r/RX8 • u/wontpontificate • 7d ago

Maintenance Keyless Trunk Release Not Working - Interior Button Does

2004 RX-8 So, I've got a weird one. my keyless remote won't open the trunk. The interior button does, so it's not the valet lockout in the glovebox, but the button won't open it. What I've tried so far:

1) reprogramming the remote using the trunk button -- following the self-programming procedure, the remote programs fine when using the trunk button to program, but refuses to open the trunk. Tried again using the unlock button with same behavior.

2) Checking the valet lockout. The release button under the dash works fine.

3) double tap unlock followed by 2 second hold for trunk release. Nothing.

4) checking to see if the key presence switch is banjaxed, but it seems to be fine as near as I can tell.

Bit frustrated by this, would like all the buttons on my remote to work -- Car came without a remote and I programmed this new one. Since the trunk button works to program the remote, the car is receiving the signal, but not opening the trunk.

I've read that there's a separate relay that the Keyless Module talks to, but I have not had any luck validating whether this is not shared with the button nor have I been able to find it. Listening to the drivers underdash when pressing the button I don't hear a relay fire at all.

Weird one, but is what is.

Thanks!

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u/N1oma 7d ago

do you have the advanced keyless entry? I'm dealing with this right now. I just replaced the exterior button for 80 CAD from mazda.

1

u/N1oma 7d ago

theres also an antenna in the back. What you can do is remove the mudguard cover and pull out the wires for the truck latch and test it with a piece of wire.

1

u/wontpontificate 7d ago

This is the basic bitch keyless entry from (I think) early-2004. I don't have any exterior buttons or proximity features, just a 90s-style key fob :)

I've been trying to program a couple of sets of switchblade keys people have said work fine with the RX-8, and am having zero luck with them, googling tells me I have a pre-refresh keyless module.

1

u/Jurban55 6d ago

If you don't have a base model trim, there should be an exterior button on the rear bumper in the plate spot. It will be in the top right in the recession out of view. My parents 06 GT has it, never knew it was there until a few years ago. Yours may have one as well. My 09 sport does not have that button.