Lexington
Member
Recently I had problems with my Key Remote Lock & Unlock not working. I found a very simple solution to fix it but I will still give a full step by step to troubleshoot your problem.
I decided to create a new thread so the troubleshooting will be on top.
Step-1: Change your battery but do not use a Duracell battery, here’s why?
Recently Duracell started adding a thin layer of bitterant (often Bitrex) on the negative side of certain button cells batteries such as CR2032, CR2016 and CR1632. This bitter-tasting layer is meant to deter kids from swallowing them. However it can act as a very thin insulator which prevents reliable electrical contact between the battery and the fob’s metal contacts, especially under light spring pressure. This can lead to intermittent failures. There are 2 fixes for this.
A) Use rubbing alcohol to wipe the battery down. This should remove the bitterant coating and allow the battery to work normally again.
B) If step A doesn’t work, replace with another brand battery such as Energizer since most do not have a bitterant coating. I did this and now my key remote works just fine.
Step-2: Take the fobs to an auto parts store (AutoZone, etc.)—many have a key fob signal tester to confirm they’re transmitting strongly.
Step-3: Check the following fuses to make sure they are good.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box:
• ECU-B (10A): Multiplex communication, door lock control, wireless door lock, etc.
• SMART (7.5A): If your TRD Pro has smart key features (common on higher trims).
• DOOR-related (e.g., D/L NO.2 in cabin, or main ALT feeding DOOR circuits).
Driver’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Box (under the dash, left side—pull the cover or knee panel for access):
• ECU-IG NO.1 / ECU-IG NO.2 (10A each): Body control and door systems.
• DOOR (7.5A) and D/L NO.2 (25A): Power door locks and multiplex system.
• IGN (10A) and GAUGE (7.5A)
Step-4: Disconnect the battery for 30 minutes then reconnect the battery. This will reset the car computer and may resolve the issue.
Step-5: Reprogram the Key.
This is a manual reset. I have not tried it but others said it worked for them but took several attempts.
1. drivers door open and unlocked. All other doors closed.
2. key in / out. insert and then immediately remove
3. within 5 seconds press drivers door lock/ unlock switch in this sequence: lock,unlock,lock,unlock,lock,unlock
4. key in /out again
5. within 5 seconds repeat step 3
6. insert key
7. IGN on but don't start engine, then back to lock. The door locks should cycle lock then unlock to indicate the vehicle is in programming mode.
Within 40 seconds of that press lock and unlock on fob together for 1.5 seconds to 2 seconds then release.
Then press lock button for about 1 second
The door locks should cycle again. Once means success twice means try step 2 again.
To exit remove the key the doors will cycle lock then unlock to confirm you've left programming mode. Test the fob.
If this doesn’t work or is too difficult, then take it to your local mechanic or dealer to reprogram the keys.
(Thanks to Humble Leader for this info.)
Step-6: If the previous steps do not work, then the Door Control Receiver might have a loose wire connection or the receiver itself has gone bad. This is the part number. Part number 89141-35060.
The receiver is located behind the driver side (left) rear black cargo panel near the top-center. Instruction say you need to remove the floor first, then the cargo panel. However, if you just remover panel and the rear seat reclining lever, you may just be able to pull the top of the cargo panel far back enough to access the receiver without having to remove the floor.
I will come back later and add video links and photos to better help you with this.
I want to give a special mention and thanks to 61Hawk who told us his story about getting a new key and how he swapped the battery in the new key to the old keys and they worked, which showed the problem was the Duracell battery. You saved me a lot of money because I was about to take my vehicle to my mechanic to replace the door controller. Thanks again!
I decided to create a new thread so the troubleshooting will be on top.
Step-1: Change your battery but do not use a Duracell battery, here’s why?
Recently Duracell started adding a thin layer of bitterant (often Bitrex) on the negative side of certain button cells batteries such as CR2032, CR2016 and CR1632. This bitter-tasting layer is meant to deter kids from swallowing them. However it can act as a very thin insulator which prevents reliable electrical contact between the battery and the fob’s metal contacts, especially under light spring pressure. This can lead to intermittent failures. There are 2 fixes for this.
A) Use rubbing alcohol to wipe the battery down. This should remove the bitterant coating and allow the battery to work normally again.
B) If step A doesn’t work, replace with another brand battery such as Energizer since most do not have a bitterant coating. I did this and now my key remote works just fine.
Step-2: Take the fobs to an auto parts store (AutoZone, etc.)—many have a key fob signal tester to confirm they’re transmitting strongly.
Step-3: Check the following fuses to make sure they are good.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box:
• ECU-B (10A): Multiplex communication, door lock control, wireless door lock, etc.
• SMART (7.5A): If your TRD Pro has smart key features (common on higher trims).
• DOOR-related (e.g., D/L NO.2 in cabin, or main ALT feeding DOOR circuits).
Driver’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Box (under the dash, left side—pull the cover or knee panel for access):
• ECU-IG NO.1 / ECU-IG NO.2 (10A each): Body control and door systems.
• DOOR (7.5A) and D/L NO.2 (25A): Power door locks and multiplex system.
• IGN (10A) and GAUGE (7.5A)
Step-4: Disconnect the battery for 30 minutes then reconnect the battery. This will reset the car computer and may resolve the issue.
Step-5: Reprogram the Key.
This is a manual reset. I have not tried it but others said it worked for them but took several attempts.
1. drivers door open and unlocked. All other doors closed.
2. key in / out. insert and then immediately remove
3. within 5 seconds press drivers door lock/ unlock switch in this sequence: lock,unlock,lock,unlock,lock,unlock
4. key in /out again
5. within 5 seconds repeat step 3
6. insert key
7. IGN on but don't start engine, then back to lock. The door locks should cycle lock then unlock to indicate the vehicle is in programming mode.
Within 40 seconds of that press lock and unlock on fob together for 1.5 seconds to 2 seconds then release.
Then press lock button for about 1 second
The door locks should cycle again. Once means success twice means try step 2 again.
To exit remove the key the doors will cycle lock then unlock to confirm you've left programming mode. Test the fob.
If this doesn’t work or is too difficult, then take it to your local mechanic or dealer to reprogram the keys.
(Thanks to Humble Leader for this info.)
Step-6: If the previous steps do not work, then the Door Control Receiver might have a loose wire connection or the receiver itself has gone bad. This is the part number. Part number 89141-35060.
The receiver is located behind the driver side (left) rear black cargo panel near the top-center. Instruction say you need to remove the floor first, then the cargo panel. However, if you just remover panel and the rear seat reclining lever, you may just be able to pull the top of the cargo panel far back enough to access the receiver without having to remove the floor.
I will come back later and add video links and photos to better help you with this.
I want to give a special mention and thanks to 61Hawk who told us his story about getting a new key and how he swapped the battery in the new key to the old keys and they worked, which showed the problem was the Duracell battery. You saved me a lot of money because I was about to take my vehicle to my mechanic to replace the door controller. Thanks again!
