System Operation: RKE

The RKE feature is controlled by the BCM. When a button is pressed, the Transmitter Identification Code (TIC) and RKE command is received by the RTM. The RTM interprets the information and sends a message to the BCM over a LIN circuit, and when the network is awake over the CAN. If the BCM detects a valid programmed key, it carries out the command by controlling the door locks, releasing the tailgate latch or activating the horn or turn signals as required.

The RKE system can be used to:

• unlock the driver door.
• unlock all doors (and the tailgate).
• lock all doors (and the tailgate).
• release the tailgate latch (tailgate release button must be pressed twice within 3 seconds) (if equipped).
• arm/disarm the perimeter alarm.
• activate/deactivate the panic alarm.
• remotely start the vehicle.
• configure the staged lock programming (2-stage unlock or global unlock).
• open power tailgate.

The RKE transmitters for an IKT have a normal operating range of 20m (66 ft) in an open air, no obstruction environment.

The RKE transmitters for a passive key have a normal operating range of 50m (165 ft) in an open air, no obstruction environment.

The RKE transmitters and the BCM also utilize a rolling code to prevent the code from being captured by a code grabber. The system advances the counter in the RKE transmitter and the BCM every time a RKE transmitter button is pressed.

The message center displays Key Battery Low Replace Soon when the battery in the key needs to be replaced.

RKE Transmitter Unlock 

The RKE feature provides a staged process for unlocking the doors. Upon receipt of the first request for unlocking the doors, the RKE feature unlocks only the driver door. If another unlock request is received within 3 seconds of the first, all the doors and the tailgate are unlocked. This feature can be disabled so that all the doors unlock on the first press of the unlock button (global unlock) using the message center settings.

Vehicles not equipped with push-button start come from the factory set with the 2-stage unlock feature enabled (2 unlock presses to unlock all doors).

Vehicles equipped with push button start come from the factory set with the 2-stage unlock feature disabled (single press unlocks all doors).

RKE Transmitter Lock 

The RKE feature requests all of the doors and tailgate lock when the lock button is pressed.

RKE Transmitter Tailgate Latch Release 

The RKE transmitter provides a tailgate release function. The tailgate release button must be pressed twice within 3 seconds for the tailgate latch to release.

Panic Alarm (if equipped) 

The panic alarm feature provides audible and visual alarms which are evident from the exterior of the vehicle. When the panic alarm button is initially pressed, the panic alarm feature requests the turn signals flash and the horn sounds for up to 3 minutes or until deactivation. The flashing of the outputs occurs simultaneously.

The panic alarm can only be activated when the ignition is off. This feature is disabled at all other times. Deactivation of an active panic alarm is accomplished when:

• a second press of the RKE transmitter panic button is detected.
• the ignition status changes from off.
• a period of 2 minutes and 45 seconds have elapsed since the initial activation.

Remote Start 

The factory-installed remote start allows the vehicle to be remotely started from outside the vehicle. There is a 2- way communication between the passive key and the vehicle to provide the remote start status of the vehicle. The passive key contains a green and a red LED to indicate the remote start status.

To remotely start the vehicle, press the lock button once and then the remote start button twice within 3 seconds of each other. The vehicle should remotely start and the LED on the passive key should be lit solid green.

The vehicle does not remote start if any of the following conditions are present:

• The feature is disabled using the message center settings.
• The hood is not closed.
• The vehicle is not in PARK.
• A powertrain system DTC is present, illuminating the service engine soon indicator.
• The ignition is on.
• The alarm system is triggered.
• The vehicle battery voltage is low.

For additional information regarding the remote start system, refer to the Owner's Literature.