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Home >> Ford >> 2024 >> Bronco Big Bend, 2D Utility, Part Time T/Case Control, Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 241 (Handles, Locks, Latches And Entry Systems) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Locks, Latches and Entry Systems >> Pinpoint Tests >> Pinpoint Test L: The Passive Key Has Poor Range Performance
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Pinpoint Test L: The Passive Key Has Poor Range Performance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Ford Bronco. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Normal Operation and Fault Conditions 

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

    Possible Sources 

    • Key
    • Key battery/batteries
    • Aftermarket system
    • Consumer electronic device
    • High power devices
    • TV/radio transmission towers
    • RTM

    Visual Inspection and Pre-checks 

    • Inspect the key for damage.
    • Inspect the key battery/batteries.
    • Inspect for aftermarket RKE systems.

    NOTE: At least 2 programmed keys must be present to begin diagnosis of the RKE system.

  2. L1 CHECK FOR THE CORRECT KEYS

    • Check that the correct keys 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 present? 

    Yes  GO to L2 
    No  The system cannot be tested without the correct keys. INFORM the customer the correct keys must be present to proceed with diagnosis of the system.

  3. L2 CHECK ALL KEYS 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 for normal range performance (approximately 30 m (98 ft).

    Do all keys experience poor range? 

    Yes  GO to L4 
    No  GO to L3 

  4. L3 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 2.5 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).

  5. L4 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 passive key range performance may be degraded in certain locations. For example, if the vehicle or passive key 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.
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