Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - System Operation and Component Description: RKE

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 liftgate latch (or sending a message to the RGTM to open the liftgate) or activating the traffic horn (or the anti-theft alarm horn if equipped with the enhanced security feature), the exterior sounder or turn signals as required.

The RKE system can be used to:

• unlock the driver door.
• unlock all doors.
• lock all doors.
• release the liftgate latch (manual liftgate) or open the liftgate (power liftgate) (liftgate release button must be pressed twice within 3 seconds).
• arm/disarm the perimeter alarm.
• activate/deactivate the panic alarm.
• global open the windows (press the unlock button and then within 10 seconds press and hold the unlock button for 3 seconds) (if equipped).
• global close the windows (press and hold the lock button for 2 seconds) (if equipped).
• remotely start the vehicle.
• configure the staged lock programming (2-stage unlock or global unlock).

The RKE transmitters for a passive key have a normal operating range of 30 m (98 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 passive 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 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 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 lock when the lock button is pressed.

RKE Transmitter Liftgate Latch Release/Power Open 

The RKE transmitter provides a liftgate release/power open function. The liftgate release button must be pressed twice within 3 seconds for the liftgate latch to release (manual liftgate) or power open (power liftgate).

Panic Alarm 

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 traffic horn (or the anti-theft alarm horn if equipped with the enhanced security feature) 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.

To verify if the vehicle is equipped with the enhanced security feature:

• Make sure the correct VIN was entered on the technician service publication website.
• Hover the mouse cursor over or click on the OASIS tab toward the top left corner of the screen.
• Select HVBoM (Historical Vehicle Bill of Material).
• Enter the anti-theft alarm horn part number of "13832" (do not include quotation marks) in the "Limit to Base" field.
• Press Enter on the keyboard or click on "View BoM (Build of Material)".
  • If the vehicle is equipped with the enhanced security feature, 2 rows appear: one indicating "HORN ASY" in the DESCRIPTION column and the other one indicating "HORN ASY-LOW PITCH" in the DESCRIPTION column.
  • If the vehicle is not equipped with the enhanced security feature, only one row appears indicating "HORN ASY-LOW PITCH" in the DESCRIPTION column.

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.