TL/DR, Fob (no comfort access, it's the rechargeable type) inop, tried my never used (11+ years old) spare, after small drive, no charge, will longer time in the dash charge it up, or is it toast because of non use?

I see where fobs have been brought up many, many times, but I didn't stumble across my particular issue. Today during a rain storm (probably not related) my door locks started going bonkers all by themselves. You could hear the solenoid trying to do its thing. I tried my fob to see if it had an effect, and it was dead. I was able to lock/unlock it manually with the key, but at the moment I have no easy trunk access (without going under the rear seat for the release, is that right?). So, I figured maybe the original rechargeable fob just couldn't hold a charge anymore (I don't have comfort access, I believe those have a replaceable battery) So, I got my pristine, totally never been used before spare that I got with the car, and tried it. I knew wouldn't work, because of no charge. So I put it in, drove around for about 10 minutes, and hoped I'd see some signs of life, but as far as I can tell it wasn't charging.

Since I've never used it in its life, thoughts on it still being viable?

Do you think if I took it for a much longer drive, it would eventually pick up a charge?

Or am I about to go fob shopping and take it in the wallet?

 

There are some DIY to replace the battery. I would also go to one of those store that have remote signal tester. since you said the locking system was acting up after some rain, I would check the fuse box for water and even the rear view mirror where the actual antenna resides.

 

I'm going to look into it possibly being a fuse issue. That'd be an easy/much cheaper fix.

Can anybody decode these symbols and tell me which one is for the remote sensor? I was hoping for a drawing of the fob with waves coming out of it, but it isn't that easy/obvious to me. I'm hoping to not have to pull them all individually.

Maybe #24?

 

Never seen one like this for 2nd gens! is this US spec?

 

I found it here, not really sure.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...diagram-431133

I just pulled my own, and yes, it is different. Here's a pic.

 

Check the ones with antenna looking symbol. Also, check the carpet for water intrusion.

 

Which ones are you referring to as having antenna looking symbols? Can you give me a number?

I thought it might have been # 26. Which might be it. But the fuse was good, so no luck there.

 

More like f41

 

Oh, I thought I read elsewhere where those were symbolizing the power outlets.

I'll take a look.

 

So, tried a few more fuses that I was unsure of their meaning, took about 30 minutes, as I was walking back into the house, I out of habit hit a button, and now it's working.

I hope this isn't a recurring thing, lol.