CA car only turns on with key in holder

[Matt@EuroJerks]

Forum Members,
2013 135
Comfort Access

My car just recently started only starting with the key fob in the "holder." I just changed both primary and secondary key batteries and still the same issue. All buttons on remote work but when key fob is in the car the push to start button is dead and the yellow key with a slash comes up on the dash after a few attempts to start. The second I put the key in the holder the car is able to be started. Please advise if you have any thoughts of a fix.

[MightyMouseTech]

Do the door handles unlock the doors? Check for water in your comfort access module. It sits right under the right tail light in the trunk.

[Matt@EuroJerks]

My passenger side only works. It's been this way for many months. I will check the module. Thanks! Any other thoughts?

[Matt@EuroJerks]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Do the door handles unlock the doors? Check for water in your comfort access module. It sits right under the right tail light in the trunk.

Now my passenger side doesn't work. I think you are right, I have to check the module.

[1smokehouse]

Mine started doing this intermittently. Tried replacing the batteries in the FOBs with no change. No water in my module. Then my battery died while in the shop to replace my water pump and thermostat. Changed the battery and viola! Comfort access started working again.

[ultimated]

I had a similar problem with my Comfort Access. The dealership replaced the fuse and it worked for a couple of days then stopped again. The SA said repairing it would require removing the dash and chasing down the short, many hours of labor and thousands of dollars. I'm learning to live without. According to the SA when I inquired, it was not a faulty CA module in the trunk, I presume because the door lock/unlock feature still worked.

[Matt@EuroJerks]

Thanks guys

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by ultimated

I had a similar problem with my Comfort Access. The dealership replaced the fuse and it worked for a couple of days then stopped again. The SA said repairing it would require removing the dash and chasing down the short, many hours of labor and thousands of dollars. I'm learning to live without. According to the SA when I inquired, it was not a faulty CA module in the trunk, I presume because the door lock/unlock feature still worked.

90% chance it is one of the door handles shorted out.

[Houranimd49]

I know this is an old thread, but I’m having the same issue.

I found that the CA module was drowning in water so I replaced it. Then I found the fuse for CA was blown (#61 behind glovebox), so I replaced it. Now the door handles work, but starting the car and trunk does not. No other fuses are blown so I’m stuck on what else to do.

[drwillb]

Originally Posted by Houranimd49

I know this is an old thread, but I’m having the same issue.

I found that the CA module was drowning in water so I replaced it. Then I found the fuse for CA was blown (#61 behind glovebox), so I replaced it. Now the door handles work, but starting the car and trunk does not. No other fuses are blown so I’m stuck on what else to do.

I just replaced my CAS last week.

Some suggestions:
1. drill some holes in the bottom of the slot for the CAS in the foam piece holder. This will allow any future water to drain.
2. I used Flex Seal tape to seal off the bottom of the CAS unit in case the bottom of it sees water again.
3. replace the tailight foam gasket. this is what allows the water in.
4. disconnect the battery for a few minutes. this may reset everything and get the CAS fully operational. I also used ISTA to reset/sync the CAS system.

good luck