Keyless Entry System Description and Operation (with ATH): Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Keyless Entry System Description and Operation - Active

The keyless entry system is a vehicle entry device. The keyless entry system is used in conjunction with the door locks to unlock the vehicle. Keyless entry will lock/unlock a door or open the rear compartment lid when a corresponding button on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed. This is accomplished by the transmitter sending a radio frequency to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). The RCDLR interprets the signal and activates the requested function via a serial data message. A low transmitter battery or radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices, such as 2-way radios, power inverters, computers, etc., may cause a system malfunction. High RF traffic areas, such as gas stations that use pay-at-the-pump RF transponders, may also cause interference that could lead to a malfunction. Keyless entry allows you to operate the following features:

Door lock/unlock
Rear compartment lid release
Illuminated entry lamps
Panic alarm/Vehicle locator
Remote vehicle start

Keyless Entry System Description and Operation - Passive

Passive keyless entry allows entry to a locked vehicle without pressing any buttons on the keyless entry transmitter. You must only have the transmitter with you. This passive system is also part of the vehicle starting system. It allows you to start and run the vehicle having only the transmitter as your key. The passive entry and starting system use low frequency antennas in 4 different areas on the vehicle to determine the location of the transmitter. When passively opening a locked door or the rear compartment lid, you must have a programmed transmitter with you in your pocket, purse, or briefcase. As a customer opens the door handle or presses rear compartment touch pad, the low frequency antenna sends out a challenge to the keyless entry transmitter. The transmitter must be in a one meter range of the door or rear compartment lid in order to receive the challenge. If the challenge is met, the transmitter will respond, allowing the door to be unlocked and opened. Passive entry allows you to operate the following features:

Passive door unlock/unlatch
Passive rear compartment lid release
Illuminated entry lamps
Vehicle starting

The keyless entry system has the following components:

Keyless entry transmitters
LH and RH door antennas (part of the door handle assembly)
Rear compartment antenna
Console passive antenna
Console active antenna
Body Control Module (BCM)
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR)