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B1C0C — Keyless entry receiver circuit fault

Detailed page for trouble code B1C0C.

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Code

B1C0C

Generic B — Body

Keyless entry receiver circuit fault

Brand: Generic
Type: B — Body
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Blown fuse or open power supply to receiver
  • Open or high-resistance ground at receiver/module
  • Corroded, loose or damaged receiver module connector or antenna coax
  • Damaged or disconnected antenna or antenna amplifier
  • Faulty keyless-entry/remote receiver module or body control module (BCM)
  • Defective or weak key fob battery or transmitter

Symptoms

  • Remote keyless entry (lock/unlock/trunk) inoperative or intermittent
  • Reduced remote range or need to be very close to vehicle
  • Multiple or repeating keyless entry fault codes on scan tool
  • Doors lock/unlock unexpectedly or not respond to remotes
  • No RF activity detected when pressing key fob (measurable with RF sniffer)
  • Related body-control or immobilizer warnings, or loss of remote start functionality

What to check

  • Retrieve and record all stored codes and freeze frame with a scan tool
  • Inspect vehicle battery voltage (should be ~12.4–12.8 V at rest, 13.5–14.8 V while charging)
  • Visually inspect fuses and fusible links for the receiver/BCM circuits
  • Visually inspect receiver and antenna connectors for corrosion, water, bent pins or damage
  • Check key fob battery voltage (typically ~3.0 V for CR2032) and try a known-good spare fob
  • Wiggle test wiring harnesses and connectors while watching live data or while operating remote

Signal parameters

  • Receiver supply voltage: ~9–16 V (nominal 12 V system) with engine off and with starter cranking; no rapid drop or intermittent loss
  • Ground resistance:
  • Key fob battery: ~2.8–3.2 V (CR2032 typical); below ~2.4 V may cause weak transmission
  • RF carrier frequency: vehicle dependent — commonly 315 MHz (NA) or 433/434 MHz (EU/ROW) — a functioning transmitter produces bursts at correct carrier frequency
  • RF signal amplitude: depends on antenna/receiver; use RF sniffer or spectrum analyzer for expected field strength near vehicle with key fob pressed
  • Data pulses/modulation: ASK/FSK bursts matching manufacturer timing when fob button pressed

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Safety: place vehicle in park, apply parking brake, remove ignition key. Use appropriate anti-static and battery-disconnect procedures if removing modules.
  2. Scan and record all DTCs and freeze frame; clear codes and attempt to re-create the fault to confirm persistence.
  3. Verify basic power/ground: measure battery voltage and check fuse(s) for receiver/BCM circuits. Replace blown fuse only after diagnosing cause.
  4. Test key fob: check battery voltage, verify operation with spare known-good fob or use dealer/tester to verify transmitter output. If fob fails, replace battery or fob before vehicle-side repairs.
  5. Visual inspection: inspect receiver, antenna and associated wiring for damage, corrosion, water ingress, pin damage or crushed coax. Repair or reseal as required.
  6. Verify supply: backprobing receiver power pin with keyless system activated; confirm steady 9–16 V and no dropouts while operating remote.
  7. Verify ground continuity: measure between receiver ground pin and chassis; repair any high-resistance ground.
  8. Antenna/receiver continuity: measure antenna feed continuity (where applicable) and check for short to shield or open conductor. Replace antenna if open or physically damaged.
  9. RF verification: use an RF sniffer/spectrum analyzer to confirm carrier bursts at expected frequency and modulation when pressing the fob near vehicle. If receiver sees no RF but fob transmits, suspect vehicle antenna/receiver.
  10. Check communications: use scan tool to monitor CAN/LIN messages and module responses while operating remote; look for comm timeouts or repeated errors.
  11. Wiggle-test harnesses and connectors while monitoring live data or operating the remote to locate intermittent faults.
  12. If wiring and external components check good, attempt module reprogramming/reflash if manufacturer procedure indicates; perform module reset if applicable.

Likely causes

  • Loose or corroded connector on the receiver or antenna
  • Failed receiver module or BCM input stage
  • Broken/shorted antenna feed or damaged antenna element
  • Weak key fob battery or damaged key fob transmitter
  • Blown fuse or poor chassis/battery ground near receiver
  • Intermittent wiring fault in harness to the receiver module

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Keyless entry receiver circuit fault — receiver detects power/ground, antenna or internal circuit failure, or invalid/absent RF/data from remote. May be intermittent.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

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