Wow, it's been a while since I was here last. Sorry about that.

My '06 LT (Buster) has been with me since March of this year (2012) and is still running beautifully. The only mishaps so far have been a tire blowout and I had to replace the rear bumper. Easy fixes, seems like, compared to the frustration of a little remote fob.

It suddenly stopped working last night. I remote started the car, but then couldn't unlock it. That's when I learned that unlocking the door with the key instead of the remote merits you the car alarm. D: So now every time I've had to get into my car, horns honk and lights flash. It's quite the spectacle.

I changed the battery and had no luck. The contacts seem to be in place, no loose parts. Tried the "penny test" from the KeylessFix page and nothing happened. Haven't unplugged my car's battery for a half hour yet, but if the penny test didn't do anything, I'm not sure disconnecting the battery will do much other than wipe out my radio presets. :/

Any other suggestions before I go to the local Chevy/GM dealership? I don't really want to go since I know they'll stick it to me. I don't really want to spend $150 (or more!) on something the size of a cat's paw, but I also hate hate hate being without it! The neighbors aren't fans of the rude wake-up call as I try to leave for work, either.

Thanks muchly.

 

one of the carbon ends of the buttons is probably worn....read for an easy/cheap fix...
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/repair-key-fob-remotes-worn-out-contacts-30813/

 

And I'll bet the more you pushed the button, the more frustrated you became. Thus, pressing the button harder and harder.

I recently noticed that I'm beginning to encounter problems with the LOCK button of my remote FOB, not functioning properly. The harder I press and the more frustrated I become, the more I encounter "operational resistance", because I continually press harder and harder. If I stop and think about it for a second or two, press the button rather "gingerly", it will, 9 times out of 10, work.

But I still recognize that it does have a problem and needs correction.

 

go to this site and read all the info...and if necessary(like me) go ahead and order a keylessfix pad..........this was absolutely the best thing that i did to correct the problem...................
http://www.keylessfix.com/techsupport.htm

 

I am betting that the battery cage is not making good contact, Try the re-solder fix.

And BTW it really only costs pennies more to just get a new fob case, which includes the pad on ebay. The 5 button pad will work just fine, but the trunk button does nothing.

 

Thanks, everyone! Until I can get the fob issue solved, is there any way to disable the car alarm? My neighbors don't appreciate the early morning wake-up call. (Neither do I, honestly. It's irritating.)

 

Use the key to lock and un lock? Go into the DIC and turn horn notifications off?

The locking with the remote arms the alarm, so that if you un lock any other way the alarm goes off. There should be an option in the DIC to turn the horn off for unlock/lock events with the remote, at least my 2008 does.

I am not sure that I understand the problem.

 

06 works differently. If the alarm is armed the horn always honks when the key is used to unlock the door. Only way to stop it is not not arm the alarm system or disable the horn. To not arm the security system you will need to use the key to lock it or manually push the lock knob down. Of course you have no security when you do this.

 

I repaired all four keyfobs on my 06 & 07 HHRs this way

 

Since many have suggested, installed and are satisfied with the keyless fix, I decided to order one before my situation reaches the point of no return.

Ordered it last night.