Pinpoint Test H: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Test H: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter has a normal operating range of 10 m (33 ft). The Smart Junction Box (SJB) has an internal antenna to receive the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter signal. When the SJB (Smart Junction Box) receives a command from a programmed RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter, the SJB (Smart Junction Box) processes the command to provide the appropriate output.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Aftermarket systems
- High power devices
- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter
- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter battery
- TV/radio transmission towers
- SJB (Smart Junction Box)
PINPOINT TEST H : THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
NOTE: All RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system.
NOTE: Aftermarket or dealer-installed systems can adversely affect the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system operation. These systems must be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.
H1 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 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation in the Description and Operation portion.
Are all the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters present?
Yes
GO to H2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters. INFORM the customer that all the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
H2 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 [33 ft]).
Do all RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to H4.
No
GO to H3.
H3 CHECK THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER BATTERY
- Using a thin coin, open the 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 the new RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter individually using a scan tool or PROGRAM all RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters using the manual key cycle method. REFER to Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming 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 (make sure the battery is seated correctly). 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.
H4 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 RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter range performance can be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle is within 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the transmitters can be reduced.
Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
GO to H5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The range may have been affected by environmental interference.
H5 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.