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

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems

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

Normal Operation

The RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter sends a radio signal to the Smart Junction Box (SJB) based on the user selected RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter button. The SJB (Smart Junction Box) then carries out the selected action.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter)

- IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) battery

- Aftermarket systems

- High power devices

- TV/radio transmission towers

- SJB (Smart Junction Box)

PINPOINT TEST N : 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 may adversely affect RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system operation. These systems should be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.

N1 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.
Check that the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters are used with the vehicle.


Are all the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters present?

Yes
GO to N2.

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.

N2 CHECK ALL THE 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 the 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 N4.

No
GO to N3.

N3 CHECK THE IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) BATTERY

- Using a thin coin, open the IKT (Integrated Keyhead 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 IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) battery and measure the voltage.

Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?

Yes
REPLACE the inoperative IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) and PROGRAM the IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) individually or PROGRAM all the IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters). REFER to Antitheft and Alarm Systems for the programming procedures. If all the IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) are to be programmed, INFORM the customer that any IKTs (Integrated Keyhead 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 IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) (weak or dead batteries do not erase Transmitter Identification Codes (TICs) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.

N4 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 RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters may be reduced.

Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?

Yes
GO to N5.

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

N5 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.