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

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - With Intelligent Access (IA)

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

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- IA (Intelligent Access) key

- IA (Intelligent Access) key battery

- Aftermarket systems

- High power devices

- TV/radio transmission towers

- RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module

PINPOINT TEST AM : 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 the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system operation. These systems should be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.

AM1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS

- Check that the correct IKTs (Integrated Keyhead Transmitters) are used with the vehicle. Compare the IKTs (Integrated Keyhead 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 AM2.

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.

AM2 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.

- Press the lock and unlock buttons on all of the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters while observing the door lock and turn signal operation.

- Check all the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters for poor range performance (less than 10 m [33 ft]).

Do all the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters experience poor range?

Yes
GO to AM4.

No
GO to AM3.

AM3 CHECK THE IA (Intelligent Access) KEY BATTERY

- Using a thin coin, open the IA (Intelligent Access) 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 (Intelligent Access) key battery and measure the voltage.

Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?

Yes
REPLACE and PROGRAM the inoperative IA (Intelligent Access) key. TEST the system for normal operation.

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

AM4 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.

- Press the unlock button on the IA (Intelligent Access) keys while observing the door locks.

Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?

Yes
INSTALL a new RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module. TEST the system for normal operation.

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