Reduced Operating Range of Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System When Blower Motor is Running at High Speed (Install External RKE Receiver)

Some customers may comment that the Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE) will not work at times, or has an extremely poor range. This condition may be encountered on vehicles produced prior to April 2001, with the non-remote mounted RKE module system.

This condition may be caused by electomagnetic interference (EMI) from the blower motor resulting in the limited range of the key fob. The faster the blower is running, the working range of the RKE system key fob becomes smaller. This will become a concern for those customers who start the vehicle to cool or warm the vehicle, then leave and lock the vehicle doors while the warming or cooling process is occurring. The customer then tries to enter the vehicle using the key fob and they are unable to unlock the doors.

Diagnosis

An aid to the diagnosis of this concern would be:

1. Connect the Tech 2 to the vehicle ALDL connector.
2. Power up the Tech 2 and Enter the main menu.
3. From the main menu, select Diagnostics.
4. Select 2001 for the model year.
5. With passenger car highlighted, press Enter.
6. Select F1, Body.
7. Select the car line, N and press Enter.
8. Select Chevrolet.
9. Select F0, Body Control Module.
10. Select F4, ID Information.
11. Select F0, Module Information.
12. Select F1, Option Configuration.

Important: If the Tech 2 displays the RFA location as EXTERNAL, the vehicle is already configured to the external module. Exit this procedure as the vehicle does not need upgrading. Refer to the published Service Information for diagnosis of the customer concern.

13. Record the status of all the options displayed as they will be referenced later.

Install an external remote keyless entry receiver following the procedure below:

1. Open the hood, install the fender covers and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Install the seat covers.



3. Using a flat-bladed tool, disengage the rear seat cushion retainer by pressing rearward on the tab (1).



4. Remove the rear seat cushion from the vehicle by lifting upward and out.



5. Remove the bolts retaining the rear seat back/side bolsters (if equipped), one (1) on each side of the vehicle. Lift up on the bolster to disengage the T-hook from the rear shelf.
6. On vehicles with fold down rear seat backrests, open the rear deck lid (trunk), and pull the release strap to allow fold down of the rear seat backrest cushions.



7. For those vehicles without fold down rear seat backrests, remove the rear seat backrest by removing the seat back bolt (1) from the lower U-brackets.



8. Lift up on the rear seat backrest cushion to disengage the T-hooks from the support.



9. Remove the upper quarter trim fastener, one (1) from each side.
10. Firmly pull the panel away from the vehicle body in order to disengage the retainers. Remove the panels from the vehicle. Remember to do both sides.



11. Remove the 5 (five) plastic bezels from the rear shelf trim panel.
12. Remove the rear speaker grilles. Remove and disconnect the speakers.
13. Remove the rear shelf trim panel.



14. Install the remote control receiver module to the center of the rear panel in the space provided.
15. Connect the wiring harness connector to the remote control receiver module. The wiring harness should be laying on top of the rear shelf panel.



16. Reinstall the trim panel to the rear shelf.
17. Reinstall the speakers and reconnect the speaker wiring.
18. Reinstall the speaker grilles and the 5 (five) trim bezels.



19. Reinstall the rear quarter upper trim panels and push in the retainers.



20. Reinstall the stationary rear seat backrest into the vehicle, if equipped.
21. Reinstall the rear seat side bolsters/backrest assembly, if equipped.
22. Reinstall the seatback/side bolster retainers.

Tighten
Tighten the retainers to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

23. Reinstall the rear seat cushion into the vehicle and properly secure into place.
24. Remove the right insulator panel.



25. Remove the Body Control Module (BCM).
26. Install a new BCM.
27. Reinstall the right insulator panel.
28. Proceed with Vehicle Configuration.

The following steps must be performed to configure the vehicle and allow the theft deterrent system to recognize the vehicle.

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Tighten
Tighten the battery cable retainer to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

2. Reconnect the Tech 2 to the ALDL connector.
3. Turn the key to the RUN position with the engine OFF.
4. Select Remote Function Actuation.
5. Select Special Functions.
6. Select Program Key Fobs.
7. Select the number of key fobs to be programed.
8. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously on the #1 transmitter for approximately 15 seconds. The power locks should cycle to confirm that programming of the #1 is complete.
9. Repeat the previous step for the balance of the transmitters issued with the vehicle.
10. Exit out to the main screen of the Tech 2.
11. Key to the off position. Disconnect the Tech 2 and wait 30 seconds.
12. Reconnect the Tech 2 to the ALDL.
13. Turn the key to the ON position.
14. Power on the scan tool and enter the main menu.
15. From the main menu, select Diagnostics.
16. Select 2001 for the model year.
17. With correct passenger car highlighted, press Enter.
18. Select F1, Body.
19. Select the car line N and press Enter.
20. Select the marketing division for the vehicle being serviced.
21. Select F, Body Control Module.
22. Select F2, Special.
23. Select F2, New BCM Setup.
24. When asked "Do you want to set up a new BCM?", press the softkey under Yes.
25. Exit back to the main menu.
26. Select SPS Programming, and follow the on-screen instruction.
27. After the SPS Programming has been completed, turn key to the OFF position for 30 seconds.
28. Perform the thirty (30) minute Theft Deterrent System Learn. Refer to SI2000 (Document ID 651700) or the Theft Deterrent subsection of the Service Manual.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: