Pinpoint Test J: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems

Pinpoint Test J: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance

Normal Operation

Remote locking and unlocking of the doors and unlocking the cargo doors is accomplished by the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) receiving a command message from the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The GEM (Generic Electronic Module) processes the command and energizes the appropriate relays to lock or unlock the doors. 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:

- Aftermarket systems

- High power devices

- TV/radio transmission towers

- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter

- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter battery

- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) antenna

- GEM (Generic Electronic Module)

PINPOINT TEST J : THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE

J1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS

- NOTE: Make sure the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) 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 (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters are used with the vehicle. Compare the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters with the one shown in the Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation portion.

Are the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters present?

Yes
GO to J2.

No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters. INFORM the customer that the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.

J2 CHECK ALL RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) 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 (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters for poor range performance (less than 10 m (30 ft)).


Do all RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters experience poor range performance?

Yes
GO to J4.

No
GO to J3.

J3 CHECK THE BATTERY IN THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER WITH POOR RANGE

- Open the inoperative RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) 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 RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter. PROGRAM all RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters. REFER to Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming . INFORM the customer that any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters not present need to be programmed. TEST the system for normal operation.

No
INSTALL a new battery. DO NOT reprogram the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters (weak or dead batteries do not erase Transmitter Identification Codes (TICs) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.

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.

- If the vehicle is within 0.8 km (0.5 mile) 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 J5.

No
The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.

J5 CHECK IF THE GEM (Generic Electronic Module) EXTERNAL ANTENNA IS CONNECTED

- Disconnect: GEM (Generic Electronic Module) C201E.

- Inspect the GEM (Generic Electronic Module) C201E-16, circuit 10-AA36 (GY) for any pin fit or connection concerns.

Is any GEM (Generic Electronic Module) external antenna connection concerns found?

Yes
REPAIR the GEM (Generic Electronic Module) external antenna as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

No
GO to J6.

J6 CHECK THE GEM (Generic Electronic Module) FOR CORRECT OPERATION

- Disconnect all the GEM (Generic Electronic Module) connectors.

- Check for:
- corrosion

- damaged pins

- pushed-out pins


- Connect all the GEM (Generic Electronic 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 GEM (Generic Electronic 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.