KEYLESS ENTRY PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS/REPLACE TRANSMITTER

SUBJECT: REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PERFORMANCE (DIAGNOSE/REPLACE TRANSMITTERS

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1989-92 CADILLAC ELDORADO, SEVILLE 1989-92 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO BUICK RIVIERA 1989-91 BUICK REATTA

Some owners of 1989-92 E and K models equipped with Remote Keyless Entry, RKE (option AUO), may experience either operating range less than 15 feet or may be inoperative under some conditions.

Range Less Than 15 Feet:

The operating range of the RKE system will vary slightly depending on the angle of approach to the vehicle. The structure of the vehicle, position of the seats, position of items within the vehicle, and many other factors have an affect on the range at which the RKE module can receive a signal from the transmitter. For example, when using the transmitter while approaching the vehicle from the left rear, the range may be 15 feet. When approaching from the direct front, the range may be 20 feet.

The designed range for this RKE system is at least 15 feet at every angle. If the operating range at some angles is less than 15 feet, use the following procedure to diagnose the problem.

1. Determine if the lack of range is with both transmitters or only one.

2. If only one transmitter lacks range, replace the batteries in that transmitter with Sanyo CR2025 batteries. If the proper batteries are not used, the transmitters may be damaged. For vehicles repaired under warranty use labour code R4485 at .2 hour.

3. If both transmitters lack range, replace them with P/N 22100951 (for Toronados, Rivieras, and Reattas refer to Service Information Manual for diagnosis).

For vehicles repaired underwarranty use Labour Operation R4490 at .2 hour.

Inoperative Under Various Conditions:

CONDITION #1 Some garage door opener receivers may constantly transmit noise on the same frequency that the RKE system uses for operation. To determine if the garage door opener is the cause of poor RKE operation, unplug the garage door opener and evaluate the RKE performance.

If the RKE function improves with the garage door opener unplugged, bend the garage door opener antenna 90 degrees from the current orientation.

CONDITION #2 Some cellular phone systems, when turned on, transmit noise on the same frequency as the RKE system uses. To determine if the phone is interfering with the RKE system, disconnect all phone power feeds and reprogram the RKE system. Refer to the Service Information Manual in Section 9K for the programming procedure. Once the system is programmed, operate the RKE. If the RKE operates correctly with the phone off, move the phone transceiver to a location in the trunk as far away as possible from the RKE module. Also, make sure that the wiring to the phone is not near the RKE module.

CONDITION #3 Some areas that are near radio stations, airports, large satellite dishes, heavy equipment, or various buildings that may cause radio frequency noise may not allow for ideal RKE operation. To program the RKE system it may be necessary to drive the vehicle away from such interference.

It may be necessary to explain to the vehicle owner that radio frequency interference, in some instances, is unavoidable. RKE operation may not be ideal in such conditions, and the system cannot be repaired.

CONDITION #4 If the RKE system is not functioning properly at any range and is not affected by garage door openers, cellular telephones, or any other radio frequency interference, refer to Section 9K or 8A-132 in the appropriate Service Information Manual for diagnosis.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.