Keyless Entry: Description and Operation

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM

A Radio Frequency (RF) type Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system is standard factory-installed equipment on this model. The RKE system allows the use of a remote battery-powered radio transmitter to control the power lock system. The RKE receiver operates on non-switched battery current through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), so that the system remains operational, regardless of the ignition switch position.

In addition to Lock and Unlock buttons, the RKE transmitters are also equipped with a Panic button. If the Panic button on the RKE transmitter is depressed, the horn will sound and the exterior lights will flash on the vehicle for about three minutes, or until the Panic button is depressed a second time. A vehicle speed of about 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour) will also cancel the panic event.

The RKE system can also perform other functions on this vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), the RKE transmitter will arm the VTSS when the Lock button is depressed, and disarm the VTSS when the Unlock button is depressed. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Memory System, each of the two numbered and color-coded RKE transmitters can be used to recall the stored driver side front seat position, both outside power rear view mirror positions, and the radio station presets for the two assigned drivers.

The RKE system includes two transmitters when the vehicle is shipped from the factory, but the system can retain the vehicle access codes of up to four transmitters. The transmitter codes are retained in the RKE receiver memory, even if the battery is disconnected. If an RKE transmitter is faulty or lost, new transmitter vehicle access codes can be programmed into the system using a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures.

This vehicle also offers several customer programmable features, which allows the selection of several optional electronic features to suit individual preferences. Refer to ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER PROGRAMMING in Overhead Console Systems for more information on the customer programmable feature options. Customer programmable feature options affecting the RKE system include:
- Remote Unlock - Allows the option of having only the driver side front door unlock when the RKE transmitter Unlock button is depressed the first time and the remaining doors and the liftgate unlock when the button is depressed a second time, or having all doors and the liftgate unlock upon the first depression of the RKE transmitter Unlock button.
- Remote Linked to Memory - If the vehicle is equipped with the Memory System, this feature allows the option of having the RKE transmitter Unlock button activate the recall of the stored settings, or having the recall function assigned solely to the memory switch on the driver side front door trim panel.
- Sound Horn on Lock - Allows the option of having the horn sound a short chirp as an audible verification that the RKE system received a valid Lock request from the RKE transmitter, or having no audible verification.
- Flash Lights with Lock - Allows the option of having the lights flash as an optical verification that the RKE system received a valid Lock request or Unlock request from the RKE transmitter, or having no optical verification.

This covers the following components of the RKE system:
- RKE receiver
- RKE transmitter.

Certain functions and features of the RKE system rely upon resources shared with other electronic modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. The PCI data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, internal controller hardware, and component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities. For diagnosis of these electronic modules or of the PCI data bus network, the use of a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended.

The other electronic modules that may affect RKE system operation are as follows:
- Body Control Module (BCM) - Refer to Body Control Module in the Instrument Panel Systems for more information.
- Driver Door Module (DDM) - Refer to Door Module in the Power Lock System.
- Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) - Refer to Electronic Vehicle Information Center.
- Passenger Door Module (PDM) - Refer to Door Module in the Power Lock System.
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - Refer to Powertrain Control Module.

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the RKE system.

Combination Flasher
The combination flasher is a smart relay that functions as both the turn signal system and the hazard warning system flasher. The combination flasher contains active electronic Integrated Circuitry (IC) elements. This flasher can be energized by the BCM to flash all of the park/turn signal/front side marker lamps as an optical alert for the RKE panic function and, if the Flash Lights with Lock programmable feature is enabled, as an optical verification for the RKE lock event.

Horn Relay
The horn relay is a electromechanical device that switches battery current to the horn when the horn switch grounds the relay coil. The horn relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. This relay can be energized by the BCM to sound the horns as an audible alert for the RKE panic function and, if the Sound Horn on Lock programmable feature is enabled, as an audible verification for the RKE lock event.

Low Beam Headlamp Relay
The low beam headlamp relay is a electromechanical device that switches battery current to the headlamp low beams when the BCM grounds the relay coil. The low beam headlamp relay is located in the junction block in the passenger compartment. This relay can be energized by the BCM to flash the headlamp low beams as an optical alert for the RKE panic function.

OPERATION
The Passenger Door Module (PDM) contains the RKE system control logic and the RKE receiver. When the RKE receiver recognizes a Lock, Unlock or Panic message from a valid RKE transmitter, the RKE receiver provides that input to the PDM. The PDM circuitry and programming responds by sending the proper messages to the other electronic modules over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus.

When an RKE lock message is received, the doors and the liftgate lock, the interior lighting is turned off, the horn chirps (if this feature is enabled), the exterior lamps flash (if this feature is enabled) and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is armed. When an RKE unlock message is received, the driver side front door (or all doors and the liftgate if this feature is enabled) unlock, the interior lighting is turned on and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the VTSS is disarmed. If the vehicle is equipped with the Memory System and the RKE Linked to Memory feature is enabled, the RKE unlock message also recalls the driver seat, outside error and radio settings assigned to the RKE transmitter that sent the unlock signal.

When an RKE panic message is received, the driver side front door (or all doors and the liftgate if this feature is enabled) unlock, the interior lighting is turned on and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the VTSS is disarmed. The panic message will also cause the exterior lamps (including the headlights) to flash, and the horn to pulse for about three minutes, or until a second panic message is received. A vehicle speed of about 24 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour) will also cancel the panic event.

See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the RKE system.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter is equipped with three buttons, labeled Lock, Unlock, and Panic. It is also equipped with a key ring and is designed to serve as a key fob. The operating range of the transmitter radio signal is up to 10 meters (30 feet) from the RKE receiver.

Each RKE transmitter has a different vehicle access code, which must be programmed into the memory of the RKE receiver in the vehicle in order to operate the RKE system. Two transmitters are provided with the vehicle, but the RKE receiver can retain the access codes of up to four transmitters in its memory. Refer to Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Programming in the Service Procedures for more information on programming additional transmitters for the RKE system.

In addition, the RKE transmitters for vehicles equipped with the optional Memory System are color- coded and have a number "1" or "2" molded into the transmitter case to coincide with the "Driver 1 (Black)" and "Driver 2 (Gray)" buttons of the memory switch on the driver side front door trim panel. These transmitters must also have their access codes programmed into the RKE receiver so that they coincide with the "Driver 1" and "Driver 2" buttons of the memory switch.

The transmitter operates on two Panasonic CR2016 (or equivalent) batteries. Typical battery life is from one to two years. The transmitter cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the RKE transmitters.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY RECEIVER
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver is a radio frequency unit contained in the Passenger Door Module (PDM). The PDM also contains the program logic circuitry for the RKE system. The PDM is secured with screws to the back of the trim panel inside the passenger side front door. The RKE receiver has a memory function to retain the vehicle access codes of up to four RKE transmitters. The receiver is designed to retain the transmitter codes in memory, even if the battery is disconnected.

For diagnosis of the RKE receiver, the PDM, the DDM, or the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended. The RKE receiver is only serviced as a unit with the PDM and, if faulty or damaged, the entire PDM unit must be replaced.

The RKE receiver is energized by one of three messages from the RKE transmitter; Unlock, Lock, or Panic. The PDM circuitry responds to these messages to lock or unlock the power lock motors that it controls. The PDM circuitry also puts Lock, Unlock, and Panic messages on the PCI data bus. These messages will result in the Driver Door Module (DDM) locking or unlocking the driver side front door, and the other electronic modules in the vehicle responding as their programming dictates.