Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system allows the use of a remote battery-powered radio transmitter to communicate with the RKE receiver to actuate the power lock system. The RKE receiver operates on non-switched battery current through a fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM), so that the system remains operational, regardless of the ignition switch position.

The RKE transmitters are also equipped with a Panic button. If the Panic button on the RKE transmitter is depressed, the horn will sound and the exterior lights will flash on the vehicle for about three minutes, or until the Panic button is depressed a second time. Pressing the Panic button also activates the courtesy lamps. Pressing the Panic button again stops the exterior lamps from flashing and the horn from sounding. However, the courtesy lamps will remain illuminated until either the BCM times out lamp operation or until the turning of the ignition. The panic feature will operate if the ignition is ON, but only if the Panic button is pressed prior to starting the vehicle. A vehicle speed of about 25.7 km/h (15 miles-per-hour) will also cancel the panic event.

The RKE system can also perform other functions on this vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), the RKE transmitter will arm the VTSS when the Lock button is depressed, and disarm the VTSS when the Unlock button is depressed.

The RKE system includes two transmitters when the vehicle is shipped from the factory, but the system can retain the vehicle access codes of up to a total of four transmitters. The transmitter codes are retained in the RKE module memory, even if the battery is disconnected. If an RKE transmitter is faulty or lost, new transmitter vehicle access codes can be programmed into the system using a DRB III(R) scan tool.

This vehicle also offers several customer programmable features, which allows the selection of several optional electronic features to suit individual preferences. Customer programmable feature options affecting the RKE system include:
- Automatic Door Lock - Customer programmable feature that allows the DDM/PDM to perform an automatic door lock if the vehicle speed is above 25.7 km/h (15 miles-per-hour).
- Automatic Door Unlock On Exit - Customer programmable feature that allows the DDM/PDM to perform an automatic door unlock if the vehicle speed is 0, vehicle in park and driver door is opened.
- Flash Lights with Lock and Unlock -Allows the option of having the park lamps flash as an optical verification that the RKE system received a valid Lock request or Unlock request from the RKE transmitter, or having no optical verification.
- Programming Additional Transmitters -Allows up to a total of four transmitter vehicle access codes to be stored in the receiver memory.
- Remote Unlock Sequence - Allows the option of having only the driver side front door unlock when the RKE transmitter Unlock button is depressed the first time. The remaining doors unlock when the button is depressed a second time within 5 seconds of the first unlock press. Another option is having all doors unlock upon the first depression of the RKE transmitter Unlock button.
- RKE Linked to Memory - Allows the RKE transmitter to be linked to the memory system. The RKE transmitter can be linked to either position 1 or position 2. This allows the operator to have the vehicle move the mirrors, seat, pedals and radio stations upon a depress of the unlock switch on the transmitter.
- Sound Horn on Lock - Allows the option of having the horn sound a short chirp as an audible verification that the RKE system received a valid Lock request from the RKE transmitter, or having no audible verification.


The RKE transmitter uses radio frequency signals to communicate with the SKREEM module. The SKREEM is on the PCI bus. When the operator presses a button on the transmitter, it sends a specific request to the SKREEM. In turn, the SKREEM sends the appropriate request over the PCI bus to the following:
- Driver Door Module (DDM) - to control the driver front door lock and unlock functions, the arming and disarming of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) if equipped, and the activation of illuminated entry.
- Integrated Power Module (IPM) - to activate the park lamps, the headlamps and the horn for the horn chirp.
- Passenger Door Module (PDM) - to control the passenger front, rear driver and rear passenger door lock and unlock functions and activation of the passenger door courtesy lamp.
- Power Liftgate Module (PLGM) - to control the liftgate lock and unlock functions.

After pressing the lock button on the RKE transmitter, all of the door locks will lock, the illuminated entry will turn off (if all doors are closed) and the vehicle theft security system (if equipped) will arm.

Pressing the unlock button one time will unlock the driver door, or all doors based on the customer programmable feature enabled, the illuminated entry will turn on the courtesy lamps and the vehicle theft security system (if equipped) will disarm. Pressing the unlock button a second time, the remaining door locks will unlock.

If the vehicle is equipped with the memory system, the memory message will identify which transmitter (1 or 2) sent the signal.

The SKREEM is capable of retaining up to 8 individual access codes (8 transmitters). If the PRNDL is in any position except park, the SKREEM will disable the RKE. The 4 button transmitter uses 1-CR2032 battery. The minimum battery life is approximately 4.7 years based on 20 transmissions a day at 84° F (25° C). Use the DRBIII(R) scan tool or the Miller Tool 9001 RF Detector to test the RKE transmitter. Use the DRBIII(R) or the customer programming method to program the RKE system. However, the SKREEM will only allow RKE programming when the ignition is in the ON position, the PRNDL is in park position, and the VTSS (if equipped) is disarmed.