GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

When any keyless entry transmitter button is pressed, an RF signal is sent to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) indicating the specific function desired. This information is the transmitted by the RCDLR to the body control module (BCM). When this information is received, the BCM will perform the specific requested function.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Keyless Entry Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Keyless Entry Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Keyless Entry System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Wiring Repairs
    •  Connector Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Special Tools Required

J 43241 Keyless Entry Tester

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Perform the Transmitter Programming procedure. Refer to Transmitter Programming .
  2. While operating each function using the keyless entry transmitter, observe the vehicle. Each button press should result in the expected action on the vehicle.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Using the J 43241 , place the keyless entry transmitter on the test pad and press each transmitter button one at a time. The green light on the tester should illuminate and a tone should sound with each button press.
  2. If no tone or illumination occurs with any of the buttons, replace the transmitter battery and retest the transmitter.
    If no tone or illumination occurs with one or more, but not all, buttons, replace the transmitter.
  3. Disconnect the harness connector at the RCDLR.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less 1.0 ohms of resistance between the ground circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. Connect the harness connector at the RCDLR.
  9. Disconnect the harness connector C2 at the BCM
  10. Test for 10.8 to 11.8 volts between the signal circuit terminal 12 and ground.
  11. If less than 10.8 volts, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the RCDLR
    If greater than 11.8 volts, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the RCDLR.
  12. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the BCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Transmitter Battery Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM and RCDLR replacement, setup, and programming.