Pinpoint Test J: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test J: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
Normal Operation
Remote locking and unlocking of the doors and unlocking the cargo doors is accomplished by the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) receiving a command message from the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The GEM processes the command and energizes the appropriate relays to lock or unlock the doors. The RKE transmitter has a normal operating range of 10 m (33 ft).
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Aftermarket systems
- High power devices
- TV/radio transmission towers
- RKE transmitter
- RKE transmitter battery
- RKE antenna
- GEM
PINPOINT TEST J: THE RKE TRANSMITTER HAS POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
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J1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE TRANSMITTERS
- NOTE: Make sure the RKE 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.
- Check that the correct RKE transmitters are used with the vehicle. Compare the RKE transmitters with the one shown in the Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Description and Operation.
- Are the correct RKE transmitters present?
Yes
GO to J2.
No
The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE transmitters. INFORM the customer that the correct RKE transmitters must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
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J2 CHECK ALL RKE 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 RKE transmitters for poor range performance (less than 10 m (30 ft)).
- Do all RKE transmitters experience poor range performance?
Yes
GO to J4.
No
GO to J3.
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J3 CHECK THE BATTERY IN THE RKE TRANSMITTER WITH POOR RANGE
- Open the inoperative RKE 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 transmitter battery and measure the voltage.
- Is the voltage greater than 2.5 volts?
Yes
REPLACE the inoperative RKE transmitter. PROGRAM all RKE transmitters. REFER to Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming Transmitter. INFORM the customer that any RKE transmitters not present need to be programmed. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new battery. DO NOT reprogram the RKE transmitters (weak or dead batteries do not erase Transmitter Identification Codes (TICs) from memory). TEST the system for normal operation.
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J4 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.
- If the vehicle is within 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the RKE transmitters may be reduced.
- Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
Yes
GO to J5.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.
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J5 CHECK IF THE GEM EXTERNAL ANTENNA IS CONNECTED
- Disconnect: GEM C201e .
- Inspect the GEM C201e-16, circuit 10-AA36 (GY) for any pin fit or connection concerns.
- Is any GEM external antenna connection concerns found?
Yes
REPAIR the GEM external antenna as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to J6.
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J6 CHECK THE GEM FOR CORRECT OPERATION
- Disconnect all the GEM connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the GEM 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 GEM. REFER to Body Control Systems. 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.
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