Where'd My Remote Locking Go?

[Nailhead]

It's gone.

No goodbyes, no forwarding address, just silence when I push either lock button on either remote.

I changed the battery in the primary remote, tried the spare (which gets almost NO use), and even tested the primary at O'Reilly's. It tested fine.

I checked every fuse whose description in the owner's manual seemed likely, and all were fine visually.

I pulled the ground cable off the battery for a few minutes hoping something would reset itself, but it didn't.

This is a real PITA, because i have to lock each door manually (using the key for the driver's door), or I am greeted with that !@#$%^& alarm when I use the key for unlocking. Real nifty late at night or at a trailhead.

This problem seems to have $$ all over it, so I thought I'd try here for some answers.

[Cactus Red]

It's past migration season, so it will be back in the fall for a short time on it's way south...

[Ducky's Dad]

I am greeted with that !@#$%^& alarm when I use the key for unlocking.

90% chance that the problem is in the alarm system.

[cruz]

I looked quickly in the FSM and there are lots of problems listed to look thru, if you could run a scan and check for any DTC (trouble codes) it might help to pin point the problem.

[Nailhead]

Cruz, is it possible for DTC''s to be present even if there is no CEL showing?

[cruz]

I'm not 100% sure but I'd say yes. If you can get someone with a scan tool to check would be the best place to start.
Here is a page about checking codes and the fuse related to the door locks...

[Nailhead]

My neighbor has a scan tool, so we'll see what happens.

Thanks one and all for the info!

[Nailhead]

Fix'd. No idea how.

I got in the PW to take a drive in the hills, and the battery was flat after sitting for two weeks. I hooked up the charger/booster & got it started after a few minutes, went driving, came home, went to bed.

On a lark this morning I pushed the lock button on the primary remote, and heard the familiar irritating honk. It unlocked remotely, too.

I have no idea why it quit, or why it started working again.

[cruz]

COOL.
Damned electrical gremlins.

[flattire]

The DEALER would have charged you $209 for that fix.

[MDCustom]

I know this is an old thread but I think your last post may have given me a possible solution to my similar problem... I wonder if a weak battery will cause a problem with the power locks. If I use my truck for a bunch of short hops around town, I eventually end up having to use the key to open the door. If I run for at least an hour or more- my locks seem to work better (but not always) Even the switch on the driver door panel will not open the doors- I get a weak sound, as if the mechanism is sticking and the motor isn't strong enough to overcome the resistance. The driver's side rear door has never worked since I bought the truck at two years old. So I am assuming that problem in unrelated.

[FirerescuePW]

I know this is an old thread but I think your last post may have given me a possible solution to my similar problem... I wonder if a weak battery will cause a problem with the power locks. If I use my truck for a bunch of short hops around town, I eventually end up having to use the key to open the door. If I run for at least an hour or more- my locks seem to work better (but not always) Even the switch on the driver door panel will not open the doors- I get a weak sound, as if the mechanism is sticking and the motor isn't strong enough to overcome the resistance. The driver's side rear door has never worked since I bought the truck at two years old. So I am assuming that problem in unrelated.

Check the wiring in the flexible tube that runs to that rear door. These trucks are known for brittle wiring in that tube. You may have a few broken wires, and I guess it's possible that the wire to the power lock in that door is shorting out against another wire or part of the body. That could cause behavior that you describe. When you drive around it may cause the wire to move enough to make/break this contact. It is quite possible that the two problems are related. Let us know what you find.