Pinpoint Test M: The RKE Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
All remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitters must be present to begin diagnosis of the 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.
Test Step
- M1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT RKE TRANSMITTERS
- Check that the correct RKE transmitters are used with the vehicle.
- Make sure the RKE 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 RKE transmitters present?
Result / Action to Take
- Yes : GO to M2.
- No : The system cannot be tested without the correct RKE transmitters. INFORM the customer that all the correct RKE transmitters need to be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.
- Check that the correct RKE transmitters are used with the vehicle.
- M2 CHECK ALL RKE TRANSMITTERS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE
- Check all RKE transmitters for poor range performance (less than 3 m [10 ft]).
- Do all RKE transmitters experience poor range?
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.- Yes : GO to M3.
- No : REPLACE the inoperative RKE transmitter and PROGRAM all RKE transmitters. REFER to REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING in this article. INFORM the customer that any RKE transmitters not present need to be programmed. CLEAR the DTCs. TEST the system for normal operation.
- M3 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.
- RKE transmitter range performance may be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle is within 0.8km (0.5 miles) 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 M4.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. TEST the system for normal operation.
- M4 CHECK THE VEHICLE SECURITY MODULE FOR CORRECT OPERATION
- Disconnect all the vehicle security module connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the vehicle security 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 vehicle security module. REFER to MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES . PROGRAM all the RKE transmitters, REFER to REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING in this article. INFORM the customer that any RKE transmitters not present need to be programmed. REPEAT the self-test.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. TEST the system for normal operation.