Malibu key fob/remote

[DogLover]

I bought a 1998 Chevy Malibu for my daughter about three weeks ago. When we bought the car we did not think about trying the remotes to see if they worked. Well, neither one works. I googled the numbers on the back of the remotes and it appears they are not for a Chevy at all, one is a Saturn and the other is a Olds/Pont/Buick.
My question is, how can I tell if this car is even supposed to have a remote key fob? I did find out this was an option on the 1998 Malibu, so it could have them or it could not. I read about a wire in the trunk that you use to program a new remote, but I have not been able to find that wire on my car. This leads me to believe the car does not have this option.
How can I know for sure?
Terry

 

[aquariuscsm]

I`d just contact the seller and ask them. It`s possible that it gave you a cross reference for Olds/Buick/Pontiac and is universal for all GM. My 300ZX`s key fob is the exact same one as my friend`s Altima`s.

 

[beast3300]

http://www.compnine.com/vid.php

Input the vin and see if it has keyless entry.

 

[Stu_Rock]

The same guts were used with different logo cases, but the FCC ID stays the same. I think it's ABO1502T for a 1998 Malibu.

 

[dwendt44]

Those cheap remotes often wear out. Some will respond to cleaning the circuit board inside, most won't.
You can get the rubber button membrane replaced; that helps some of them.
There are aftermarket replacements, cheaper than new ones from GM.

http://www.keylessride.com/

 

[wapacz]

never ended up trying it but there are paint systems to paint a new conductive layer onto the buttons.

http://www.mgchemicals.com/downloads/appguide/appguide0206.pdf

 

[MrCritical]

The trunk wire thing was for earlier year model vehicles. There should be an option code sticker on the inside of the deck lid, or on the bottom of the trim panel that covers the spare tire. There's a code for keyless entry, sorry I don't know which one it is. If no one here does, may have to ask a dealer.

Or you can call a dealer pts department, give them the vehicle ID number. If it doesn't list a remote for the car, it isn't equipped with that option.

 

[DogLover]

I called the dealer with the VIN. The car did not have the remote lock option.
Terry

 

[Stu_Rock]

Even though Terry's question is resolved, I'll mention that the code on the "Service Parts Identification" tag for remote keyless entry is AU0.