Key fob not opening up car

On a 1997 civic I had, every now and again the remote would stop opening or locking the car. To get it working again, you needed to open the doors using the key and start the engine. Next time you tried the remote, low and beholdit would open and lock the doors again.

Mine had an ifra red key fob, i.e. the type that has to be pointed in to the interior of the car through the windows before pressing the button, rather than a radio type, i.e. so long as you're within a certain distance of the car, it doesnt matter which direct the key fob is pointing.

Hope this is of some help.