I would agree with what you are thinking that this is the locking mechanism. That is the common cause of the message you are getting.
I attached the process on how to replace it and program it. I have not experienced any other cause of this issue so if it were me, I would go ahead and replace it.
Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
Images (Click to make bigger)
SPONSORED LINKS
Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 5:16 PM