Pinpoint Test Q: The RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) Transmitter Has Poor Range Performance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
REFER to: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - System Operation and Component Description .

Possible Sources
- Key/key fob
- Key/key fob battery/batteries
- Aftermarket system
- Consumer electronic device
- High power devices
- TV/radio transmission towers
- RTM
Visual Inspection and Pre-checks
- Inspect the key/key fob for damage.
- Inspect the key/key fob battery/batteries.
- Inspect for aftermarket RKE systems.
NOTE: At least 2 programmed keys/key fobs must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE system.

Q1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT KEYS/KEY FOBS

Check that the correct keys/key fobs are used with the vehicle. Refer to the PATS Job Aid in the Service Tips tab on the Professional Technician Society (PTS) web page or the parts catalog.

Are the correct keys/key fobs present?

Yes

GO to Q2

No	The system cannot be tested without the correct keys/key fobs. INFORM the customer the correct keys/key fobs must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.

Q2 CHECK ALL KEYS/KEY FOBS FOR POOR RANGE PERFORMANCE

NOTE: Make sure the vehicle is in an open area with no other large metal objects near, such as other vehicles or steel buildings.
- Check all keys/key fobs for normal range performance (approximately 30 m (98 ft).
Do all keys/key fobs experience poor range?

Yes GO to Q5

No For an IKT or key fob, GO to Q3For a passive key, GO to Q4

Q3 CHECK THE KEY/KEY FOB BATTERY

NOTE: Do not clean off any grease from the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.

Remove the key/key fob battery. Refer to the Owner's Literature for battery removal instructions.

Verify the correct battery is used. Refer to the Owner's Literature.

Measure the key/key fob battery voltage.

Is the voltage greater than 2.1 volts?

Yes	REPLACE the suspect key/key fob. PROGRAM the new key/key fob. REFER to: Anti-Theft Key Programming - Scan Tool .

No	REPLACE the key/key fob battery (make sure the battery is seated correctly). DO NOT reprogram the key/key fob (weak or dead batteries do not erase keys/key fobs from the BCM memory).

Q4 CHECK THE PASSIVE KEY BATTERIES

NOTE: Do not clean off any grease from the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.

Remove the passive key batteries. Refer to the Owner's Literature for battery removal instructions.

Verify the correct batteries are used. Refer to the Owner's Literature.

Measure the key batteries voltage.

Are the voltages greater than 2.1 volts?

Yes	REPLACE the suspect key. PROGRAM the new key. REFER to: Anti-Theft Key Programming - Scan Tool .

No	REPLACE both key batteries (make sure the batteries are seated correctly). DO NOT reprogram the key (weak or dead batteries do not erase keys from memory).

Q5 CHECK THE LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE AND THE APPROACH ANGLES AROUND THE VEHICLE

Make sure the poor performance is consistent in nature and is not from one approaching angle.

The RKE transmitter range performance may be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle or RKE transmitter is within range of high-power devices, radio/TV towers, 2-way radios, cell phone charger or other radio communication device, the operating distance of the keys may be reduced.

Is the poor range performance consistent around the vehicle?

Yes	INSTALL a new RTM. REFER to: Radio Transceiver Module (RTM) .

No	The system is operating correctly at this time. The range may have been affected by environmental interference such as high-power devices or other radio communication device.