Over the last few months over time the key fob for my ranger would sometimes just not work unless you jammed the button like five or six times, then work most of the time. Over time the frequency of these happenings increased, and yesterday my key fob stopped operating the doors altogether. I haven't gotten it to work in 24 hours.

I replaced the CR2032 battery inside, and it still did not respond. I have not tried the panic button....

I heard there is a syncrhonization process with the key fob and truck, involving rotating the ignition cylinder off-on 8 times, then pressing the lock button and turning off the truck.

I tried that trick and the remote didn't do anything to the truck. The truck didn't respond to it whatsoever.

What do i do? Did I follow the steps of synchronization correctly?

 

The key fob itself is the problem, and not the electronics inside the fob, but the buttons on the fob that cause the contact closure to send the RF signal to the truck, just like a worn out TV remote the most used buttons can quit working, sign of that starting to happen is when you have to keep pressing that button to finally get it to work.

You can take the fob apart and clean the contacts, but usually the graphite on the button part is worn off, so when you press the button down it isn't conducting electricity to complete the circuit.

Kind of like using a garden hose as an extension cord, lol, rubber won't pass power.

You can get "paint on" graphite, but I would just get a new fob.

 

If you don't have the money for a new fob put some aluminum foil on the contact. Make sure you cut it to size for each contact. Use something sticky to hold the foil in place because if it gets loose it can cause either your doors or panic button to activate repeatedly if it gets loose inside the fob.

 

I ordered a new fob

 

I did the work around on my fob for my 2010 Cobalt. While I could get a fob online for 20 dollars you can only have it programmed by a Chevy dealer or certified locksmith. You can't program it yourself. If you buy the $100 dollar fob from the dealer they will program it for free. When my 2004 Ranger fob goes bad I will get a new one!

 

You can program a ranger remote yourself, at least a 1999.

 

I'll have to check the book and see if there are instructions for a 2004.

 

Has instructions that are quick & easy.
I ordered an bought my new Red 2006 with 410's - auto 4x4 super Cab now with only 27,000 miles after 10 years with no problems.
I've never replaced the FOB batteries. Bud

 

I ordered mine from ebay and asked locksmith garland tx to program it. They charged fair fees for that work.

 

For such type of key fobs dealer would be the best option in comparison to hire local locksmith.

 

When my car fob stopped working i had replaced the battery of the fob and it had started working again, i haven't called any locksmith or dealer for help/..