remote issues on 2004 Yukon XL

[ponyride302]

I own a 2004 Yukon XL, 5.3 flex. my remote has been acting up for a while now and no one can figure out what it is. I have taken it to the dealer a couple of times. First, the remote is less than six months old and it stops working regularly. I had it reprogrammed and it held for a few months. The next time it was programmed it lasted less than a month. the next time... a week. the last time, a few hours. it has been hard to prgram each time. i do not know whether this is a computer, reciever, or other problem. i do not want to just start replacing parts until i find it because that will get really expensive. the dealer got no codes when they put it on the computer. OK, second, sometimes when i try to turn the volume up on the radio from the steering wheel, it changes the channel instead. this happens on occasion and i do not know if it is related. third, the seat position programs do not always stay locked in and sometimes it is like it has completely different programs. all that being said, we love our yukon and cannot afford to get into a newer one yet. i do not know if all these are related to some piece like the computer or body control module. any help with this would be greatly appreciated. thanks, john.

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Ponyride302,

 

Your keyless entry is controlled by 2 components (1) Remote Control Door Lock Receiver and (2) Body Control Module BCM. Functionally the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver transmits new code to key fob and receives commands from key fob. The commands are then routed to the BCM for action. As for replacement the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver does not require any programing if replaced. It should be one connector and is located under dash left hand side. The BCM does require reprogramming if replaced. My first guess and by far the cheapest is try a new transmitter and reprogram it. I am assuming you have good batteries for the one you are using. (Is this one or more key fobs) If problem continues get a replacement

Remote Control Door Lock Receiver and reprogram again. (Junk yard works good for low price parts the replacement only needs to be dry and clean when you take it out ) Third step is expensive because a scan tool is required to program the BCM which is the last piece of the system. Tech 2 Scan tool, unless you have a connection is only available at dealership.

 

If the programming is working I would tend to think your fob is bad. If multiple fobs are not staying programmed then BCM is my guess. I am ruling out the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver because it is functional when key fob is working.

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Ponyride,

 

Just checked my tech manual and your radio and seat problem can be tracked back to the BCM Body Control Module. The EPROM that stores the codes is part of the BCM. The BCM also sets and remembers the transmitter code for the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver. As for codes, not all readers are going to be able to read the BCM. I know the Tech 2 does but most over the counter at an auto parts store only read OBDII codes. BCM is not identified with scanner that only read and check for emission control codes.

 

Hope this helps.

[ponyride302]

Thanks for the help. it sounds like the BCM is my problem all around. i hate to just start replacing things until the problem gets fixed. i do not know which computer the dealer hooked up to the truck. is the BCM vehicle specific? do i have to buy a new one at the dealership? i found online stores that have the part (new) for around $100 less than the dealer. can these be trusted? again, thanks for the help. John