Keyless Entry: Description and Operation
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMA Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system is an available option on this model. The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system is a Radio Frequency (RF) system that allows the remote operation of the power lock system and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). (Refer to VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - DESCRIPTION Antitheft and Alarm Systems).
On vehicles with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, the power locks can be operated remotely using the RKE transmitter. If the vehicle is so equipped, the RKE transmitter also arms and disarms the factory-installed Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). Three small, recessed buttons on the outside of the transmitter case labelled Lock, Unlock, and Panic allow the user to choose the function that is desired. The RKE transmitter then sends the appropriate Radio Frequency (RF) signal. An RF receiver that is integral to the high-line or premium version of the Central Timer Module (CTM) Body Control Modulereceives the transmitted signal, then uses its internal electronic programming to determine whether the received signal is valid and what function has been requested. If the signal is valid, the CTM provides the programmed features.
The RKE system includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere.
Besides operating the power lock system and arming or disarming the VTSS, the RKE system also controls the following features:
Central Timer Module - The high-line or premium Central Timer Module Body Control Module(CTM) is located under the driver side end of the instrument panel, inboard of the instrument panel steering column opening. The high-line or premium CTM contains a microprocessor, an RF receiver, and the software that allow it to provide the many electronic functions and features of the RKE system.
Keyless Entry Transmitter - The keyless entry transmitter is a small, battery-powered, RF transmitter that is contained within a molded plastic case that is designed to also serve as a convenient key fob.
Some additional features of the RKE system include:
Horn Chirp - This feature provides a short, sharp chirp of the vehicle horn to give an audible confirmation that a valid Lock signal has been received from the RKE transmitter. This feature can be enabled or disabled and, if enabled, one of two optional horn chirp durations (twenty or forty milliseconds) can also be selected. If this feature is enabled, the CTM provides a horn chirp by internally pulling the control coil of the horn relay to ground through a hard wired circuit output.
Illuminated Entry - This feature turns ON the courtesy lamps in the vehicle for a timed interval (about thirty seconds) each time a valid Unlock signal has been received from the RKE transmitter. The CTM provides illuminated entry by internally controlling the current flow to the courtesy lamps in the vehicle through a hard wired output circuit.
Panic Mode - This feature allows the vehicle operator to cause the vehicle horn to pulse, the headlights to flash, and the courtesy lamps to illuminate for about three minutes by depressing a Panic button on the RKE transmitter. Pressing the Panic button a second time will cancel the Panic mode. A vehicle speed of about 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour) will also cancel the panic mode. The CTM provides the horn pulse and headlight flash by internally pulling the control coils of the horn relay and headlamp relay to ground through hard wired circuit outputs. The CTM controls the current flow to the courtesy lamps in the vehicle through a hard wired output circuit. The CTM also monitors the vehicle speed through electronic messages it receives from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) Information Busdata bus network.
The RKE system operates on battery current received through a fused B(+) circuit from a fuse in the Junction Block (JB) so that the system remains functional, regardless of the ignition switch position. The RKE system can retain the vehicle access codes of up to four RKE transmitters. The transmitter codes are retained in RKE system memory, even if the battery is disconnected. If a transmitter is faulty or is lost, new transmitter vehicle access codes can be programmed into the system using a DRB III scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. Many of the electronic features in the vehicle controlled or supported by the high-line or premium versions of the CTM are programmable using the DRB III scan tool. In addition, the high-line/premium CTM software is Flash compatible, which means it can be reprogrammed using Flash reprogramming procedures. However, if any of the CTM hardware components are damaged or faulty, the entire CTM unit must be replaced. The hard wired inputs or outputs of the CTM can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods; however, for diagnosis of the high-line or premium versions of the CTM or the CCD data bus, the use of a DRB III scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.