Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Remote keyless entry (RKE) is a feature which allows for the operation of the door locks, the interior lighting, and the decklid/liftgate release from outside the vehicle.
The remote keyless entry (RKE) system consists of a body control module (BCM) and two transmitters. The BCM can be programmed with up to four transmitters. The transmitter sends a signal to the remote keyless entry (RKE) module when lock, unlock, or the vehicle symbol button is depressed. The BCM interprets the signal, decodes it and then executes it by activating the required circuitry to provide the requested function.
The Saturn Security System is a feature that is operated from the remote keyless entry transmitter. The Saturn Security System provides content theft protection by sounding the horn and flashing the daytime running lamps (DRL) and dome lamp if a door is opened or the ignition lock cylinder is turned.
RKE Functions
Lock
All doors will lock automatically when LOCK is pressed on the transmitter. The dome lamp will illuminate for two seconds as soon as all the doors are closed. If the security system function is enabled, the DRL will flash once.
The Saturn Security System is automatically enabled when the LOCK button is pressed on the transmitter. The horn will chirp when the LOCK button is pressed a second time within five seconds, depending on the system mode chosen.
If the lock button is pressed and any door or trunk is open, the BCM will chime three times, and the security telltale will stay on solid. When the doors or decklid/liftgate is closed, all doors will lock and the security telltale will flash.
Unlock
The driver's door will be unlocked automatically when UNLOCK is pressed on the transmitter. If UNLOCK is pressed again within 5 seconds, after the first time it was pressed, the remaining doors will be unlocked. The dome lamp illuminates for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned to RUN, with the dome lamp in the DOOR position and all the vehicle doors are closed.
The Saturn security system is disabled when the UNLOCK button is pressed. If the horn chirp mode is enabled, the horn will chirp twice and the DRL will flash two times for confirmation that the Saturn security system is disarmed.
Anti-Lockout
To help prevent locking your keys in your vehicle, the BCM will unlock the drivers door when any interior door lock switch is activated, while a door is open and the key is still in the ignition.
Decklid/Liftgate Release
The decklid, or liftgate, will unlock when the vehicle symbol is pressed on the transmitter with the ignition off or the vehicle stationary. The decklid will come open when the vehicle symbol is pressed. The liftgate will not come open when symbol is pressed. The key cylinder button must be depressed to open the liftgate.
Illuminated Entry
The dome lamp in the DOOR position will be controlled by the doors and the transmitter. When a door is opened, the dome lamp will come on. When all the doors are closed, the dome lamp will stay on for 20 seconds, or until the ignition is turned on.
The Saturn security system will turn the dome lamp Off if the dome lamp switch is in the ON position for longer than 20 minutes without a door being opened or the ignition being turned on.
Panic Alert (Transmitter)
The red panic button (horn symbol) on the transmitter can be pressed in the event of an emergency. When the remote keyless entry module receives the panic signal from the transmitter, it will invoke full alarm. The horn will sound and the dome lamps and DRL will flash until the panic button on the transmitter is pressed again, or 2 minutes have passed, which ever occurs first.
Transmitter and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Module Range
The range of the RKE system is about 10 meters (32 feet). It is normal for any RKE system to experience a decrease in range at certain times.
Important: If the transmitters will not work, perform the Keyless Entry System Diagnosis before continuing with the following transmitter and remote keyless entry (RKE) module range diagnostics.
If the RKE system check has been performed and the customer still comments that the transmitters do not work or that they are having to stand closer than normal to their Saturn for the transmitter to work, advise them of the following points:| • | The transmitter battery may have to be replaced. Refer to Replacing Battery in Transmiiter. |
| • | The transmitter may need to be synchronized with the remote keyless entry (RKE) module. Refer to Synchronization. |
| • | The customer may be too far from their Saturn. Check with the customer on how far they are standing from the vehicle. |
| • | Weather conditions and ambient temperature may affect transmitter and RKE module range. The customer may need to stand closer to their Saturn in rain and snow or in very high and low temperatures. |
| or |
| • | The customer may be in a crowded parking lot and other vehicles are blocking the signal. |
| The Saturn's spaceframe structure may be blocking the signal. Instruct the customer to take a few steps to the right or left if this happens again. |
| • | The orientation of the transmitter may need to be changed. The transmitter may work better held vertically or horizontally, depending on the customer's location around the vehicle. |
| • | The customer may be experiencing radio frequency interference (RFI). RFI is caused by close proximity to radio broadcast stations, motors, heaters, alarm systems, and other frequencies that distort the RKE transmission frequency. Inform the customer and ask them to check for these items in their location. |
Synchronization
Synchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by this system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice. The body control module (BCM) will not execute a signal if it has been sent previously. This eliminates the possibility of the signal being recorded and played back.
Important: If the transmitters won't work, perform the Keyless Entry System Diagnosis before synchronizing the transmitters.
To synchronize a transmitter with a BCM, simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter, for approximately 10 seconds, near your Saturn. The door locks will cycle to confirm synchronization.Important: If the transmitters is programmed to more than one Saturn, each Saturn must be within transmitter range during synchronization. Otherwise, the transmitters will not work for the Saturn that is out of range.
Programming Transmitter(s)
Each transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from activating the RKE functions on another Saturn, as long as that particular transmitter has not been specifically programmed to that Saturn.
A transmitter can be programmed to as many different Saturns as a customer owns, as long as they have the power door lock option. Each Saturn can be programmed with up to 4 transmitters.
To program transmitters, refer to the Tech 2 User Guide for information on using the "Program Key Fobs Special Function."
To program customer options, refer to Keyless Entry Programmable Functions .
