] When you unlock the door with the key & open the door, the alarm doesn't sound. Is this correct?
[4] Is the CEL - check engine light on... lit?

There is the possibility your security system is in "valet" mode. In your Owner's manual, take a look at "Keys and Doors", 2-15.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]
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@markswi thank you for updating your thread with the solution! Always good to have thread closure... "the rest of the story"! I'll add "SOLVED!" to your thread title!

Curious that removing & reinstalling the battery caused the keyless entry module to fail? I don't recall reading that on past forum posts!

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]
@markswi it will remain a mystery, but you found the problem & repaired it, which could help the next poor soul that experiences this same problem!

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]
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