KeylessFix Help & Troubleshooting Guide
Our goal at KeylessFix.com is to get your factory GM remote working again. Below are solutions to the most common problems our customers encounter.
Note: KeylessFix is designed exclusively for repairing most 2005 and newer GM remotes (Cars and Minivans). The best way to confirm compatibility is to open your remote and compare the back side of the circuit board with the images below. If it looks different, our pad will not work. See our Compatibility Page for a full list of supported vehicles.
Help Headings
- The Circuit Board Test – The “Penny” Test
- Battery Holder Damaged
- Internal Contact Buttons Worn – KeylessFix Installation Instructions
- “How To” YouTube Videos
- Remote Start Not Working
- Is Reprogramming Required?
- Panic Alarm Goes Off When Remote Start Button Is Pushed
Dead Battery?
This sounds obvious, but it’s a good place to start. Check the battery with a voltage meter if possible. If you don’t have a spare battery, try one from another working remote.
Once you know the battery is not the issue, continue with the tests below.
Test Your Remote – Do You Need Our KeylessFix Button Pad?
There is a simple test that will determine whether your remote needs our KeylessFix Button Pad.
The Circuit Board Test
Open your remote and remove the green circuit board. This board will function without the case or rubber button pad — the pad simply presses the contacts.
Install a good battery and ensure the battery terminal is firmly attached.
THE TEST:
Find something conductive — a penny, flat screwdriver, or even a wet fingertip. Stand near your vehicle and touch the metal object to the contact points on the circuit board.
If your car reacts (locks/unlocks), the remote is working. Try several contacts to see which ones activate which functions.
If you get no reaction at all, then:
- your battery may be dead, or
- your remote may not be programmed to your car, or
- the circuit board may be damaged beyond repair
If the test works, reassemble your remote and try the buttons. If some buttons work and others don’t, the rubber contacts are worn — this is exactly what our KeylessFix pad repairs.
Purchase KeylessFix Rubber Button Repair
Battery Holder Damaged
When you open the remote, the battery holder is immediately visible. Check the three solder points that hold it in place — it’s very common for one or more to come loose.
The only proper fix is to solder the holder back down. Most GM dealers, locksmiths, or electronics repair shops can do this quickly.
Internal Contact Buttons Worn
Over time, the rubber buttons wear down and no longer make contact with the circuit board. Usually the most-used buttons fail first (lock/unlock).
Try pressing rarely used buttons (like Panic). If they work, the battery is fine — the worn buttons are the problem.
Our KeylessFix pad replaces all button contacts at once and is guaranteed for life.
KeylessFix Installation Instructions
- At the top edge of the remote, locate the seam where the two halves separate.
- Remove the circuit board — it is not fragile and poses no shock risk.
- Place the KeylessFix pad inside the rubber keypad with the “cut-out” circles facing up.
- Reinstall the circuit board and snap the case closed. Finished.
Purchase KeylessFix Rubber Button Repair
Check Out Our “How To” YouTube Videos
Watch step-by-step repair demonstrations and troubleshooting tips.
Remote Start Not Working
Remote start often fails when the lock button stops working. Your vehicle requires two lock presses before remote start will activate.
Also note:
- If your check engine light is on, remote start is disabled.
- Some vehicles allow remote start to be disabled in settings.
Worn lock/unlock buttons are fully repairable using our KeylessFix pad.
Purchase KeylessFix Rubber Button Repair
Programming or Reprogramming Your GM Remote
Older GM remotes (pre‑2005) and newer 2007+ truck remotes can often be programmed at home. However, the remotes we focus on require a GM technician using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
Programming usually costs around $50.
Installing our KeylessFix pad does NOT require reprogramming. Your remote’s programming stays intact — only the worn buttons are replaced.
If you buy a new or used remote, it will need dealership programming.
Purchase KeylessFix Rubber Button Repair
Panic Alarm Goes Off When Remote Start Button Is Pushed
This rare issue occurs when a tiny internal component becomes damaged — usually due to the battery clip coming loose.
Near the center battery-clip connection is a row of six tiny black “boxes.” The first one controls the Remote Start function.
If this component comes loose or falls off, pressing Remote Start may trigger the panic alarm.
Repairing this requires:
- a magnifying glass
- a fine-tip soldering iron
- a steady hand
Shops may salvage replacement parts from old remotes.