View CartA website visitor contacted to ask what is the difference between our remote transmitters 512-1512 and 098-7397, and whether both would work for his 2004 Chevrolet Impala. This is a very good question. Often, there is more than one remote key fob that will work for a vehicle. In many cases, including this one, the difference is between the manufacturer of the remote. Here is our response to that customer:
Part 512-1512 (4-button GM fob with FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT for 2001-2005 sedans) has an OE (original equipment) circuit board. That means it is the same as the transmitter you would buy from a GM dealership.
Part 098-7397 (Remotes Unlimited fob with FCC ID 2AHZT-GCRK12 – replaces GM remote with FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT) is a transmitter that performs the same functions, but is made by an automotive aftermarket supplier.
There is no difference in the programming requirements or functionality of the parts.
Many people believe that an OE part is engineered to more demanding specifications and therefore will last longer than an aftermarket remote. I think that is generally true. But either of these parts should last many years under normal use. The systems that use this remote were only installed on GM sedans during the 2001-05 model years, so the components in the 16-20-year-old vehicle (and the vehicle itself) are much more likely to fail before a new replacement remote. You should buy whichever one seems like the best choice to you.
