Have single FOB#2 and range is suddenly terrible
#1
Have single FOB#2 and range is suddenly terrible
Hi all, first time user from Chicago. I have 2010 MDX purchased as a certified pre-owned in 2012.
I lost the #1 FOB over 3 years ago, and have been using the #2 successfully ever since.
I replaced the battery in #2 a couple years ago when the range went down and it worked flawlessly since then.
About 3 months ago, the range in #2 plummeted again (though much more suddenly this time) and I figured it was a battery issue.
I can only stand close to the driver or passenger window and the lock/unlock feature works sporadically - I have to point the FOB at the driver seat (I think the receiver is in the fuse panel in upper left driver leg area). The FOB-under-the-chin method does not noticeably improve the range.
So I replaced the battery (CR1616), and no improvement.
I pulled battery and put a new one in after checking both batteries for voltage, they're both strong (~3.2V). I also verified the contacts in the FOB are strong, in contact, and gunk free.
Still same issue.
I've read that re-programming is a possible solution.
And I've seen that the receiver might replacement, though I don't understand how that make sense, because it DOES work, if just unevenly.
Do FOBs get weaker over time? (besides battery issues)
Can anyone recommend next steps?
Thanks!
I lost the #1 FOB over 3 years ago, and have been using the #2 successfully ever since.
I replaced the battery in #2 a couple years ago when the range went down and it worked flawlessly since then.
About 3 months ago, the range in #2 plummeted again (though much more suddenly this time) and I figured it was a battery issue.
I can only stand close to the driver or passenger window and the lock/unlock feature works sporadically - I have to point the FOB at the driver seat (I think the receiver is in the fuse panel in upper left driver leg area). The FOB-under-the-chin method does not noticeably improve the range.
So I replaced the battery (CR1616), and no improvement.
I pulled battery and put a new one in after checking both batteries for voltage, they're both strong (~3.2V). I also verified the contacts in the FOB are strong, in contact, and gunk free.
Still same issue.
I've read that re-programming is a possible solution.
And I've seen that the receiver might replacement, though I don't understand how that make sense, because it DOES work, if just unevenly.
Do FOBs get weaker over time? (besides battery issues)
Can anyone recommend next steps?
Thanks!
#2
mrgold35
When I purchased my 11 MDX used in 2014, Driver 1 FOB was very weak and the range was pretty much at the door handle. I had Driver 2 FOB to compared to make sure it wasn't a MDX issue. I did the battery replacement and zero change in range. Lucky for me I was still under the factory warranty and it was replaced. Both fobs are working normally after +5 years.
Any chance you are still under the CPO warranty or have Acura Care?
Any chance you are still under the CPO warranty or have Acura Care?
#3
When I purchased my 11 MDX used in 2014, Driver 1 FOB was very weak and the range was pretty much at the door handle. I had Driver 2 FOB to compared to make sure it wasn't a MDX issue. I did the battery replacement and zero change in range. Lucky for me I was still under the factory warranty and it was replaced. Both fobs are working normally after +5 years.
Any chance you are still under the CPO warranty or have Acura Care?
Any chance you are still under the CPO warranty or have Acura Care?
Purchased in 2012, I'm pretty sure the CPO warranty is done.
I had Acura Care 5 year extension, it expired in 2017.
Hoping I could find reference to where exactly the receiver is, just to check for connection (whether or not seated, if that's even possible).
But I have not seen anyone describe doing any changes (much less the location) to the receiver.
Was thinking I might try to find an aftermarket #1FOB to see if I could program it, and get a locksmith to key it from FOB#2. That might be a less expensive way to see if the receiver is a problem since I lost FOB#1 a while ago.
#4
I've seen some references to possible issues:
* the wiring harness in the driver side door between the receiver (and other control unit) and the panel
* the receiver unit itself inside the driver door (link)
I pulled the boot off the wiring harness and everything appears to be fine. Of course, if there was a wire disconnected, I would be experiencing things not working.
Other than taking to a dealer for a diagnostic, I don't know how to determine if the receiver is bad or failing. This seems more likely since the range is so poor.
I see that new FOB#1 (part number 35113-STX-A40) is about $90 and I would guess keying is about $50.
I found a local service here in Chicago that will provide the FOB, key and programming for about $150.
So I am going to try the new key, since I need one anyway - and see if resetting/reprogramming helps at all. But again, my guess is that the receiver is going bad.
* the wiring harness in the driver side door between the receiver (and other control unit) and the panel
* the receiver unit itself inside the driver door (link)
I pulled the boot off the wiring harness and everything appears to be fine. Of course, if there was a wire disconnected, I would be experiencing things not working.
Other than taking to a dealer for a diagnostic, I don't know how to determine if the receiver is bad or failing. This seems more likely since the range is so poor.
I see that new FOB#1 (part number 35113-STX-A40) is about $90 and I would guess keying is about $50.
I found a local service here in Chicago that will provide the FOB, key and programming for about $150.
So I am going to try the new key, since I need one anyway - and see if resetting/reprogramming helps at all. But again, my guess is that the receiver is going bad.
#5
mrgold35
Doesn't hurt to have a spare FOB and you can see if FOB#2 is bad or the issue is with the wiring harness with the new key. The only other option is to go aftermarket alarm. The existing OEM FOB+key would only be needed to start the MDX. You can then add other features like remote start, motion alarm, GPS tracking, etc...
Last edited by mrgold35; 05-21-2019 at 10:15 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Yumcha
Automotive News
7
04-07-2014 02:42 PM
Yumcha
Automotive News
2
12-02-2013 08:52 PM
Yumcha
Automotive News
8
06-19-2013 09:00 PM
Yumcha
Automotive News
1
01-11-2012 11:00 AM