Keyless Entry: Description and Operation

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
A Radio Frequency (RF) type Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system is an available factory-installed option on this model. The RKE system allows the use of a remote battery-powered radio transmitter to signal the Body Control Module (BCM) to actuate the power lock system. The RKE receiver operates on non-switched battery current through a fuse in the Junction Block (JB), so that the system remains operational, regardless of the ignition switch position.

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 3 minutes, or until the Panic button is depressed a second time. A vehicle speed of about 25.7 km/h (15 mph) 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.

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 DRBIII scan tool.

This vehicle also offers several customer programmable features, which allows the selection of several optional electronic features to suit individual preferences. Customer programmable feature options affecting the RKE system include:

- Remote Unlock Sequence - Allows the option of having only the driver side front door unlock when the RKE transmitter Unlock button is depressed the first time. The remaining doors and the tailgate unlock when the button is depressed a second time within 5 seconds of the first unlock press. Another option is having all doors and the tailgate unlock upon the first depression of the RKE transmitter Unlock button.

- 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 and Unlock - 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.

- Programming Additional Transmitters - Allows up to four transmitter vehicle access codes to be stored in the receiver memory 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. For diagnosis of these electronic modules or of the PCI data bus network, the use of a DRBIII scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic information are required.

- LOCK: Pressing the LOCK button locks all doors, sounds horn (chirp) if enabled, and arms the Vehicle Theft Security System, if enabled. The chirp verifies that the RKE receiver has sent a message to the BCM for door lock operation. If a door has not been closed before pressing the LOCK button, the vehicle may not be secured and the VTSS (if equipped) will not arm until the door is closed.

- UNLOCK: Pressing the UNLOCK button once will unlock the driver's door and activate the illuminated entry system and disarm Vehicle Theft Security System, if equipped. Pressing the UNLOCK button twice within five seconds will unlock all doors.

- TAILGATE: Pressing the TAILGATE BUTTON unlocks the tailgate remotely and opens the flip-up glass.

- PANIC: Pressing the PANIC button sounds the horns at half second intervals, flashes the exterior lamps, and turns ON the interior lamps. The panic alarm will remain ON for three minutes, or until the PANIC button is actuated again or the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position.

The Remote Keyless Entry Module is capable of retaining the transmitter Vehicle Access Code(s) in its memory even after vehicle power has been interrupted.