Very Frustrated over key fob and locks

[gwen0157]

I bought my 2009 Malibu new in June 2009........since that time, my sunroof has leaked twice. This time "not under warranty" (42,000 miles). Although the first time I took it in it was covered....same issue.....same "repair".....ugh GM is "covering 55%" per the dealer....so my part is $189..I think they should cover 100% for a known issue......

My key fob won't unlock my doors or remote start my car.......AGAIN.... this is my second key fob since buying the vehicle. Don't they make things to last? Why do I need to pay another $195 for a new key fob? I don't throw my keys around or bang them. They are in my purse or on the tv.......

My back door doesn't always unlock....to fix that they have to replace the whole mechanism....$288

I can't afford to spend money on things that I've already had "repaired" by the dealer..........this is ridiculous!

I love my Malibu -- but after only 42,000 miles I wouldn't expect to be have these kind of issues - for a second time!

[greenman]

Very common issue that stems from a poorly designed fob (specifically the conductive paint used on the button contacts). No need to replace the fob though...just get this replacement button pad:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Remote-S...919da2&vxp=mtr

[greenman]

Originally Posted by gwen0157

My back door doesn't always unlock....to fix that they have to replace the whole mechanism....$288

Very common issue. And I agree with you GM should be paying for it. The other three latches will fail also. There's a fatal flaw in the part design.

[greenman]

Originally Posted by gwen0157

I bought my 2009 Malibu new in June 2009........since that time, my sunroof has leaked twice. This time "not under warranty" (42,000 miles). Although the first time I took it in it was covered....same issue.....same "repair".....ugh GM is "covering 55%" per the dealer....so my part is $189..I think they should cover 100% for a known issue......

Also a common issue unfortunately.

[scott37300]

Originally Posted by greenman

Also a common issue unfortunately.

I've had the keyfob and door lock issues. My fix for the key fob was to get an aftermarket remote start and put it in. Now have a mile range instead of the 2-300 ft for the factory remote start and a remote that tells me if the car is locked or unlocked. I still need to do the repair on my rear door, not sure if I want to get another lock mechanism or get an aftermarket actuator.

I haven't had the sunroof issue yet luckily. Greenman, is there any preventative maintenance or things I can do to not get the common sunroof leak? Should I be cleaning the tube out every so?

[gwen0157]

Originally Posted by greenman

Also a common issue unfortunately.

Thanks greenman for your comments/advice

I was told when they "fixed" the sunroof the first time that it "shouldn't" happen again......they took tubes apart, cleaned and resealed, etc.

Not only is it happening again but I'm having to pay for a known faulty design....this is not a cheap car. It's a Malibu for crying outloud! Truly it's in a class by itself. I'm guessing my only option is to no longer use the sunroof to prevent recurrence...so in essence, I've bought a car with a nice feature that I've wasted money purchasing because I can't use it.

I do appreciate your input.

[gwen0157]

greenman, I checked out the link you posted for the key fob. Is this to replace just the top cover? Can you guide me on how to open the key fob? my son in law couldn't get it open and didn't want to break it. We thought it was the battery.....when I asked they dealer to check it out they said it was the component (again).

Much appreciation.
Gwen

[greenman]

Originally Posted by gwen0157

greenman, I checked out the link you posted for the key fob. Is this to replace just the top cover? Can you guide me on how to open the key fob? my son in law couldn't get it open and didn't want to break it. We thought it was the battery.....when I asked they dealer to check it out they said it was the component (again).

Much appreciation.
Gwen

That is for a replacement button pad.

This shows how to separate the fob halves:

You Tube

You Tube

It also shows a new fix I have not tried: an insert that slips in between the button pad & the circuit board. I'll have to get myself one & try it out. But the replacement button pad for 4 bucks works fine (at least for 2-3 years). The keylessfix website appears to be the only place to get these inserts. The insert has the potential to be a long term fix for the wearing away of the conductive paint on the rubber buttons.

http://www.keylessfix.com/shop/index.php/howitworks/

You also want to check those solder joints as demonstrated in the video.

I can't explain why GM doesn't fix their longtime fob problems. It's not rocket science. Guess they prefer to sell you new fobs & charge for reprogramming the fob receiver to make them work.

[LS6rally]

are your sunroof drains clogged and not letting the water drain, which causes it to come into the car? if so you can clean them yourself. try compressed air first, if that doesn't work i would try a smaller dia. hoes of some sort, you don't want to use anything that could tear the tube like a clothes hanger.

[DrivenDaily]

I have the keylessfix inserts and they fixed my issue. (Link is to my thread.)