Keyless Entry - Transmitter Operates Only at Close Range
NUMBER: 08-011-03GROUP: Electrical
DATE: Apr. 25, 2003
THIS BULLETIN IS BEING PROVIDED IN ADVANCE. DO NOT ORDER PARTS OR PERFORM ANY ACTIONS RELATED TO THIS BULLETIN UNTIL APRIL 30, 2003.
SUBJECT:
RKE Key FOB Only Operates At Close Range On Driver Side Of Vehicle
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves the installation of a new passenger side door module that now includes an added external antenna wire.
MODELS:
2003 (WJ) Grand Cherokee (Domestic Markets)
1999 - 2003 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO WJ (DOMESTIC MARKET) VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN DECEMBER 03, 2002 (MDH 1203XX) AND DECEMBER 20, 2002 (MDH 1220XX), AND APPLIES ONLY TO LEFT HAND DRIVE WG (INTERNATIONAL MARKET) VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO MARCH 07, 2003 (MDH 0307XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) fob/transmitter will not activate the RKE System consistently from the drivers side of the vehicle except at close range. The condition may also be described as an inconsistent operation of the key fob. The operation and operating range of the RKE system on the passenger side of the vehicle is normal and should not be an issue.
This condition may be the result of poor signal reception by the passenger door module.
DIAGNOSIS:
The specified operating range of the RKE system key fob is 7 meters (23 feet) from the vehicle, with the exception of "blind spots" in the operating range caused by roof pillars, etc.
1. Stand perpendicular (90°) to the driver side front door (face the door) and at a distance of 7 meters (23 feet) from the door. Operate the key fob several times to determine if the vehicle doors will consistently lock and unlock.
2. Now stand perpendicular (90°) to the driver side front door (face the door) and at a distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the door. Operate the key fob several times to determine if the vehicle doors will consistently lock and unlock.
3. If the RKE system operation is consistent at the 7 meter (23 ft.) range, then this bulletin does not apply and further investigation of the customer complaint is necessary.
4. If the RKE system operation is inconsistent or non-existent at the 7 meter (23 ft.) range, but system operation is correct at the 1.5 meter (5 ft.) range, then perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Using the appropriate service manual, remove the passenger side door panel.
2. Remove the old door module from the passenger side door panel. The old door module will not have an external antenna wire.
3. Install the new door module while temporarily routing the external antenna wire along the door panel above the electrical wire harness (Fig. 1).
4. If the vehicle is a WJ, route the external antenna wire through the two support loops and tape the antenna to the door panel at two locations. The WJ external antenna is 431 mm. (17 in.) in length.
5. If the vehicle is a WG, the external antenna wire is 533 mm. (21 in.) in length. Route the WG antenna wire through both support loops and tape the antenna wire to the door panel. Tape the remaining length of antenna wire to the electrical wire harness.
6. Install the passenger side door panel.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: