Keyless Entry System Malfunction
Keyless Entry System Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Circuit/System Description
The keyless entry will unlock the vehicle doors or open the rear compartment when a corresponding button on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed. This is accomplished by the keyless entry transmitter sending a radio frequency to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), which then sends the signal to the body control module (BCM). The BCM interprets the signal and activates the requested function. A low transmitter battery or radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices such as 2-way radios, power inverters, cellular phone chargers, computers, etc. may cause a system malfunction. High RF traffic areas, such as gas stations which use pay-at-the-pump RF transponders, may also cause interference that could lead to a malfunction.
Diagnostic Aids
When using the J 43241 - Keyless Entry Tester, first inspect the keyless entry transmitter part number to determine that it is the correct model for the vehicle. An incorrect part number transmitter may pass the test, but it will not activate the keyless entry system.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Remote Function Schematics [1][2]Electrical Diagrams
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly
Description and Operation
Keyless Entry System Description and Operation Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Special Tools
J 43241 - Keyless Entry Tester
Circuit/System Verification
Attempt to learn the keyless entry transmitter, refer to Remote Control Door Lock Transmitter Programming Testing and Inspection. The transmitter should program.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Verify that the transmitter is the correct transmitter for the vehicle.
• If not the correct transmitter, replace the transmitter.
2. Place the transmitter on the test pad of the J 43241 - Keyless Entry Tester and press each transmitter button one at a time, holding each button for three seconds. The tester should sound a tone and illuminate a green light for the entire three second button press.
• If one or more buttons does not sound the tone and illuminate the green light for the entire three seconds, replace the transmitter battery and retest with the J 43241 - Keyless Entry Tester. If the condition continues after battery replacement, replace the transmitter.
3. Operate the transmitter while observing the scan tool Fob Function parameter for the appropriate transmitter. The parameter should correspond with the function selected on the transmitter.
• If the parameter does not match the function selected on the transmitter, replace the transmitter and retest. If the conditions continues after transmitter replacement, replace the RCDLR.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Replacing Keys (North America, except Canada) Replacing Keys (North America, except Canada)Replacing Keys (Canada) Replacing Keys (Canada)
* Control Module References Control Module References for RCDLR replacement, setup, and programming