1987 Buick Electra BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

No Keyless Entry System Functions Operate

  1. Disconnect keyless entry system module connectors. Module is mounted on rear deck lid, in trunk compartment. Using voltmeter, measure voltage between terminal "B" (Orange/Black wire at Red connector) and ground. If battery voltage is not indicated, check or repair Orange/Black wire for an open circuit.
  2. Measure voltage between terminals "A" (Black wire) and "B" (Orange/Black wire) at Red connector. See Figure . If battery voltage is not indicated, check or repair Black wire for an open circuit.
  3. Measure voltage between terminal "B" (Orange wire at White connector) and ground. If battery voltage is not indicated, check or repair Orange wire for an open circuit. If all voltage readings are correct, connect keyless entry system module and go to next step.
  4. With keypad module connector attached to keypad, measure voltage between terminal "A" (Red wire) and ground. See Fig 1 . If reading is approximately 5 volts, go to next step. If reading is incorrect, check or repair Red wire for an open circuit. If wire is okay, replace keyless entry system module.
  5. Connect a jumper wire to terminal "H" (Tan wire) of keypad module connector. See Fig 1 . Momentarily touch terminals "B" (Dark Blue wire), "C" (Brown wire), "D" (Dark Green wire), "E" (White wire), and terminal "F" (Yellow wire) with the other end of jumper wire.
  6. If an audible tone is heard for each terminal, check for an open ground circuit. If wiring is okay, replace keypad and keypad module. If an audible tone is not heard for each terminal, check or repair wire(s) that did not have a tone. If wire(s) are okay, replace keyless entry system module.
Fig 1: Keyless Entry Keypad Module Connector
G8070Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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