Got my truck back from body shop

[MKing7]

About 3. 5 weeks ago I hit some wild hogs on my way to work and tore up the front end and steering as well as bumper/front right fender/door. Got it back today and everything seems good but got home and realized the keyless entry remote wasn't working. Got out my 'new' key that I've always kept in a drawer and it didn't work either.



I'm going to take it back to them of course but just curious if where the receiving unit for the keyless entry is located. It was working when I dropped it off so I assume it's not working as a result of the accident repairs. Any info would be appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[Prairie Dog]

I remember you writing about the hogs. The module for the keyless on my 03 is plugged into the back of the speedo assembly (I installed it) and it isn't stuck in there very securely IMO. So it may have just come loose during the accident.

 

[MKing7]

Well, decided before I call the body shop I should swap batteries in the fob. What do you know? Both batteries were dead. The one I use must have died while in the shop and who knows how long the one I've never used has been dead. I never realized how worn out and gross my old key was till I pulled the 'new' one out of the drawer.

 

[JMarketos]

Hi, MKing.

Some time ago, I had to swap out the instrument cluster on my 05 (parasitic draw issue killing the batteries- I posted about it). Understand you already got the issue solved and thankful it was simple, but for the record I can confirm like Prarie Dog, the keyless entry module on mine seems same- it's a black box about the size of a tic-tac box, plugs into rear of instrument cluster. Not sure if the 06 would be (have been) same, but glad you don't have to worry about it.

Two quick side stories, if I may, one might save a fellow forum reader headache:

[1] Back when I did that cluster swap, BTW the new cluster from the dealer was hideously expensive... . The dealer would not allow both old and new clusters to be in my hands at same time. Dunno why. I had to remove my old cluster and pass it over the parts counter, in order for them to give me the new one. The parts guy did not know about looking for the keyless entry module. It was only because I took a very close look at both clusters to make sure the new one looked like it would fit. I noticed the new cluster had an empty bay that looked like something plugged in, where the old cluster that bay was occupied by a black tic-tac box. (honestly I'm not even sure I knew it was the keyless module at the time). I just saw the difference and said to the parts guy- maybe we should pry this thingy out of my old cluster and put it there in the new one, eh ? At least that's how I remember the story now...

[2] Separate but maybe related, on the topic of "replace your key fob batteries"... .
I bought a used 2004 VW Jetta recently. I was very fortunate to receive with the car both original key fobs, as well as the original valet key. It didn't take long to notice that the doors would lock with the key fob, but not unlock. I had to stick the key in the door to unlock. This was consistent, I tried several times to unlock with the fob- no unlock. Then I tried the other fob- locked and unlocked fine. So I replaced the battery in the first fob, and now it locks and unlocks. I'm not sure if the battery was low, or maybe I disturbed something with the fob unlock button when I had it apart. But it works now. And there you have it...

Wish you all the best.