Keyless Entry System Description and Operation: Notes

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 the vehicle doors 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 antenna that has a direct link to the body control module (BCM). The BCM interprets the signal and activates the requested function or requests the appropriate control module to activate the function via a serial data message. A low transmitter battery or radio frequency interference from aftermarket devices, such as 2-way radios, power inverters, computers, etc., may cause a system malfunction. High radio frequency traffic areas, such as gas stations that use pay-at-the-pump radio frequency transponders, may also cause interference that could lead to a malfunction. Keyless entry allows you to operate the following features:

• Door lock/unlock
• Charge port door release
• Illuminated entry lamps
• Panic alarm/vehicle locator
• Remote vehicle start

Keyless Entry System Description and Operation - Keyless Start 

The keyless start portion of the keyless entry system allows vehicle starting, having only the transmitter as your key. The keyless start system uses low frequency antennas in three different locations on the vehicle to determine the location of the transmitter. Multiple antennas are used to ensure complete coverage of the vehicle interior and rear compartment. When using the keyless start system, a programmed transmitter must be in the vehicle's interior, such as the driver's pocket, purse, or briefcase.

When the ignition mode switch is pressed, the low frequency antennas emit a challenge to the keyless entry transmitter. The transmitter receives this challenge and emits it's response as an RF message, which is received by the remote control door lock receiver. If the response is correct, vehicle starting will be allowed. If RF communication is interrupted, a "No Remote Detected" message will be displayed on the DIC. In these cases, the extended transmitter key blade can be placed in the transmitter slot located in the upper instrument panel storage compartment, under the rubber mat. The immobilizer antenna coil is located directly beneath the transmitter slot. Placing the extended key blade in the slot will create a low powered coupling between the transmitter and immobilizer antenna, allowing communications to occur and enabling vehicle starting.

The keyless entry system has the following components:

• Vehicle key with integrated keyless entry transmitter
• Center console antenna
• Rear antenna
• Body control module (BCM)
• Keyless entry control module
• Immobilizer antenna coil
• Remote control door lock receiver