Pinpoint Test I: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Test I: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
For vehicles without Intelligent Access (IA) the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter sends a radio signal to the Body Control Module (BCM) internal antenna based on the user selected RKE transmitter button. The BCM then carries out the selected action. The RKE transmitter has a normal operating range of 20 m (66 ft).
For vehicles with IA the RKE transmitter sends a radio signal to the Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module based on the user selected RKE transmitter button.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- RKE transmitter
- RKE transmitter battery
- Aftermarket systems
- High power devices
- TV/radio transmission towers
- RFR module
- BCM
PINPOINT TEST I: THE RKE TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
NOTE: All RKE transmitters must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE system.
NOTE: Aftermarket or dealer-installed systems can adversely affect RKE system operation. Disconnect these systems before diagnosing any RKE concerns.
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I1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE TRANSMITTERS
- NOTE: Make sure the RKE transmitters are those provided with the OEM system and not from an aftermarket system, or a dealer-installed system, that may have been installed on the vehicle.
- Verify the correct RKE transmitters are used with the vehicle. Compare the RKE transmitters with the one shown in Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation in the Description and Operation information.
- Are all the correct RKE transmitters present?
Yes
GO to I2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE transmitters. INFORM the customer that all the correct RKE transmitters must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
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I2 CHECK ALL RKE TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
- NOTE: The 20m (66 ft) measurement of range is not the standard but a guideline that clearly indicates a vehicle is experiencing normal range performance.
- Check all RKE transmitters for normal range performance (less than 20 m [66 ft]).
- Do all RKE transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to I4.
No
GO to I3.
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I3 CHECK THE RKE TRANSMITTER BATTERY
- Open the RKE transmitter.
- Do not clean off any grease from the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.
- Verify the correct battery is used (CR2032).
- Remove the RKE transmitter battery and measure the voltage.
- Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?
Yes
REPLACE and REPROGRAM the inoperative key. REFER to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Key Programming for the key programming procedures. INFORM the customer that any keys not present need to be programmed. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery. DO NOT reprogram the RKE transmitters (weak or dead batteries do not erase Transmitter Identification Codes (TICs) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.
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I4 CHECK THE LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE AND THE APPROACH ANGLES AROUND THE VEHICLE
- Make sure the poor performance is consistent in nature and is not from one approaching angle.
- The RKE transmitter range performance may be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle is within 0.8 km (0.5 miles) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the transmitters may be reduced.
- Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
For vehicles without IA, GO to I5.
For vehicles with IA, INSTALL a new RFR module. REFER to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) Module. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The range may have been affected by environmental interference.
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I5 CHECK FOR CORRECT BCM OPERATION
- Disconnect all the BCM connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the BCM connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new BCM. REFER to Multifunction Electronic Modules Body Control Module (BCM). TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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