Keyless Entry - Diagnostics/Remote Programming
09-018/032001-2004 Tribute
1995-2004 B-Series
RKE (REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY) - SERVICE TIP
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
1995-2004 B-Series Truck with RKE (Remote Keyless Entry)
2001-2004 Tribute with RKE (Remote Keyless Entry)
DESCRIPTION
This bulletin describes RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) basic diagnosis and remote programming.
NOTE:
2001 and later vehicles allow Lock and Unlock functions to operate with the ignition ON. However flashing of exterior lights or chirp of the horn is prevented with the key in RUN or START.
2001 and later B-Series Trucks have a feature called Power Door Lock Disable, which becomes active 20-seconds after the vehicle is electronically locked. The feature is used to prevent access into the vehicle if a moon roof or window is open and someone attempts to activate the power door lock switch with a stick. Power door locks operate again after the vehicle is unlocked with the remote or a door becomes ajar. If a customer complains of intermittent interior power door lock operation, check to see if this feature is configured on by verifying the conditions listed above. This feature can be turned on and off using a procedure in the vehicle's owner guide.
BASIC DIAGNOSIS
1. Poor Range Performance:
a. Verify that this is a factory installed keyless entry system before pursuing warranty repairs. The figure identifies a typical factory remote, part number would be the best method of verifying the system is factory.
b. Do not change batteries in the remote, (range does not change as batteries age).
c. Verify that poor range affects all remotes:
^ If condition affects all remotes go to STEP d.
^ If some remotes operate at a greater distance, replace the one bad transmitter and reprogram all transmitters.
d. Ensure the poor performance is not only in certain locations.
Examples: near radio stations/transmitters, TV stations/transmitting towers, military bases, power generators, substations or transformers.
These locations may have RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) that interferes with normal remote operation.
e. Ensure poor performance is consistent in nature and not just from one approaching angle from or to the vehicle.
f. Ensure no other aftermarket/dealer installed devices are mounted on the vehicle (especially systems operating on the same 315 MHz frequency) as the remote transmitters. If aftermarket/dealer installed systems (for example: remote start, perimeter alarm, cell phones or chargers) are present, disconnect disable, or remove them and recheck remote transmitter operation.
g. Do not replace or reprogram remote transmitters to correct a range performance concern that affects all remote transmitters. Poor range performance is most likely caused by the remote keyless entry receiver (control unit), not the remote transmitters.
REMOTE PROGRAMMING
NOTE:
^ You do not need to program remote transmitters after battery replacement.
^ Have all remote transmitters at the time of programming. Any remote not re-programmed will be erased from memory.
^ Vehicle must be electronically unlocked/disarmed (using remote transmitter or driver door mounted unlock button) in order to enter programming mode.
^ Avoid cross programming of transmitters by reprogramming only one vehicle at a time.
^ If any buttons on a transmitter operate properly, reprogramming a remote will have no effect, perform normal Workshop Manual diagnosis for inoperative keyless entry.
^ Do not reprogram remotes for poor range performance.
^ If any other remote is operated within 50m (164 feet) of a vehicle while in programming mode, it may be accidentally programmed to that vehicle.
1. Unlock the doors using either a remote transmitter or the lock button on the drivers door.
2. Select correct step by year:
^ 1997-2004 Turn ignition from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds. (Leave the key in RUN the 8th time)
^ 1995-1997 Turn ignition from OFF to RUN 5 times within 10 seconds. (Leave the key in RUN the 5th time)
3. All doors will lock then unlock to confirm entering programming mode.
4. Press any button on the first remote.
5. Doors will lock than unlock to confirm programming.
6. Repeat STEP 4 for up to 4-remotes.
(All remotes must be programmed within 20 seconds, after 20-seconds programming mode will automatically end)
7. Turn ignition to OFF. Doors will lock then unlock to confirm exiting remote programming mode.