My 2012 Chevy Suburban key fob has suddenly stopped working, and I’m looking for expert advice. After owning my Suburban since it was new, the keyless remote abruptly quit. Initially, it worked intermittently, unlocking the doors a couple of times before failing completely. Thinking it was just a dead battery after 10 years of use, I replaced it with a fresh one. Unfortunately, this didn’t solve the problem. Even the second, rarely used key fob is unresponsive, despite both having new batteries reading 3.3 volts.
I’ve attempted some basic troubleshooting steps already. I tried pulling the DSM fuse for five minutes and even disconnected the vehicle battery for five minutes, hoping for a reset. Still no luck. I also tried holding the remote right next to the left-rear pillar, where I believe the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) is located, but nothing happened. Interestingly, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is functioning correctly, displaying accurate readings from all four tires without any errors. My OBD2 scanner isn’t showing any trouble codes either.
This leads me to wonder: is it possible that both key fobs died simultaneously? Or could the RCDLR be malfunctioning? The dealership simply suggested buying a new remote, claiming both of my existing remotes are dead. However, it’s hard to believe that a practically unused remote would also fail after 10 years, especially without any use. Their service department hasn’t inspired much confidence in the past. A local locksmith offered to attempt a re-sync for $50, but cautioned that if both remotes are truly dead, it won’t work. To make matters worse, this specific year model Suburban doesn’t allow for user-initiated remote reprogramming.
I’m seeking any ideas on what else to try or what might be the root cause of this 2012 Suburban Key Fob issue. Any insights or suggestions from experienced авто mechanics would be greatly appreciated!
