OK guys bear with me here. Over the weekend I got in the car and got the "check keyless access system" message on the MID and nav screen. The next day it was gone. It reappeared two days ago and has remained.

Through Google searching, I've come across quite a few threads regarding this issue and have seen the source being a bad door handle or other parts. The common point of all the threads I've seen is that the person with the issue has had problems with the fob - it won't lock/unlock the car, the car won't start unless the manual key is used, fuse 7 keeps blowing, things like that.

In my case, the fob functions perfectly - trunk, lock, and unlock buttons work fine, I can start the car without the physical key, and the car starts every time with no hesitation, the alarm works as it should. The unlocking function by touching the driver handle does not work and hasn't since I got it, although the one time I tried it on the passenger side, it worked fine.

This would first make me suspect the handle, except that I have none of the other associated problems that people seem to see when the handle has failed. I pulled the fob batteries and checked them (2.89V on one and 3.007V on the other), the car's battery is brand new from Acura two weeks ago, and everything else works. I get the dash warning but it in no way affects the operation of the car. I wouldn't think it's a proximity sensor in the car having trouble detecting the fob because the car will start. And the issue happens whether the fob is in my pocket, my hand, in the Not An Ashtray, sitting on the center console, wherever.

Anyone have any further ideas on what might be causing this? I haven't done the sync procedure on the back of the fob since it functions fine. I also have yet to disconnect the battery and clear the car by touching the cables.

Thanks in advance for any advice on what to pursue. As complex as the functions of the handle are, it wouldn't surprise me if it's causing the warning but I'm hoping it's something less costly.

 

I should also mention that the car recognizes the fob as the primary fob and I get the "Welcome Driver 1" message on the screen. I only got one fob with the car so I can't try another to see if it's the car or the fob.

 

My first thought is the proximity sensor located in the bumper.

 

Hmm, ok, definitely as good a place as any to start, especially considering all the snow we had last week that I was driving through. I'm going to be pulling the bumper out to swap out my HID bulbs soon (I have one starting to turn pink) so I'll check and see if it's damaged or crapped up, assuming it's in the front bumper of course. Thanks 👍

 

The proximity sensor is in the rear bumper unfortunately

 

Eh, no big deal. I can get under there easily enough. Hopefully it's something stupid rather than a bad sensor itself that has to be purchased. Hoping for a broken antenna, corrosion on the connector, dislodged wire, etc.