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 Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) module has an internal antenna to receive the RKE transmitter signal. When the TPM module receives a command from a programmed RKE transmitter, the TPM module sends the RKE signal to the Body Control Module (BCM), which processes the command to provide the appropriate output.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Environmental interference
- IKT
- IKT battery
- TPM module
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 can 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 IKTs are used with the vehicle. Compare the IKTs with the one shown in Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation in the Description and Operation.
- Are the correct RKE transmitters present?
Yes
GO to J2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE transmitters. INFORM the customer that 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 IKT BATTERY
- Using a thin coin, open the IKT.
- 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 IKT battery and measure the voltage.
- Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?
Yes
REPLACE the inoperative IKT and PROGRAM the new IKT individually or PROGRAM all the IKTs. REFER to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Key Programming for the programming procedures. If all the IKTs are to be programmed, INFORM the customer that any IKTs 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 IKT (weak or dead batteries do not erase 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 mile (0.8 km) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the RKE 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 TPM MODULE OPERATION
- Disconnect all the TPM module connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the TPM module 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 TPM module. REFER to Wheels and Tires Service and Repair. 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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