Pinpoint Test J: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test J: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter has a normal operating range of 10 m (33 ft). The Smart Junction Box (SJB) has an internal antenna to receive the RKE transmitter signal. When the SJB receives a command from a programmed RKE transmitter, the SJB processes the command to provide the appropriate output.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Environmental interference
- RKE transmitter
- RKE transmitter battery
- SJB
PINPOINT TEST J: 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 may adversely affect the RKE system operation. These systems must be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE concerns.
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J1 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.
- Check that the correct RKE transmitters are used with the vehicle.
- Are all the correct RKE transmitters present?
Yes
GO to J2.
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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J2 CHECK ALL RKE TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
- NOTE: The 10 m (33 ft) measurement of range is not the standard but is a guideline that clearly indicates a vehicle is experiencing normal range performance.
- Check all RKE transmitters for poor range performance (less than 10 m [33 ft]).
- Do all RKE transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to J4.
No
GO to J3.
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J3 CHECK THE RKE TRANSMITTER BATTERY
- Using a thin coin, open the suspect 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 the inoperative RKE transmitter. PROGRAM the new RKE transmitter individually using a scan tool or PROGRAM all the RKE transmitters using the manual key cycle method. REFER to Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming Transmitter. INFORM the customer that any RKE transmitters not present need to be programmed. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery (make sure the battery is seated correctly). 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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J4 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 0.5 miles (0.8 km) 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
GO to J5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The range may have been affected by environmental interference.
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J5 CHECK FOR CORRECT SJB OPERATION
- Disconnect all the SJB connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the SJB 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 SJB. REFER to Body Control Systems. 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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