Circuit/System Verification

2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV, 4WDSECTION Circuit/System Verification
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 GMC Terrain and 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:

The passive entry system unlocking function can be disabled through the transmitter or the center stack. The center stack displays the status of the feature. If the feature is disabled the exterior lights will flash quickly 4 times when the passive entry door button is pressed. Refer to owners manual for more information.

In order to determine the best starting point to begin diagnosis first determine which features on the vehicle are functioning correctly or not. By performing a simple and quick check on the vehicle it can be determined if there is or isn't a fault in each feature. If any one part of the feature is faulty then the feature status is failed.

Match the status of all four features and go the suggested link to begin diagnosis.

Active Keyless Entry Verification

  1. Ignition off, stand approximately 15 meters (50 feet) from the vehicle.
  2. Verify the transmitter opens the trunk/rear closure of the vehicle, if equipped.
  3. Verify the transmitter locks and unlocks the vehicle.
  4. Verify the transmitter other optional functions operate (for example - Panic, Remote Start, Convertible Top).
    • Go to next step: If the vehicle either does not lock or does not unlock 

      Go to next step: Continue verification of the other functions. This function is Failed.

    • Go to next step: If the vehicle locks and unlocks 
  5. All OK. This function Passed.

Passive Starting Function Status

    NOTE:

    Perform this verification with each of the transmitters separately. If the concern is only present with one transmitter then the fault is likely with the one transmitter.

  1. Enter the vehicle, ignition OFF.
  2. NOTE:

    Some transmitters are equipped with a motion detector so that if the transmitter is left idle for a period of time the vehicle will no longer respond to the transmitter until it is moved or shaken to activate the motion sensor. Whether the transmitter being used has the motion sensor or not can be verified by looking up the part number in the Electronic Parts Catalog. Starting in model year 2021 most vehicles have transmitters with the motion sensor but some transmitter part numbers with the motion sensor can be used as replacements for any year vehicle.

  3. Repeat this step with each transmitter separately and with the transmitter not being verified located 5 meters (15 feet) from the vehicle. Place the transmitter on the passenger seat and verify the vehicle starts using the start/stop switch then move the transmitter to the rear seat and verify the vehicle starts using the start/stop switch.
    • Go to next step: If the vehicle does not start with both transmitters 
  4. With the transmitter in the back up pocket and the transmitter battery removed, verify the vehicle starts using the start/stop switch.
    • Go to next step: If the vehicle does not start with both transmitters 
    1. To verify RF operation place the EL-52545  and the transmitter together while standing 5 meters (15 feet) from the vehicle and press the transmitter unlock button.
    2. Verify the 125 kHz frequency signal output displays at least 20%.
      • Go to next step: If the 125 kHz frequency signal displays 
  5. Continue verification of the other functions. This function is Failed.
    • Go to next step: If the vehicle starts 
  6. All OK. This function Passed.

Passive Entry Function Status

    NOTE:

    The passive entry system unlocking function can be disabled through the transmitter, the center stack, or an SPS programming event in the keyless entry control module. The center stack displays the status of the feature. Refer to owners manual for more information.

  1. Ignition off, approach the locked vehicle.
  2. Verify the trunk/rear closure, if equipped, opens using the passive entry button or touch pad.
  3. NOTE:

    Some transmitters are equipped with a motion detector so that if the transmitter is left idle for a period of time the vehicle will no longer respond to the transmitter until it is moved or shaken to activate the motion sensor. Whether the transmitter being used has the motion sensor or not can be verified by looking up the part number in the Electronic Parts Catalog. Starting in model year 2021 most vehicles have transmitters with the motion sensor but some transmitter part numbers with the motion sensor can be used as replacements for any year vehicle.

  4. Verify all the doors unlock and open using the passive entry button or touch pad.
    • Go to next step: If all the doors do not unlock and open through passive entry 

      Go to next step: Continue verification of the other functions. This function is Failed.

    • Go to next step: If all the doors unlock and open through passive entry and the trunk/rear closure opens 
  5. All OK. This function Passed.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Function Status

  1. Ignition on, enter the vehicle.
  2. Verify all four tire pressures are displayed.
    • Go to next step: If all of tire pressures do not display 

      Go to next step: This function is Failed. Go to the Circuit/System Testing below as indicated by the Pass/Fail results in the chart.

    • Go to next step: If all the tire pressures are displayed 
  3. All OK. This function Passed. Go to the Circuit/System Testing below as indicated by the Pass/Fail results in the chart.
Active Keyless Entry Function Status Passive Starting Function Status Passive Entry Function Status Tire Pressure Monitoring System Status Most Probable Diagnostic Starting Point
Passed Passed Passed If one or all four readings are missing Symptoms - Tire Pressure Monitoring
Failed Failed Failed All four readings are missing Remote Control Door Lock Receiver Malfunction , below in Circuit/System Testing
Failed Passed Passed All four readings are missing
Passed Passed Failed All four readings are present Keyless Entry Antenna Malfunction , below in Circuit/System Testing
Passed Failed Passed All four readings are present
Passed Failed Failed Unable to power mode vehicle Keyless Entry Transmitter Malfunction , below in Circuit/System Testing
Passed Failed Failed All four readings are present
Failed Failed Failed All four readings are present
Failed Passed Passed All four readings are present
Failed Passed Failed All four readings are present
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.