Pinpoint Test G: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test G: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
Remote locking and unlocking of the doors is accomplished by the Smart Junction Box (SJB) receiving a command message from the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The SJB processes the command and provides voltage and ground to the door lock actuators. The RKE transmitter has a normal operating range of 10 m (33 ft).
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- High power devices
- Aftermarket systems
- TV/radio transmission towers
- RKE transmitter battery
- RKE transmitter
- SJB
PINPOINT TEST G: 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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G1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE TRANSMITTERS
- Check that the correct RKE transmitters are used with the vehicle.
- Make sure the RKE transmitters are the originals provided with the OEM system and not from an aftermarket system, or a dealer-installed system, that may have been installed on the vehicle.
- Are all the correct RKE transmitters present?
Yes
GO to G2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE transmitters. INFORM the customer that all the correct RKE transmitters need to be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
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G2 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.
- Check all RKE transmitters for poor range performance (less than 10 m [33 ft]).
- Do all RKE transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to G4.
No
GO to G3.
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G3 CHECK THE RKE TRANSMITTER BATTERY
- Using a thin coin, open the RKE 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 transmitter battery and measure the voltage.
- Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?
Yes
REPLACE the inoperative RKE transmitter and PROGRAM all the RKE transmitters. REFER to Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming Testing and Inspection. INFORM the customer that any RKE transmitters not present need to be programmed. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery (be sure the battery is seated correctly). DO NOT reprogram the RKE transmitters (damaged or dead batteries do not erase TICs from memory). CLEAR the DTCs. TEST the system for normal operation.
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G4 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 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the transmitters may be reduced.
- Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
GO to G5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.
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G5 CHECK FOR CORRECT SJB OPERATION
- Disconnect all the SJB connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the SJB 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. 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.
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