Pinpoint Test AH: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - With Intelligent Access (IA)
Pinpoint Test AH: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter has a normal operating range of 20 m (66 ft). The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) module has an internal antenna to receive the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter signal. When the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module receives a command from a programmed RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter, the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module sends the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) signal to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, which processes the command to provide the appropriate output.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- IA (Intelligent Access) key
- IA (Intelligent Access) key battery
- Aftermarket systems
- High power devices
- TV/radio transmission towers
- TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module
PINPOINT TEST AH : THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
NOTE: All RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system.
NOTE: Aftermarket or dealer-installed systems may adversely affect the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system operation. Disconnect these systems before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.
AH1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS
- NOTE: Make sure the IA (Intelligent Access) keys 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 IA (Intelligent Access) keys are used with the vehicle. Compare the IA (Intelligent Access) keys with the one shown in Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation in the Description and Operation.
Are all the correct IA (Intelligent Access) keys present?
Yes
GO to AH2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct IA (Intelligent Access) keys. INFORM the customer that all the correct IA (Intelligent Access) keys must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
AH2 CHECK ALL THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
NOTE: The 20 m (66 ft) measurement of range is not the standard but is a guideline that clearly indicates a vehicle is experiencing normal range performance.
- Check all the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters for poor range performance (less than 20 m [66 ft]).
Do all the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to AH4.
No
GO to AH3.
AH3 CHECK THE IA (Intelligent Access) KEY BATTERY
- Using a thin coin, open the IA (Intelligent Access) key.
- 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 IA (Intelligent Access) key battery and measure the voltage.
Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?
Yes
REPLACE and PROGRAM the inoperative IA (Intelligent Access) key. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery (make sure the battery is seated correctly). DO NOT reprogram the IA (Intelligent Access) key (weak or dead batteries do not erase keys from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.
AH4 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 (Remote Keyless Entry) 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 RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters may be reduced.
Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
GO to AH5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.
AH5 CHECK FOR CORRECT TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) MODULE OPERATION
- Disconnect all the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) 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 (Tire Pressure Monitor) module. 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.