GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The keyless entry system is a vehicle entry device. The keyless entry system is used in conjunction with the body control module (BCM) to remotely activate certain vehicle features. Keyless entry will lock/unlock the doors when a corresponding button on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed. This is accomplished by the transmitter sending a radio frequency to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). The RCDLR interprets the signal and activates the requested function via a serial data message to the BCM. A low transmitter or vehicle battery or radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices, such as 2-way radios, power inverters, computers, etc., may cause a system malfunction. High RF traffic areas may also cause interference that could lead to a malfunction. Keyless entry allows you to operate the following components:

    • Door locks
    • Cargo door unlock
    • Vehicle locator/Panic alarm
    • Illuminated entry lamps

The keyless entry system has the following components:

    • Keyless entry transmitters
    • Keyless entry antenna
    • BCM
    • RCDLR

Keyless Entry Transmitters

The keyless entry transmitter are used to lock and unlock the vehicle doors from a distance of up to 65 feet (20 m) away. Up to 8 transmitters may be programmed to a single vehicle.

Keyless Entry Antenna

The keyless entry antenna is used to receive radio frequency (RF) communications sent by the keyless entry transmitters. The keyless entry antenna also receives RF signals from the tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors located at each wheel.

A coax antenna lead connects the antenna to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). When a transmitter button is present, the RF signal sent by the transmitter is received by the antenna and the communications are inputted to the RCDLR.

Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR)

The remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) is a multifunction module that operates both the keyless entry system as well as the TPM system. When an RF message is received from a keyless entry transmitter, the RCDLR interprets this signal and will request via serial data that the body control module (BCM) perform the specific function, i.e. door lock, door unlock, or vehicle locate.

Unlock Driver Door Only

Momentarily press the transmitter UNLOCK button in order to perform the following functions:

    • Unlock only the driver door.
    • Illuminate the interior lamps for a determined length of time, or until the ignition is turned ON.
    • Flash the exterior lights, if enabled through personalization.

Unlock All Doors - Second Operation

Momentarily press the transmitter UNLOCK button a second time, within 5 seconds of the first press, to perform the following functions:

    • Unlock the remaining doors.
    • Unlock the cargo doors.

Cargo Door Unlock

Momentarily press the transmitter cargo door unlock button a second time, within 5 seconds of the first press, to perform the following function:

Unlock only the cargo doors.

Lock All Doors

Press the transmitter LOCK button to perform the following functions:

    • Lock all vehicle doors.
    • Immediately turn OFF the interior lamps.
    • Flash the exterior lights, if enabled through personalization.
    • Chirp the horn, if enabled through personalization.

Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm

A single press of the panic button performs the following functions. Some functions may be dependent on personalization settings:

    • Pulse the horn three times.
    • Flash the exterior lamps three times.

A press and hold of the panic button performs the following functions:

    • Illuminate the interior lamps.
    • Pulse the horn and flash the exterior lamps for 30 second or until the following conditions occur:
       - The panic button is pressed.
       - The ignition switch is turned to the RUN position with a valid key.

Keyless Entry Personalization

Vehicle lock/unlock functions and remote vehicle start (RVS) settings may be personalized. For functional descriptions and personalization instructions, refer to the vehicle owners manual.

Rolling Code

The Keyless Entry System uses rolling code technology. Rolling code technology prevents anyone from recording the message sent from the transmitter and using the message in order to gain entry to the vehicle. The term "rolling code" refers to the way that the Keyless Entry System sends and receives the signals. The transmitter sends the signal in a different order each time. The transmitter and the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) are synchronized to the appropriate order. If a programmed transmitter sends a signal that is not in the order that the RCDLR expects, then the transmitter is out of synchronization. This occurs after 256 presses of any transmitter button when it is out of range of the vehicle.

Automatic Synchronization

The keyless entry transmitters do not require a manual synchronization procedure. If needed, the transmitters automatically re-synchronize when any button on the transmitter is pressed within range of the vehicle. The transmitter will operate normally after the automatic synchronization.