Pinpoint Test K: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - Without Intelligent Access (IA)
Pinpoint Test K: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter has a normal operating range of 20 m (66 ft). The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) module has an internal antenna to receive the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter signal. When the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module receives a command from a programmed RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter, the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module sends the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) signal to the Body Control Module (BCM), which processes the command to provide the appropriate output.
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
- TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module
PINPOINT TEST K : 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. Disconnect these systems before diagnosing any RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) concerns.
K1 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 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.
Are all the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters present?
Yes
GO to K2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters. INFORM the customer that the correct RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
K2 CHECK ALL THE RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
NOTE: The 20 m (66 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 20 m [66 ft]).
Do all the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitters experience poor range?
Yes
GO to K4.
No
GO to K3.
K3 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 TICs (Transmitter Identification Codes) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.
K4 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 K5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.
K5 CHECK FOR CORRECT TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) MODULE OPERATION
- Disconnect all the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) 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 TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) 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.