Ya know, I spend the time to fix my transmitter so I can carry it with me only to find out that the keyless entry dosen't work.

Symptoms:
Doesn't work at all. The module does respond to the transmitter during programming though.

What is happening:
Most of the time when I insert the jumper into the programming connector the locks cycle indicating that it is now in programming mode. Sometimes it doesn't. I need to fiddle around by removing and reinserting the jumper, turn the ignition on/off, etc. Once in prog mode I press the unlock button on the transmitter. Again, sometimes the locks will cycle indicating that the transmitter has been programmed and other times it will not. Everytime the jumper is removed though it won't lock/unlock/pop trunk. Strangely if the jumper is left in the remote works quiet well for a limited time. Driver'* door unlocks, the rest of the doors unlock, the trunk pops and all of the doors lock.

What I've tried so far:
Replaced both batteries in the transmitter. Reprogrammed, or at least tried tried to, several times. Removed the module, inspected the connections and tested every wire coming into the module with the help of a troubleshooting guide from a Motor service manual.

As a side note, I checked the RPO sticker today which indicates that the vehicle has illuminated entry. The dome lights are supposed to come on for 20 seconds if the door handle is pressed. This is not happening but when I tested the wire (gray) coming from the RKE module to the illuminated entry timer the lights went on. I'm very close to just saying "the hell with it" and installing something aftermarket but would much prefer the factory system to work.

Any ideas?

Sounds like a weak or intermintent ground problem? The test probe you used to check the rke module provided a ground and it worked?

I used a multimeter and checked the voltage from the two +12v terminals (pin A blue connector & pin A black connector) to the two ground inputs (pin H blue connector & pin H black connector) on the RKE harness. I then compared the results to measurements made from the two +12v terminals to chassis ground (I used the bolt behind the glove box and the ground part ot the aux accy plug). The measurements were nearly identical (+/- .1v).

Before I gave up last night, I couldn't get it to go into programming mode at all. I'll give it another try today and use a jumper from the - battery terminal to the module to see what happens.

You probably already figured this, but I bet the module is just toast. I would suggest heading to a junkyard and finding a replacement module. Either that or take your chances and rip apart the current module and see if there are any cold solder joints or bad connections.

Although your chances of finding a module in a junkyard (especially in MA) are pretty slim, they can go in the computer system and see if any other junkyards have one.

the RKE module is dead. i have the same problem. good luck finding another one that works... the 90/91 systems seemed to last around 60,000 miles according to my dealer. the module is 249.99.

250 BUCKS???

It looks like time to order up that aftermarket piece. $25 plus shipping for quality Taiwanese workmanship.

yup yup... its because it was only used 2 years... get the module and remote from a later model bonneville.., then you'll still have the facotry look.

I'd try the Internet junkyards first if you'd like. Of course they'll probably charge you at least $25 for one....ah well!

Would the newer modules simply plug into the existing harnesses in my car?? I have the pin-out diagram for the '90 so maybe we can compare notes.

I didn't think of this. Actually, I never knew they existed. There'* something about buying electronic stuff without being able to test it out first that dosen't sit very well with me though.