Pinpoint Test I: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Test I: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
For vehicles without Intelligent Access (IA) the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter sends a radio signal to the Body Control Module (BCM) internal antenna based on the user selected RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter button. The BCM (Body Control Module) then carries out the selected action. The RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter has a normal operating range of 20 m (66 ft).
For vehicles with IA (Intelligent Access) the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter sends a radio signal to the Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module based on the user selected RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter button.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter
- RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter battery
- Aftermarket systems
- High power devices
- TV/radio transmission towers
- RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module
- BCM (Body Control Module)
PINPOINT TEST I : 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 RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system operation. Disconnect these systems before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.
I1 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.
Verify 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 I2.
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.
I2 CHECK ALL RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
- NOTE: The 20m (66 ft) measurement of range is not the standard but a guideline that clearly indicates a vehicle is experiencing normal range performance.
Check all RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters for normal range performance (less than 20 m [66 ft]).
Do all RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to I4.
No
GO to I3.
I3 CHECK THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTER BATTERY
- 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 and REPROGRAM the inoperative key. INFORM the customer that any keys not present need to be programmed. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery. 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.
I4 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 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 transmitters may be reduced.
Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
For vehicles without IA (Intelligent Access), GO to I5.
For vehicles with IA (Intelligent Access), INSTALL a new RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The range may have been affected by environmental interference.
I5 CHECK FOR CORRECT BCM (Body Control Module) OPERATION
- Disconnect all the BCM (Body Control Module) connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the BCM (Body Control Module) 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 BCM (Body Control Module). 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.