Pinpoint Test G: The Remote Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
All remote transmitters must be present to begin diagnosis of the remote keyless entry (RKE) system.
NOTE:
Aftermarket or dealer-installed systems may adversely affect the RKE system operation. These systems should be disconnected before diagnosing any RKE concerns.
- G1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT REMOTE TRANSMITTERS
- Check that the correct remote transmitters are used with the vehicle.
- Make sure the remote transmitters are ones provided with the OEM system and not from an aftermarket system, or a dealer-installed system, that may have been installed on the vehicle.
- Are all the correct remote transmitters present?
- Yes : GO to G2.
- No : The system cannot be tested without the correct remote transmitters. INFORM the customer that all the correct remote transmitters need to be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
- Check that the correct remote transmitters are used with the vehicle.
- G2 CHECK ALL REMOTE TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE NOTE: The 3 m (10 ft) measurement of range is not the standard but is a guideline that clearly indicates a vehicle is experiencing poor range performance.
- Check all remote transmitters for poor range performance (less than 3 m or 10 ft).
- Do all remote transmitters experience poor range?
- Yes : GO to G3.
- No : REPLACE the inoperative remote transmitter and REPROGRAM all remote transmitters, REFER to REMOTE TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING . INFORM the customer that any remote transmitters not present will need to be reprogrammed. CLEAR the DTCs. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G3 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 remote transmitter range performance may be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle is within 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of high-power devices or radio/TV towers, the operating distance of the transmitters may be reduced.
- Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?
- Yes : GO to G4.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. CLEAR the DTCs. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G4 CHECK THE SMART JUNCTION BOX (SJB) FOR CORRECT OPERATION
- Disconnect all the SJB connectors.
- Check for:
- Corrosion
- Pushed-out pins
- Connect all the SJB 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. REFER to MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES . REPROGRAM all remote transmitters, REFER to REMOTE TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING . INFORM the customer that any remote transmitters not present will need to be reprogrammed. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. Concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.