Is your 2001 Acura Cl Key Fob suddenly not working even after a battery replacement? You’re not alone! Many Acura CL owners encounter this issue and often, reprogramming the key fob is the solution. This guide will walk you through the process of reprogramming your 2001 Acura CL key fob, ensuring you can regain remote access to your vehicle quickly and efficiently.
Understanding Your 2001 Acura CL Key Fob
Key fobs can sometimes lose their programming due to various reasons, including battery changes or electrical glitches. Before assuming your key fob is completely dead, reprogramming is a simple procedure you can attempt at home. This process essentially resynchronizes your key fob with your Acura CL’s receiver.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to reprogram your 2001 Acura CL key fob:
- Turn the Ignition ON: Insert your key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “ON” position. This is the position just before you start the engine – position “II” or “III”, where your dashboard lights up. Do not start the car.
- Press the Remote LOCK Button: Aim your key fob at the receiver. The receiver in a 2001 Acura CL is typically located in the passenger multiplex unit, often found near the glove box area. Press the “LOCK” button on your remote key fob.
- Turn the Ignition OFF: Turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” position, removing the key.
- Turn the Ignition ON Again: Re-insert the key and turn the ignition switch back to the “ON” position (without starting the engine), just as you did in step 1.
- Press the Remote UNLOCK Button: Aim your key fob at the receiver again and press the “UNLOCK” button on the remote. If the programming sequence is successful so far, you should hear the car locks click, indicating it has recognized the signal.
- Press the Remote LOCK Button (Again): Immediately after hearing the locks click, press the “LOCK” button on your key fob one more time.
- Program Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have other 2001 Acura CL key fobs you wish to program (up to three total can be programmed), aim each remote at the receiver within 10 seconds of completing step 6. Press the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button on each additional remote. You should observe the door locks responding to each remote as you program them.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key: Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition.
- Test Your Remotes: Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are now working correctly by pressing the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons and verifying the door locks respond.
Locating the Receiver (“rec.”) in Your Acura CL
The term “rec.” in the original instructions refers to the receiver for the remote keyless entry system. In the 2001 Acura CL, this receiver is part of the passenger multiplex control unit. While it’s not always visibly labeled “receiver,” it’s generally located behind or near the glove box. Aiming your key fob in the general direction of the glove box area during the programming steps should suffice for the signal to reach the receiver.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Key Fob Light: It’s common to wonder if there’s a light on the key fob that should illuminate when pressing buttons. Not all 2001 Acura CL key fobs have an external light that visibly turns on. The key fob transmits a radio frequency signal, which is not visible. If you’ve replaced the battery correctly, assume the fob is transmitting and focus on the programming steps.
- Multiple Attempts: Reprogramming can sometimes be a bit finicky. If it doesn’t work on the first try, carefully repeat the steps. Ensure you are following the timing and button presses precisely.
- Battery Check: Double-check that you installed the new battery in the key fob correctly, paying attention to polarity (+ and -). A weak or incorrectly installed battery is a common culprit for key fob issues.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully reprogram your 2001 Acura CL key fob and regain remote access to your vehicle. If you continue to experience issues, it might be necessary to consult a professional automotive locksmith or Acura dealership for further diagnosis.
