System Operation: RKE

RKE 

The RKE system uses an IKT. The IKT incorporates both the PATS and the RKE transmitter functions in a single device.

In addition to the IKT, conventional RKE transmitters (key fobs) can be programmed to the vehicle. The RKE transmitters can be used to:

• unlock the doors (configurable).
• lock all the doors.
• release the liftgate latch.
• arm/disarm the perimeter alarm (if equipped).
• activate/deactivate the panic alarm.
• provide a visual confirmation when the unlock button is pressed (a long flash of the turn signals).
• provide an audible confirmation when the lock button is pressed twice within 3 seconds with all the doors closed (sounds the horn once).
• provide an audible confirmation when the lock button is pressed twice within 3 seconds and any door is ajar or a door is not locked (sounds the horn twice).

The RKE transmitters for a IKT and passive key have a normal operating range of 30m (98.43ft) in an open air, no obstruction environment.

The RKE feature is controlled by the BCM. When a button is pressed on a RKE transmitter, the TIC and the RKE command are received by the RTM. The RTM transmits the RKE data to the BCM. When the BCM detects a valid programmed RKE transmitter, the BCM carries out the command by activating the power door locks, releasing the liftgate latch or activating the horn or turn signals as required.

RKE Transmitter Lock 

The RKE feature requests all of the doors locked when the lock button is pressed. On any press of the lock button with all doors closed, the doors lock and the turn signals flash once. If the hood, the liftgate or any door is ajar, no flash occurs. As soon as all the openings are closed, the turn signals flash.

If 2 presses of the lock button are received within 3 seconds, the horn chirps once and the turn signals flash to indicate the hood, the liftgate and all of the doors are closed and locked. If the hood, the liftgate or any door is ajar or does not lock when the second lock request is received within 3 seconds of the first, the RKE transmitter feature chirps the horn twice without flashing the turn signals to indicate it locked all of the doors but the hood, the liftgate or a door is ajar or did not lock. When the ignition is on, the turn signal flashes and horn chirp confirmations do not occur.

RKE Transmitter Unlock 

The RKE feature provides a staged (if enabled) process for unlocking the doors. Upon receipt of the first request for unlocking the doors, the RKE control feature unlocks only the front driver and passenger doors and provides a long flash of the turn signals. If another unlock request is received within 3 seconds of the first, all the doors are unlocked. This feature can be disabled so all the doors unlock on the first press of the unlock button.

RKE Transmitter Liftgate Release 

When the liftgate release button on a RKE transmitter is pressed once, the liftgate releases when the release switch (located on the liftgate) is pressed within 45 seconds.

Panic Alarm 

The panic alarm feature provides audible and visual alarms which are evident from the exterior of the vehicle. The panic alarm feature requests that the turn signals flash and the horn sounds 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 is switched out of off.
• a period of 2 minutes and 45 seconds has elapsed since the initial activation.

The panic alarm cannot be deactivated during the first 5 seconds of activation to avoid unintentional deactivation.

Remote Start (if equipped) 

The factory-installed remote start allows the vehicle to be remotely started from outside the vehicle.

To remotely start the vehicle, the buttons on the key must be pressed within 3 seconds of each other. Press the lock button once and then the remote start button twice.

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

• The feature is disabled using the message center.
• The hood is not closed.
• The vehicle is not in PARK as detected by the PCM and the IPC.
• 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.
• Two remote starts have already been attempted within the past hour.

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