2003 Pontiac Sunfire StandardFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Test A: Keyless Entry System Inoperative

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, and 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Test procedures require Keyless Entry Tester (J 43241).
  1. If Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) diagnostic system check has been performed, go to next step. If RKE diagnostic system check has not been performed, go to REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  2. Press each button of RKE transmitter one at a time. If system does not operate normally, go to next step. If system operates normally, perform procedure while wiggling related wiring and connectors. This can often cause an intermittent malfunction to appear.
  3. Lock and unlock power door locks using door mounted switch. If power door locks operate properly, go to next step. If power door locks do not operate properly, perform power door lock system diagnostic system check. See POWER DOOR LOCKS article. For 2002, see POWER DOOR LOCKS
  4. Operate rear compartment release using rear compartment release switch. If rear compartment release operates properly, go to next step. If rear compartment release does not operate properly, repair electric trunk release as necessary.
    5. NOTE: Inspect keyless entry transmitter to ensure it is correct model for this vehicle. A wrong model transmitter may pass this test, but will not activate vehicle remote system.
  5. Turn on Keyless Entry Tester (J 43241). Place RKE transmitter on tester pad. Press each button of RKE transmitter one at a time. If a tone does not sound or Green light does not illuminate on tester after each button is pressed, go to next step. If a tone sounds and Green light illuminates on tester after each button is pressed, go to step  10 .
  6. If none of the buttons sound a tone or illuminate Green light on tester, go to next step. If any button sounds tone and illuminates Green light on tester, replace RKE transmitter. Go to step  9 .
  7. Replace RKE transmitter battery. See REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER BATTERY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs, go to next step.
  8. Turn on Keyless Entry Tester (J 43241). Place RKE transmitter on tester pad. Press each button of transmitter one at a time. If a tone does not sound or Green light does not illuminate on tester after each button is pressed, go to next step. If a tone sounds and Green light illuminates on tester after each button is pressed, go to step  10 .
  9. Replace RKE transmitter. After repairs, go to next step.
  10. Program RKE transmitter. See TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING  under PROGRAMMING. If door locks do not cycle from lock to unlock, go to next step. If door locks cycle from lock to unlock, go to step  12 .
  11. Replace Body Control Module (BCM). See BODY CONTROL MODULE  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs, go to next step.
  12. Operate system to verify repair. If system operates correctly, system is okay. If system does not operate correctly, go to step  3 .
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When to See a Mechanic

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

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