Newby here. I purchased a 2008 H3 Alpha last October. I now have completed 33 things to bring it up to like new. I never received the remote key fob with purchase. Dumb me. I only wish I knew how important it is. Went to locksmith and they can't do it, said something was wrong with computer. Went to dealer ( god forgive ) they said same thing. $300 to look at it, could go up to $1000 or more. I did trace the purple wire from the scan port to computer and connected to another purple wire ,now I get input and output and can read codes. Cleared 2 codes, they never came back. Still can't program a key fob. My low tire light light stays on. New tires and sensors installed. Dealer said light will stay on until I get a key fob programed , only way to clear light. Anyone have this problem? Any ideas? Really tired of the annoying light.

 

 

Hello and welcome to the party.

33 things sounds reasonable when buying these things used haha. I didn't receive a factory fob with mine, either (just 2-way aftermarket fob). It sounds like you enjoy doing work on it, and an Autel MK808 scanner can program fobs. It is a super helpful scan tool with tonnnsss of features. It's a little spendy upfront but can certainly counter mechanic/dealership rates quite quickly. I know you mentioned having issues with others being unable to program due to the possible computer issues with your vehicle, and I wish you the best of figuring the issues out. What diagnostic codes did you clear? I haven't heard of the TPMS light staying on until you get a fob programmed. I don't have a factory fob and my TPMS behaves properly. I understand feeling annoyed at lights... I've been playing wack-a-mole with my troubled H3 since I purchased it a few months ago haha.

Have you tried the TPMS relearn yourself? I found this on Google. Also, double check your inflation pressure. I have heard of some people having issues if the PSI is above the door placard stated PSI. My TPMS doesn't care if I'm over-inflated by 10 PSI, but some people say theirs care.
(from an online source specific to H3's, and yes I see it is a Colorado in the photo)

1. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position without starting the engineIf your vehicle has an ignition button, press the Engine Start/Stop button without touching the brake pedal
   
2. Turn the exterior lamp switch from AUTO to OFF 4 times within 3 secondsThe horn will sound twice and the TPMS low tire warning light starts blinking indicates the TPMS matching process has started
   
   
3. Activate the TPMS sensorStart from the driver side front tire, remove the valve cap, and then increasing or decreasing the tire’s air pressure until a horn chirp sounds
   
4. Repeat the process for the passenger side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and the driver side rear tireA horn chirp will confirm that the sensor has been reset
   
5. Turn off the ignition after you reset the last tireThe TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message will disappear
   
6. Adjust the tire pressure in all four tires recommended on the tire placardDone!
   

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes the reset tire pressure do it your self has been done several times. To no avail. I could get an after market key fob for $250.00. However it would not take care of the tire light. I have the schematic for the computer. Place with the after market key fob said there was possible 3 wires that fed into the single purple wire in the scan port. I found one and connected it. That's how i cleared the two codes. Codes because I had the battery cables off while I was working on it. I'll study the schematic, see if I can find another wire. This H3 came from Alabama. No rust a all. I had the plastic fenders painted, due the bleaching out from hot sun in the south. I'll get the key fob solved some day. I wrench on all my vehicles. Gives me something to do.( A side note). I installed a diesel engine and manual trans in a gas car, that had a auto trans. I get 38 mpg around town and 50 on the big road. Drive it every day. H3 is the orange one with tan interior. Later, it's coffee time.

 

Two more things.
1. I have a slight oil leak. Installed a new rear main seal. It was leaking some. The other small leak is coming from the right side head gasket. ?, Anybody use Barr's leak or another brand to any success?
I've heard bad things like closed up small oil passages and did major damage to engine .
2. My rear view inside mirror has the back up camera that slides out to the left. It used to stay out. Now it comes out only for 5 seconds and back end it goes. Anyone know the problem? Also the mirror will not stay in place as the small clips on back are broke. Anyone know some one who repairs these? It's the large rectangle one. I put a GMC mirror in so it would stay in place. Lost back up camera display. I always use the outside ones to back up. No problem. Drove truck over the road for 40 years. Just wanted to get all things restored way it came from factory. All this is in the wrong forum I think. Bare with me. At my age I'm lucky to know how to click a mouse.

 

majority of the time only 2 things **** oil on the right side of the 8 cylinder. the oil pressure switch especially if it is aftermarket and the oil cooler gasket above the oil filter housing. one is located higher than the other so follow the oil trail.
head gasket leaking oil is not common. valve cover gaskets would be more suspect.

 

Your key fobs got nothing to do with your low tire light. Like so many early I5s, the BCM memory deteriorated over time, caused by either dead batteries or poor connections to the battery by the OEM Battery Terminal Connectors. The first thing on your list of 33 should have been replace Crappy Azzed OEM Battery Terminal Connectors with a quality aftermarket set, like Stingers or your favorite brand..

Skip dealing out cabbage to the brain dead dealership service people and add an aftermarket remote start/alarm and use its key fobs which do not have to be programmed to the BCM and have 2-3Xs the range of the OEMs while you get added function.

Any reputable tire shop can program your new TPMS to the truck.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth Doc.....and it would probably cost less then the $250 fob!

 

Ok, so the oil pressure switch is located up and to the front of the oil filter, on the left side of engine , left as you set in drivers seat ? I do see some oil around it. Also some oil around starter. Could the crank sensor be leaking? All the TPM were new and program to H3 when I purchased tires

 

Valve cover gaskets were replaced when I put new plugs and wires. No leaks there.