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

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems

Pinpoint Test L: 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 RKE transmitter in the Intelligent Access (IA) key sends a radio signal to the Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module based on the user selected RKE transmitter button. The RFR module then communicates the command to the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module, and the RFA module carries out the selected action.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- IA key
- IA key battery
- Aftermarket systems
- High power devices
- TV/radio transmission towers
- RFR module

PINPOINT TEST L: THE RKE TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE

NOTE: All RKE transmitters must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE system.

NOTE: Aftermarket or dealer-installed systems may adversely affect the RKE system operation. These systems should be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE concerns.

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L1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE TRANSMITTERS

- NOTE: Make sure the IA keys 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 IA keys are used with the vehicle. Compare the IA keys with the one shown in Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation in the Description and Operation information.
- Are all the correct IA keys present?

Yes
GO to L2.

No
The system cannot be tested without the correct IA keys. INFORM the customer that all the correct IA keys must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.

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L2 CHECK ALL THE RKE 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.

- Press the lock and unlock buttons on all of the RKE transmitters while observing the door lock and turn signal operation.
- Check all the RKE transmitters for poor range performance (less than 10 m [33 ft]).
- Do all the RKE transmitters experience poor range?

Yes
GO to L4.

No
GO to L3.

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L3 CHECK THE IA KEY BATTERY

- Using a thin coin, open the IA key.
- Do not clean off any grease from the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.
- Verify the correct battery is used (CR2023).
- Remove the IA key battery and measure the voltage.
- Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?

Yes
REPLACE and PROGRAM the inoperative IA key. REFER to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment - Intelligent Access (IA). TEST the system for normal operation.

No
INSTALL a new battery (make sure the battery is seated correctly). DO NOT reprogram the IA key (weak or dead batteries do not erase Transmitter Identification Codes (TICs) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.

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L4 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 transmitter range performance may be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle is within 0.8 km (0.5 miles) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the RKE transmitters may be reduced.
- Press the unlock button on the IA keys while observing the door locks.
- Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?

Yes
INSTALL a new Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module. REFER to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) Module. TEST the system for normal operation.

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

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