Pinpoint Test L: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Test L: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) sends a radio signal to the Smart Junction Box (SJB) based on the user selected IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) button. The SJB (Smart Junction Box) then carries out the selected action. The RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter has a normal operating range of 10 m (33 ft).
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Environmental interference
- IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter)
- IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) battery
- SJB (Smart Junction Box)
PINPOINT TEST L : THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
NOTE: All IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system.
NOTE: Aftermarket or dealer-installed systems can adversely affect RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system operation. These systems should be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.
L1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS
NOTE: Make sure the IKTs (Integrated Keyhead 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 (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) are used with the vehicle. Compare the IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) with the one shown in Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation in the Description and Operation portion.
Are all the correct IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) present?
Yes
GO to L2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters). INFORM the customer that all the correct IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
L2 CHECK ALL THE IKTs (Integrated Keyhead 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 the IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) for poor range performance (10 m [33 ft] or less).
Do all IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) experience poor range?
Yes
GO to L4.
No
GO to L3.
L3 CHECK THE IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) TRANSMITTER BATTERY
- Using a thin coin, open the IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) 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 (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter battery and measure the voltage.
Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?
Yes
REPLACE the inoperative IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter). PROGRAM the new IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter). REFER to Antitheft and Alarm Systems. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery (make sure the battery is seated correctly). DO NOT reprogram the IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) (weak or dead batteries do not erase TICs (Transmitter Identification Codes) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.
L4 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 IKT (Integrated Keyhead 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 IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) may be reduced.
Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
GO to L5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.
L5 CHECK FOR CORRECT SJB (Smart Junction Box) OPERATION
- Disconnect all the SJB (Smart Junction Box) connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the SJB (Smart Junction Box) 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 (Smart Junction Box). 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.