RSX Wireless Entry Key Fob Troubleshooting

When I initially bought my RSX, the remote unlock funtion didn't work properly. I put together this guide as I was troubleshooting my own issues, and by following them I fixed my remote unlock function completely. I hope it helps you too!

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RSX Wireless Key Fob Troubleshooting Steps

If your wireless key fob for your RSX isn't working properly, there's a few possibilities:

1. You're using the incorrect key.
2. Your key fob battery is dead.
3. Your key fob battery is incorrectly installed.
4. One or more of your lock actuators are broken.
5. Your key fob isn't programmed for the vehicle.
6. The car's receiver needs to be fixed or replaced.

I'll go through how to solve each individual problem here to make this the one-stop place to read about wireless key fob issues.

1. You're using the incorrect key.

Acura RSX Key

Acura TSX Key - Won't Work

The RSX key looks almost identical to some other keys made by Acura, specifically the key for the TSX. The RSX does not have a "trunk open" button, or driver's seat memory control. Though the key fobs and circuit boards look very similar, they send slightly different signals and the RSX may not know how to handle them.

Link:

• Acura RSX Wireless Key Fob

2. Your key fob battery is dead. 

There's a little battery in your key fob that needs to be replaced from time to time. Average life is 3-6 years, depending on how much you use it, but I imagine most last 3-4 years of normal use.

The RSX key fob battery is specified in the service manual as a type 2025 coin cell.

Link:

• 2025 Coin Cell Battery

You can tell if your key fob battery is dead by going into a dark place and cupping one hand over the fob. Press the lock or unlock button, and the red LED at the top of the key should flash. If it does, it's getting power, so it's time to move on to the next troubleshooting step.

3. Your key fob battery is incorrectly installed.

There are 2 sides of a 2025 battery. The smooth side with the text on it is usually positive (+) and the textured side is negative (-). The RSX key fob has a marking indicating which orientation the battery should be installed in. Once it's installed correctly, it should make the LED on the top of the fob flash when you press a button. 

4. One or more of your lock actuators are broken.

Exploded Diagram of RSX Door Internals

When you press the unlock or lock button on the door, do one or more of the locks make a sound like a repeated tapping instead of a quick, precise lock noise? Do all of your doors not lock or unlock at the same time as the others? This means your lock actuator in whichever door that's having the problem is broken. These are known to fail on the Acura RSX, sometimes at fairly low mileage. There are videos on YouTube explaining how to do it, like the one I included below.

Links:

• Driver and Passenger Door Lock Actuators
• Trunk Lock Actuator

 

Once your locks are actuating properly with the switches on the doors, you can rule out the lock actuators.

5. Your key fob isn't programmed for the vehicle.

The wireless key fob system in the Acura RSX can remember 3 distinct wireless key fobs before it starts writing over the oldest entry in memory, AKA the first one.

To program your wireless key fob, you need to be sitting in the car with all the doors and trunk closed, with your windows all the way up. Then follow these instructions carefully after you've read through them.

1. Turn the Ignition ON (II)
2. Within 4 seconds push the lock button on your key fob
3. Within 4 seconds turn the Ignition OFF
4. Within 4 seconds turn the Ignition ON (II)
5. Within 4 seconds push the lock button on your key fob
6. Within 4 seconds turn the Ignition OFF
7. Within 4 seconds turn the Ignition ON (II)
8. Within 4 seconds push the lock button on your key fob
9. Within 4 seconds turn the Ignition OFF
10. Within 4 seconds turn the Ignition ON (II)
11. Within 4 seconds push the lock button on your key fob
12. (You'll hear the locks actuate) Within 4 seconds push the lock button on your key fob again
13. Within 10 seconds pick up any additional key fobs you want to add and press the lock button
14. Wait a couple seconds for good measure, the turn the Ignition OFF, and remove the key
15. Confirm proper key fob operation

This will satisfy that the key is programmed for the car. However, in many cases, the key works when you're programming it, but won't work afterwards. If this happens to you, try the process again. If it still doesn't work, move to the next troubleshooting step.

6. The car's receiver needs to be fixed or replaced.

RSX Wireless Key Fob Receiver - with Pigtail

Before you go on eBay and order a new $40.00 keyless entry receiver, try unplugging and replugging in the plug connecting the keyless entry receiver to the car. 

It's located behind the radio, so you can access it by removing the radio the usual way; removing the cigarette lighter panel, then remove the 2 8mm bolts under the radio, and finally pushing the radio out towards yourself. The keyless entry receiver is right behind it on the left.

There is also a Honda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on the connection failing due to corrosion at the receiver module side of the connection.

If this didn't work, you can buy a new or used keyless entry receiver on eBay. There's a difference between the different years, so keep that in mind when shopping.

2002-2004 RSX Receiver Part Number: #38385-S5N-A01

2005-2006 RSX Receiver Part Number: #38385-S9A-A01

Summary:

My RSX's wireless key fob didn't work at first. In the end, it was a combination of 2 factors: failed wireless key fob receiver, and failed door lock actuators. I replaced all the door lock actuators with new ones, and bought a used receiver on eBay. Once I fixed these 2 items, they worked successfully! I hope it helps you figure out your wireless key fob issues!

Disclaimer:

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