Somewhat OT

I'm the happy owner of a 2007 Sonata.

But I also just picked up a loaded used (fleet) 2007 Buick Terraza mini-van
for a steal.

Unfortunately, it didn't come with the remote entry FOBS : (

I've found the specific OEM Fobs on Ebay from a 99.6% rated powerseller who
implies that I can get a new one for $40 shipped and it's PROGRAMMED!

I didn't know that was possible (programming). Am I correct or is it
possible? Or will I still have to fork out $70 or $80 to have the dealer
program them?

Thanks ahead.

Don

 

BS. The vehicle must be programmed to recognize the fobs.

Call your local GM dealer with the vin and ask them to check whether it
even has keyless entry. Some GM fleet vehicles don't have keyless.

 

Um.... it's the top-of-the-line model; it even as a built in tire inflater,
DVD player, etc. It certainly has keyless entry. The only possible reason
it might not is if fleet buyers can buy custom stripped versions but it
would seem that it would be more costly to remove it than just leave it.

Re programming, I'm reading all over the web about SELF programming FOBs in
as little as 5 minutes if you have the procedure. The other thing I read is
that many locksmiths will do the reprogramming at a small fraction of a
dealer's hourly minimum charge of nominally $70 to $90!

Here's just one example of the many I've seen. BTW, someone posted a similar
procedure here for a Hyundai -- 2000-2002 era IIRC. So when a 99.7%
positive Ebay powerseller refers to self programmability for a specific FOB,
I have to believe that that he's not selling snake oil : )


VW/AUDI
Remote Control Programming (1997 ON)

Procedure
1. Switch Ignition ON and leave the key in the ignition.

2. Mechanically lock the vehicle using the Drivers door using a second
key.

3. Using the remote control press the Unlock button once, and the horn
will sound once.

4. Wait 6 seconds and press the unlock button once to activate the coding
procedure. The remote control will now be programmed.

NOTE : When performing programming on additional remotes the procedure
is the same, except you press the unlock button 2, 3 or 4 times for the
different remote.

For example : If programming 2 remotes press the unlock button twice with
a 1 second interval between each press, repeat for 3 and 4 remotes.

5. Switch Ignition OFF.

6. Remove key from ignition and check for operation.

7. The coding procedure can be repeated up to 4 times for additional
remotes.

8. The ignition must be switched OFF between programming each remote
control.

 

If you were so very sure of the answer, why did you even post your question.
By your tone, it sounds like you were offended by HT's answer.............

 

I didn't mean to come across that way --- really. I have great respect for
him. I guess the "BS" part he started his response with unfortunately set a
tone which I'm sure he didn't mean. My point was that I'm reading examples
like the one I posted and was wondering if anyone here had experienced or
heard of similar examples. It also doesn't help that most (all?) dealers
are ripping people off for simple programming IMHO -- unless I'm missing
something big here.

HT, please accept my apology. I look forward to seeing you moniker in the
"From" field!

 

I would imagine that the BS was meant for the dealers who, as you've
discovered, are great at BS'ing the customers. Last week I had my Kia
Sedona back at the dealer's because my tires that they put on my car were
STILL causing a low speed wobble in the entire car. Their answer was that
the front end alignment was 'too good' and caused the problem. Now there is
BS!!! They said that the tires looked fine even though I jacked it up and
spun all four wheels and could visually see they are out of round when I got
home. Since the car has 'tires for life', I'm screwed unless I want to pay
for the tires myself.

 

Well, I'm lucky to have a "Platinum" Hyundai Mechanic who knows his stuff
and is a straight shooter. If not for him I avoid the dealer as much as
possible. They're good people but their scheduling and prices need
improvement. Example: on a Tuesday I took my Sonata in for an oil change.
The pleasant lady asked when I'd like it done (I'm thinking NOW). I told
her as soon as she could fit me in. After studying her schedule she
responds "Saturday." !!! That's 4+ days out. Asked her if she couldn't do it
earlier and she apologized that they were all booked up. Now this is in a
small retirement community 20 some miles south of Tucson. When I got home
I decided I was going to look up the owner on the web and share my
experience thinking that he had a problem to fix. Couldn't find an address
for him BUT I found that I could schedule my oil change on line! The next
available time was only 90 minutes away. But by then I had had it done
elsewhere. They definitely have a management problem. Will see next time
around.

And this is a BIG automotive operation -- 8 vehicle lines and more stores.

 

Sir, what does "tires for life" mean? I can't for the life of me, figure
out what it even possibly might mean?

I only say that because, with a problem like that, I am never willing to
allow myself to just be ... well, you know what word you used.

Because for everyone out there that treats me like that, is someone else
down the street who is competent, professional, knowledgeable, and most
importantly, WANTS my business, and will do what he has to do to get it.

 

I'm not sure if you are using a play on words, Rev. If you are, I also
thought that maybe 'for life' might not be worth it to accept sub-par tires.
When we bought the car, part of the deal was to get new tires whenever they
were worn down. Of course, the quality of tires they put on is entirely up
to their discretion. They put on the original equipment tires, which were
probably 'take offs' from someone who wanted to upgrade their tires when
purchasing a new car. It is a common sales gimmick around here right now
but the downside is, as I said, you get whatever they want to put on. I
won't let that be a sales gotcha next time. Unfortunately, it is a local
dealer gimmick and not one offered by Kia or Hyundai so you can't complain
to anyone but that particular dealer.

 

Sorry if I came across abrasive. The BS is the idea that they're already
programmed. That's not possible, since the remote and the vehicle must be
in the same location for the programming to take place. The idea of
programming remotes is something of a misnomer. Actually, the vehicle is
programmed to recognize the specific remotes you have.

As to whether you'll need to have the dealer do the programming, I don't
know for certain. To my knowledge, a Tech2 (GM scan tool) is necessary to
do the programming. But, if you go back far enough (and this may even be
what you referenced), you'll see that someone pointed out a procedure (for
the 2001-2003 Elantra, I believe) that I was unaware of.

On most newer GM vehicles, the difference between keyless and no keyless
is a little bit of wiring and a relay. The Body Control Module is generic
and can be set up with a Tech 2 for a vehicle with or without keyless
entry. I agree, it seems silly and not cost effective to produce the
vehicles without keyless, but I know it's done. On the other hand, I've
never seen one with the level of options you describe.

 

Yep, BS. I must say, though, "alignment too good" is one I haven't heard
before.

"Their answer was that the front end alignment was 'too good' and caused
the problem. Now there
is BS!!! They said that the tires looked fine even though I jacked it up
and spun all four wheels and could visually see they are out of round when
I got home."

 

Same here. I was a bit pissed at the dealership when I found out they didn't
include the fobs -- and only a single key. No mention of any of this was
made before I had paid for the vehicle and was getting ready to leave with
it. So I guess I was loaded for bear at the time : )

There are three different possibilities the Ebay powerseller is promising:
1) "a procedure" as noted; 2) a list of keysmiths who perform such
programming and 3) nothing. #3 is unlikely based on his user feedback and
his 99.7% satisfaction rating. I'm leaning toward #1 BUT I've read some
places that it doesn't fully program the fob -- just the basic
"lock/unlock". In my case there are two power sliding doors and the security
system which I'd dearly like programmed. I refer to the security function
as the "parking lot vehicle locator" since that's 99% of the use I get from
it : )

After cooling down, I've decided to try to force them to provide a pair of
programmed fobs (and remote and wireless headphones for the DVD player)
since I discovered it was buried deep in their on line ad along with a
Navigation system. I have to take it back in anyway (80 mile round trip) to
have a rear bushing replaced and some other trivial work.

The bright side of hassles like this one is that you end up learning a lot
that will help in the future : )

Cheers

 

Hey Don,

Most of the better EBay sellers are very willing to answer questions.
Just e-mail him and ask him what's required to make the car work with
his fob.

Good luck,,,
-

Bob

 

Hi Bob,

I've sent them two "User questions" since you can't send email to a seller
or buyer for that matter. They haven't responded to either.

But that's fine 'cuz I won my case with the dealer.

My situation was this. After I had paid for this van the salesman gave me
one key with no fobs. He told me this is how they sold fleet cars.

After cooling down, I decided I was going to get my fobs and the second key.
So I studied all my paper work and researched what was standard equipment on
this loaded vehicle. I was going to make a negotiating list to help me in
bargaining for the fobs. Told the salesman I wanted to meet with the sales
manager if he was unable to resolve these issues.

My want list:

1) Two fobs and one more key
2) Cargo net
3) Two wireless headphone sets
4) Remote for the DVD player
5) Replace the rear axle bushings (noisy axle on bumps)
6) Navigation system (This actually wasn't standard but their literature
described the ON-STAR system as such.)

We met today and happily the sales manager agreed with me on everything
except the navigation system : ) They even gave me a free loaner since they
couldn't complete the work today.

I came away extremely impressed with this dealership and the feeling the
salesman was in deep dodo.

BTW, the service rep told me he could program two fobs like this (snapped
his finger)

So I'm a happy camper -- found a class A dealership and, thank God, didn't
buy the fobs off Ebay.