System Operation: RKE

RKE 

The RKE feature is controlled by the BCM. When a button is pressed (IKT or passive key), the 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 programmed key, it carries out the command by controlling the door locks or activating the horn or turn signals as required.

The RKE system can be used to:

• unlock the doors (configurable).
• lock all the doors.
• enable the liftgate release switch (located on the liftgate) for 45 seconds.
• 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).
• will not 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 (horn will not sound).
• remotely start the vehicle (if equipped).

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 transmitters and the BCM 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 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 passive 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.