Keyless Entry System Malfunction (Active)

Keyless Entry System Malfunction (Active)

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructionsprovides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The active keyless entry system is considered to be the device to control the following: door locking/unlocking, trunk access, and panic function. The keyless entry system will unlock the vehicle doors or open the rear compartment when a corresponding button on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed. This is accomplished by the keyless entry transmitter sending a radio frequency signal to the external RF antenna located in the back glass. This antenna is connected via coax cable to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). The RCDLR interprets the signal and activates the requested function via serial data message. Poor performance of the system may be due to:

* Insufficient connection of the external RF Antenna to the RCDLR
* Low transmitter battery
* Radio Frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices such as 2-way radios, power inverters, cellular phone chargers, computers, etc
* High RF traffic areas, such as gas stations which use pay-at-the-pump RF transponders

Diagnostic Aids

For the J 43241 Keyless Entry Tester, inspect the keyless entry transmitter part number to determine that it is the correct model for the vehicle. A wrong model transmitter may pass the test, but it will not activate the vehicle remote system.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Remote Function Schematics [1][2]Electrical Diagrams
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views Connector Views
Description and Operation

Keyless Entry System Description and Operation (with ATH) Keyless Entry System (with ATH)Keyless Entry System Description and Operation (without ATH) Keyless Entry System (without ATH)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References Control Module Referencesfor scan tool information
Special Tools

J 43241 Keyless Entry Tester

Circuit/System Verification

Attempt to program the keyless entry transmitter, refer to Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Learn (without ATH) Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Learn (without ATH) (without ATH) or Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe)Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) (with ATH). The transmitter should program.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Verify that the transmitter is the correct transmitter for the vehicle.

• If not the correct transmitter, replace the transmitter.

2. Verify the scan tool FOB Programmed parameter for the appropriate transmitter is Yes.

• If not the specified value, program the transmitter. Refer to refer to Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Learn (without ATH) Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Learn (without ATH) (without ATH) or Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe)Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) (with ATH).

3. Place the transmitter on the test pad of the J 43241 and press each transmitter button one at a time. The tester should sound a tone and illuminate a green light with each button press.

• If one or more buttons does not sound the tone and illuminate the green light, replace the transmitter battery and retest with the J 43241 . If the condition continues after battery replacement, replace the transmitter.

4. Inspect the external RF antenna connection at the RCDLR. First, gently pull on the coax connector at the module. If the coax comes out, then it was not seated properly. Remove and carefully inspect the coax connection for bent blades or a bent center pin. Fix coax connection if necessary and re-seat connector until a "click" is heard. Gently pull on the coax connection to make sure it is seated properly.
5. Operate the transmitter while observing the scan tool Fob Function parameter for the appropriate transmitter. The parameter should correspond with the function selected on the transmitter.

• If the parameter does not match the function selected on the transmitter, replace the transmitter.

6. Attempt to program the transmitter, refer to refer to Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Learn (without ATH) Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Learn (without ATH) (without ATH) or Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe)Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) (with ATH). The transmitter should program.

• If the transmitter does not program, test the keyless entry antenna for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the RCDLR.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - Canada and Europe)Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia) Remote Control Door Lock and Theft Deterrent Transmitter Programming (with ATH - N America and Asia)
* Control Module References Control Module Referencesfor RCDLR replacement, setup, and programming