Welcome lights issue

[faiam200]

Sometimes while approaching my vehicle, the welcome lights do not turn on as if the key is not detected. But when I place my hand on the door handle, it unlocks and the lights come on. Other times they turn on, but the outside door handle lights don't, even if it is dark outside. This issue happens every once in a while. Has anyone experienced this same issue?

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[nicodimas]

I've had a variety of issues that I'm thinking is related to where the fob is... if it's next to my phone in a pocket, I get all sorts of weird behavior. Lights do or don't turn on, doors do or don't unlock, etc. Sometimes I clip my fob to my bag and one time it kinda got trapped behind my travel coffee mug that's metal... the car acted like the fob wasn't anywhere nearby. I actually had to push the unlock button.

I think these fobs are sensitive!

 

[RobbJK]

I've had a variety of issues that I'm thinking is related to where the fob is... if it's next to my phone in a pocket, I get all sorts of weird behavior. Lights do or don't turn on, doors do or don't unlock, etc. Sometimes I clip my fob to my bag and one time it kinda got trapped behind my travel coffee mug that's metal... the car acted like the fob wasn't anywhere nearby. I actually had to push the unlock button.

I think these fobs are sensitive!

This is an issue that's existed since the 10th gen civics smart fobs. My BIL and I both had issues with our civics throwing warning beeps when walking away, etc. We eventually diagnosed the issue with having the fob on our keychains grouped with other keys and metal objects. To prevent 99% of the issues, I have to keep my fob in my pocket, alone with no other objects, and it seems to solve the issue most of the time. Most of the issues were more on walk away rather than approach, but regardless, yes, the fobs are very sensitive to interference from other metal nearby.

 

[nicodimas]

This is an issue that's existed since the 10th gen civics smart fobs. My BIL and I both had issues with our civics throwing warning beeps when walking away, etc. We eventually diagnosed the issue with having the fob on our keychains grouped with other keys and metal objects. To prevent 99% of the issues, I have to keep my fob in my pocket, alone with no other objects, and it seems to solve the issue most of the time. Most of the issues were more on walk away rather than approach, but regardless, yes, the fobs are very sensitive to interference from other metal nearby.

So sensitive!! I'm trying to see it as a "feature", especially a security feature since previous smart fobs saw their cars stolen with signal repeaters.

 

[faiam200]

Thanks for the replies! I'm guessing the issue then would be with my metal wallet, which I usually carry in the same pocket as the keys. I will experiment with leaving the keys in one pocket and my cell phone and wallet in the other.

I agree, these fobs are very sensitive!

 

[enjay4553]

Any resolution to this? I am having the same issue with both key fobs - even after replacing batteries and isolating them away from all radiofrequencies and metallic objects overnight. The only electrical modification I have is my dashcam which is hard-wired into an open accessory fuse location. Proximity walk-away and touching the door handle operate as normal.

I called Acura corporate and they are not aware of this issue and recommended I make an appointment with my dealer. I am scheduled to go in this month on the 16th. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.

 

[faiam200]

So far I am still experiencing this without knowing what causes it. I do not have any kind modifications in my car so I doubt it has something to do with your dashcam.

Please let us know what the dealer tells you. Hope they find a solution!

 

[enjay4553]

So far I am still experiencing this without knowing what causes it. I do not have any kind modifications in my car so I doubt it has something to do with your dashcam.

Please let us know what the dealer tells you. Hope they find a solution!

Will definitely keep you posted!

 

[enjay4553]

Just heard from my service advisor. She let me know that there is an issue in the floor harness which is causing the welcome light issue. They are unsure if it is a manufacturing defect or a "rodent issue". It is highly unlikely a rodent issue since I've had multiple vehicles with the soy based wiring harnesses in the past - namely Toyotas without issue. Also have a healthy population of neighborhood cats in the area. Quote was $170 to diagnose. Hopefully this is attributed to a defect and not otherwise. I will mention again that all other key fob functions work as advertised. At a loss here!

 

[enjay4553]

So far I am still experiencing this without knowing what causes it. I do not have any kind modifications in my car so I doubt it has something to do with your dashcam.

Please let us know what the dealer tells you. Hope they find a solution!

So I installed some aftermarket shifter bushings and must have forgot to plug in a harness. However, everything else was working properly. I did not even think about it and it was 100% my fault. My problem is resolved. Hope you find a solution to your issue. Got a dose of humble pie for sure.

 

[faiam200]

Just heard from my service advisor. She let me know that there is an issue in the floor harness which is causing the welcome light issue. They are unsure if it is a manufacturing defect or a "rodent issue". It is highly unlikely a rodent issue since I've had multiple vehicles with the soy based wiring harnesses in the past - namely Toyotas without issue. Also have a healthy population of neighborhood cats in the area. Quote was $170 to diagnose. Hopefully this is attributed to a defect and not otherwise. I will mention again that all other key fob functions work as advertised. At a loss here!

I hope they take it as a defect since the behavior doesn't sound like it is due to rodents. Otherwise, it would never work! I'll probably take mine next year and as soon as I know anything else I'll post it here.

 

[enjay4553]

I hope they take it as a defect since the behavior doesn't sound like it is due to rodents. Otherwise, it would never work! I'll probably take mine next year and as soon as I know anything else I'll post it here.

Tech did mention interference issues with phones/magnets. I would "advise" the advisor to have a look at the antenna placement which is not in the kick-panel, but in the center console area near the shifter. I have no idea what he found with the harness as I mentioned before.

 

[Imperial]

Day or 2 ago I have noticed that lights on the door handles and inside the cabin don't light up when I am approaching the vehicle. When I shut off the engine and come out of the car, I do see lights on the door handles and they stay on for a short time, as I leave which is normal. When I use door handle to lock/unlock the vehicle exterior lights blink as usual. So, I went into infotainment system and turned off "blink exterior lights" when unlocking/locking via door handles. Now door handles and interior light work when I am approaching the vehicle. However now exterior lights don't blink when I lock/unlock via door handles because I disabled them. Before everything worked without needing to turn off any settings. Hope it is a glitch and will start working again.

 

[faiam200]

The only temporary fix I have found is restarting the infotainment screen by holding down the home, power, and previous buttons until it makes a sound. Then, tapping on 'detailed information and settings' and holding down the back, power, and previous buttons until it makes a sound. Finally, tapping on 'system reboot.'

However, even after this, the problem tends to reappear in a few days.

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