Info - HomeLink Transceiver/Garage Door Opener Transmitter Test Kit Available As Essential Tool

This bulletin is being revised to update the information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-08-97-001A (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Important: This bulletin is being reissued to emphasize that proper diagnostics must be followed as outlined in the respective vehicle's Service Manual including the utilization of essential tool J 41540-GM. Warranty part return reviews have indicated significant misdiagnosis events have and continue to occur where proper diagnostic steps and the utilization of this essential tool have not been conducted. These reviews have also indicated that the majority of component replacements were NOT necessary as they were operating as designed. By following the diagnostic steps outlined in Service Information (SI), including the usage of essential tool J 41540-GM, unnecessary part replacements and comeback repairs can be eliminated.

The on-vehicle garage door opener transmitter/HomeLink® transceiver test tool has been available from Kent-Moore as an Essential Tool since 2000. The Integrated HomeLink® Tester, J 41540-GM, will aid in diagnosing garage door opener transmitter/HomeLink® transceiver concerns.

The Integrated HomeLink® Tester performs three functions:

The test kit includes instructions that explain how to perform each test and what to do in case of a failure.

Important: Before performing any tests, verify the customer's transmitter was manufactured after 1982. Garage door openers/transmitters manufactured prior to 1982 may not be compatible with the HomeLink® system.

The kit includes:

HomeLink® Functionality Test

1. While in the driver seat, plug the HomeLink® Tester into the vehicle's cigarette lighter using the cigarette lighter adapter supplied in the kit.
2. Verify that when it is first plugged in, all of the lights on the HomeLink® Tester illuminate for approximately 2 seconds. If the power light is on and any of the other tester lights fail to illuminate, the tester is faulty.
3. Push any button on the HomeLink® Transceiver to verify that it is receiving power from the vehicle's battery. If the indicator on the Transceiver does not activate, diagnose the cause of the power loss.
4. Clear the transceiver and place it in the DEFAULT mode by using the following procedure:

•

Hold the two outer buttons on the HomeLink® Transceiver. The red light on the Transceiver will be steady for about 20 seconds and then will flash rapidly for about another 10 seconds. When the red light goes out, release the outer buttons of the Transceiver. THE SYSTEM IS NOW PLACED IN THE DEFAULT MODE.

•	All customer transmitter codes have now been cleared from the system and will have to be input at the end of the diagnostic procedure.

5. Check each signal of the Transceiver by pressing all three buttons, ONE AT A TIME.

•	When each button is pressed, an individual indicator light on the tester will light.

•	Note that the Transceiver buttons may not be in the same sequence as the indicator lights on the tester. Only one light should illuminate for each button.

•	If one of the indicator lights on the tester does not light when a HomeLink® button is pressed, the Transceiver needs to be replaced. After replacement, repeat the HomeLink® Functionality Test.

6. Verify that the hand-held transmitter operates correctly. This is performed by pointing the hand-held transmitter supplied in the Test Kit at the Tester. As the transmitter button is pushed, the green "Programmed" light on the tester should illuminate. If the light does not illuminate, replace the batteries in the hand-held transmitter with fresh, new batteries and re-test.

Important: All customer transmitter codes that have been cleared from the system will have to be input. This is done during the HomeLink® Training Test. Refer to the instructions that came with the Tester.

Important: If a customer has difficulty teaching the HomeLink® their transmitter code, advise them to try again with fresh, new batteries in their transmitter.

HomeLink® also provides customer assistance for owners having difficulties programming their HomeLink® transmitters. You may wish to suggest the following options:

The website is user-friendly and actively demonstrates how to program the transmitter. Many newer garage door openers have a "rolling code" feature and the website does a great job of guiding the owner through the entire programming process. The process is also explained below:

Rolling Code Programming

Rolling code garage door openers which are "code-protected" and manufactured after 1996 may be determined by the following:

To program a garage door with the rolling code feature, follow these instructions.

Important: The assistance of a second person may make the programming quicker and easier.

1. Locate the learn (or smart) button on the garage door motor head unit. The exact location and color of the button may vary by brand. (It is usually located near the antenna wire on the motor head.) Refer to the garage door opener owner's manual or www.homelink.com if you experience difficulty in locating this button.
2. Press the learn button on the garage door opener motor head unit. This activates the "training light." You now have 30 seconds in which to initiate the next step.
3. Firmly press and release the programmed HomeLink® button. Press and release the HomeLink® button a second time to complete the programming process. (Some garage door openers may require you to do this procedure a third time to complete the programming.)

The garage door opener should now recognize the HomeLink® System.

The HomeLink® phone number, website address, and other useful information can also be found in Section 2 of the Owner's Manual under HomeLink® Transmitter.