Switch, Door Handle: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The three switches of each Passive Entry (PE) outside front door handles are each powered by and provide a direct input to the integrated circuit of that door handle. The integrated circuit of each PE outside front door handle receives power from the Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) (also known as the RF Hub) on a signal circuit, and a clean ground from the RFHM on a return circuit. The PE handle integrated circuit and the RFHM communicate with each other by modulating the current in the signal circuit.

Each PE outside front door handle has three switches. The inputs from those three switches and the handle logic circuit allow each handle to send the RFHM up to four different signals: Unlock Request, Hall, Lock Request and Error. The RFHM determines the system response based upon the inputs it receives from each handle as well as the inputs it receives through the authentication process with each detected FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK).

The tactile, mechanical, resistive membrane lock switch allows the user to actively lock the vehicle. The capacitive switch senses a hand approaching the handle grip to passively unlock the vehicle. The Hall-effect switch senses handle grip movement. An adaptation algorithm in the logic circuit of each handle can modify the sensitivity of the capacitive switches as well as system responses to the Hall-effect switch inputs to compensate for sensed repeated or continuous actuations such as might be caused by the switch membrane being wetted, but restores normal sensitivity about one minute after the repeated or continuous actuation input ceases.

The hard wired inputs and outputs of the PE outside front door handle may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, the most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose this component requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

For passive entry functional information. Refer to OPERATION .