Having problems with car locking + multiple unresponsive key fobs

[jbrichgels]

We are having recurring problems with both of our key fobs being unresponsive + a new one where the car won't lock when we walk away, with either key fob. We purchased a second key fob about 2 months ago. The car won't recognize that there is a key fob tied to each profile and adjust settings to the respective key fob opening the door. We had mobile service come out and they were unsuccessful in fixing that problem. And then about a month ago, both key fobs have become unresponsive off and on, and the fobs seem to become responsive or unresponsive at the same time. And for the last few days, the car won't lock as we walk away. We have the latest software for the fob and both changed the batteries as soon as they became unresponsive, but it didn't matter.

Customer care hasn't been able to resolve it over the phone, so it probably requires another service center visit. Unless someone on here has a solution for us!

 

[borski]

There are a few threads on this. Taking the batteries out and putting them back in will temporarily resolve it, or swapping them if they’re low.

This issue was resolved but recently came back.

 

[jbrichgels]

There are a few threads on this. Taking the batteries out and putting them back in will temporarily resolve it, or swapping them if they’re low.

This issue was resolved but recently came back.

Thanks. Mind-boggling that they can't figure this out. We will try that.

 

[hwy17er]

I feel badly for all the ppl having fob issues and feel both lucky mine's been working ok and also filled with trepidation that problems may soon arise!

 

[borski]

I feel badly for all the ppl having fob issues and feel both lucky mine's been working ok and also filled with trepidation that problems may soon arise!

I'm pretty convinced it's the fob, and not the car, btw. We have two fobs, and when my wife's was acting up, mine worked perfectly fine. Something on the fob dies, and there seem to be two 'processes' running. (I am not using words carefully, as I don't know the precise design of the fob software, but bear with me)

One unlocks the car. That one, in general, tends to work fine and has almost never failed us. The presence detection is the one that tends to 'die' and won't get restarted until you power cycle the fob by pulling the battery out and putting it back in.

I don't know if others have the same experience, but my wife's issue has never been unlocking or locking the car using the fob if she hits the buttons; that has always worked. It's starting the car with the fob that seems to be an issue if that has died.

That same 'presence detection' is, I believe, also responsible for the car not locking when you walk away; the car looks for the fob to no longer be in range, and it appears that when it can't find the fob, it simply assumes it must still be in range, or that code path is simply not triggered.

I suspect, to fix this, they will need a software update for the fob again, and I also suspect that is going to have to come from Marquardt, the maker of the fob (who also makes fobs for Mercedes, etc.), not Lucid. That is my suspicion as to why it has taken so long to get fixed.

I'm not passing the buck; this is just my opinion and present understanding.

 

[jbrichgels]

I'm pretty convinced it's the fob, and not the car, btw. We have two fobs, and when my wife's was acting up, mine worked perfectly fine. Something on the fob dies, and there seem to be two 'processes' running. (I am not using words carefully, as I don't know the precise design of the fob software, but bear with me)

One unlocks the car. That one, in general, tends to work fine and has almost never failed us. The presence detection is the one that tends to 'die' and won't get restarted until you power cycle the fob by pulling the battery out and putting it back in.

I don't know if others have the same experience, but my wife's issue has never been unlocking or locking the car using the fob if she hits the buttons; that has always worked. It's starting the car with the fob that seems to be an issue if that has died.

That same 'presence detection' is, I believe, also responsible for the car not locking when you walk away; the car looks for the fob to no longer be in range, and it appears that when it can't find the fob, it simply assumes it must still be in range, or that code path is simply not triggered.

I suspect, to fix this, they will need a software update for the fob again, and I also suspect that is going to have to come from Marquardt, the maker of the fob (who also makes fobs for Mercedes, etc.), not Lucid. That is my suspicion as to why it has taken so long to get fixed.

I'm not passing the buck; this is just my opinion and present understanding.

I think you are right too that it is the fob, and your explanation is logical. However, we are having problems unlocking the car when we push the buttons on the fob.

 

[ke2]

I'm with @jbrichgels we too have problems with the buttons on the fob. One thing I've noticed is if you wait 20 to 30 seconds things frequently work out when using the buttons or walking up to the car waiting for the unlock. I think part of the problem is with other FOB's the car reacts instantly or nearly so (on our Toyota Prius the driver side door occasionally does not open the first time you put your hand on the handle, but a second time always works). So I think patience is needed but we normally don't need patience with other cars so patience is in short supply.

 

[borski]

I think you are right too that it is the fob, and your explanation is logical. However, we are having problems unlocking the car when we push the buttons on the fob.

That might be a low or dead battery. But if it isn’t, then my assumptions may be bunk.

 

[jbrichgels]

I'm with @jbrichgels we too have problems with the buttons on the fob. One thing I've noticed is if you wait 20 to 30 seconds things frequently work out when using the buttons or walking up to the car waiting for the unlock. I think part of the problem is with other FOB's the car reacts instantly or nearly so (on our Toyota Prius the driver side door occasionally does not open the first time you put your hand on the handle, but a second time always works). So I think patience is needed but we normally don't need patience with other cars so patience is in short supply.

You might be right about the waiting. Which as a woman, I am loath to have to do it to be able to get into my car. It is a real safety issue.

 

[jbrichgels]

That might be a low or dead battery. But if it isn’t, then my assumptions may be bunk.

You know, I hadn't thought of that being the case because my husband is having the same problem with his fob + I changed the battery after the update + we did not have the initial key fob problems that others did. So I changed it with hopes that this would solve it, but it did not, unfortunately. We have a call into service.

 

[borski]

You know, I hadn't thought of that being the case because my husband is having the same problem with his fob + I changed the battery after the update + we did not have the initial key fob problems that others did. So I changed it with hopes that this would solve it, but it did not, unfortunately. We have a call into service.

I’m curious if your center console has the pinched wiring harness. Do report back.

 

[jbrichgels]

I’m curious if your center console has the pinched wiring harness. Do report back.

Good question. We will ask about that.

 

[BSheppard]

My FOB's were working perfectly until 3.5.1, now I experience the following: 1) Car is slow to open >30 seconds, even if I press the "unlock" on the FOB. 2) Car often does not lock when I walk away. Neither occur 100% of the time more likely 80%. I have rebooted the car, changed batteries and this occurs on both FOB's. Also CarPlay does not work, not to bothered as I don't use it. However, my iPhone needs to be connected manually every time. Deleted on car and phone and rebooted car no solution.

 

[borski]

My FOB's were working perfectly until 3.5.1, now I experience the following: 1) Car is slow to open >30 seconds, even if I press the "unlock" on the FOB. 2) Car often does not lock when I walk away. Neither occur 100% of the time more likely 80%. I have rebooted the car, changed batteries and this occurs on both FOB's. Also CarPlay does not work, not to bothered as I don't use it. However, my iPhone needs to be connected manually every time. Deleted on car and phone and rebooted car no solution.

That’s the first I’ve heard of the CarPlay issue. You do have to allow it on your phone. You’re saying it works wired but not wireless?

 

[BSheppard]

That’s the first I’ve heard of the CarPlay issue. You do have to allow it on your phone. You’re saying it works wired but not wireless?

As par of the process I allowed the iPhone connection "pair" if I recall. I have not tried wired as I am not really interested in CarPlay. I would like my phone to connect with out manual intervention every time!

 

[borski]

As par of the process I allowed the iPhone connection "pair" if I recall. I have not tried wired as I am not really interested in CarPlay. I would like my phone to connect with out manual intervention every time!

There are two steps; one is pairing the phone with Bluetooth, and the other is allowing CarPlay to happen. Check “Settings > General > CarPlay” on your phone; you can also connect it through there directly.

But to be clear, connecting without manual intervention is indeed the expectation, and ours does, every time.

 

[BSheppard]

I am just trying to have my phone connect for calls and music via bluetooth like it was prior to 3.5.1 not trying to connect to CarPlay

 

[Saksak]

For those experiencing fob issues, does it start to work after 10-20 seconds? I’ve noticed that once in a while, the Gravity is waking up from what I assume is a deep sleep.

 

[ke2]

For those experiencing fob issues, does it start to work after 10-20 seconds? I’ve noticed that once in a while, the Gravity is waking up from what I assume is a deep sleep.

Yes, I've seen this. Just have to be patient (which is not at all normal, other cars one just walks up and the door unlocks almost immediately)

 

[Saksak]

Yes, I've seen this. Just have to be patient (which is not at all normal, other cars one just walks up and the door unlocks almost immediately)

Agree. I’m wondering how many of the fob issues are due to the car waking up vs. actual fob problems.

My key fob has been working fine. Occasionally, I get to the car and have to wait a few seconds for the doors to unlock, but I notice the car is still waking up. The same with button presses. I wouldn’t characterize this as a fob problem. I’m not saying this behavior is good, but at least it’s explainable.

Are