Keyless Entry System - Operational Characteristics

Information IB03-04-S001

Remote Keyless Entry Operational Characteristics

Affected Vehicles
All 2003 Isuzu Ascender (US) models equipped with a remote keyless entry (RKE) system.

Service Information

The following information regarding Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) operation may be given to customers as needed. The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on high frequency radio signals. Therefore, they may be subject to radio signal interference, which will affect RKE operation. Some of the typical conditions, which result in reduced RKE transmitter operation, are listed below.

NOTE:
Do not attempt to replace any RKE components until transmitter has been completely diagnosed.

^ If on the second press of the unlock button, all doors are not unlocked, it may be due to the time delay needed by the system to recognize the second press of the unlock button. In order to unlock all doors, press the unlock button once, pause 1-2 seconds and press the unlock button the second time.

NOTE:
There needs to be a pause between button presses so that the receiver can properly process the signal from the transmitter.

^ Line of sight. The transmitter signal may be obstructed by obstacles, another vehicle, building or other obstructions in the line of sight.

^ Proximity to radio towers, airports, police and fire towers.

^ The presence of fluorescent lighting.

^ Installation of some aftermarket accessories have been known to affect the RKE performance as well.

1. Some brands of radar detectors, CB radios, walkie-talkies, mobile radios and cell phones (especially 3-watt bag phones which are placed on the floor of the vehicle) have jammed the radio frequencies of the RKE system.

2. Remember, these devices do not have to be in the customers vehicle. They may be in another vehicle, which is in close proximity. However, if the customer has one of these devices in their vehicle and if the RKE system works with these aftermarket devices unplugged, refer the customer to the aftermarket supplier. The aftermarket device may not meet the requirements of the FCC Code.

If the customer comments that the remote transmitter fails to operate, press each button on the transmitter one at a time while observing the vehicle systems.

^ If only the panic button works, re-synchronize the system, following the transmitter synchronization procedure found in the Keyless Entry sub-section of Body & Accessories in the Service Manual.

NOTE:
Re-synchronization must be performed if the following conditions exist:

^ The batteries of the keyless entry transmitter have been replaced.

^ A keyless entry transmitter is malfunctioning.

If all of the transmitter buttons fail to function, check the battery and transmitter using tester J 43241. Refer to the Keyless Entry sub-section of Body & Accessories in the Service Manual.

^ If the transmitter passes the test, program the RKE system following the procedures in the Keyless Entry sub-section of Body & Accessories in the Service Manual.

NOTE:
Remember when programming the system, all transmitters for the vehicle must be present for the programming to be successful.

^ If the transmitter fails the test with the tester J 43241, replace the batteries and retest the transmitter using the tester J 43241. If the transmitter still fails the test, replace the transmitter.

The following claim types are not covered under the vehicle warranty:

^ The battery is considered a consumable battery and is covered for the first 12 months only. Refer to "Maintenance" in the In-Vehicle Warranty Booklet. Battery life is determined by the number of times a pad on the transmitter has been used, not by time or mileage as such, battery replacement would be considered owner maintenance (i.e. batteries in a flash light, engine oil changes).

^ Transmitter replacement when all buttons work, using the tester J 43241.

^ Personalization programming through the DIC or Tech 2(R).

^ Lost/replacement transmitter reprogramming.

^ Used car transmitter replacement programming.

^ Transmitter damage due to misuse, such as any liquid spilled on/in the transmitter or damage from animals chewing on the transmitter, etc.

^ Broken transmitter cases where the key ring attaches to the case. If the case is broken in this area, it is due to mounting the transmitter direct to the key ring without the protection of the small ring. The small ring acts like a universal and helps protect the transmitter from this type of damage.

^ Garage door opener programming.