Code
B2797
Generic
B — Body
Transponder Key Antenna Circuit Malfunction
Views:
UK: 10
EN: 9
RU: 6
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or open antenna coil (for transponder/key detection)
- Broken, shorted or corroded wiring or connector to the antenna
- Poor or missing power supply or ground to the antenna/reader
- Faulty immobilizer / body control module or antenna driver circuit
- Faulty or non-programmed key/transponder
- Interference from aftermarket alarms, stereo, or shielding
Symptoms
- Key not recognized or intermittent recognition
- No-start or engine disabled by security system
- Security/immobilizer indicator lamp stays on or flashes
- Unable to program or re-learn keys
- Intermittent faults that clear then return
- Push-button start unresponsive if transponder not detected
What to check
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool; note related body or communication codes
- Visually inspect antenna, connector(s), wiring harness, and nearby components for damage or corrosion
- Check fuses and chassis ground points related to the immobilizer/antenna circuit
- Verify key battery and try a known-good programmed key
- Measure supply voltage to the antenna connector with ignition ON
- Check continuity/resistance of antenna coil and wiring to the immobilizer module
Signal parameters
- Supply voltage: battery voltage (~12 V) present at antenna power feed with ignition ON (verify exact circuit in manufacturer's manual)
- Ground: good low-resistance chassis ground at antenna/reader connector
- Antenna coil resistance: manufacturer-specific; typically a low-ohm value (tens to a few hundred ohms) — compare to service spec
- RF detection frequency: transponder systems commonly use ~125 kHz low-frequency carrier (check OEM spec)
- Data: low-frequency modulation/pulses when a valid transponder is present; may be observed with a scope or specialized tester
- CAN/serial: immobilizer module should communicate on vehicle bus; loss of comm can accompany antenna faults
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve current and historic DTCs and freeze-frame; note any related body or communication codes.
- Confirm symptom with vehicle: attempt start with each key and observe security lamp behavior.
- Inspect fuse(s), antenna connector, and harness for corrosion, damage, or water ingress; repair as needed.
- Verify power and ground at the antenna/reader connector with ignition ON; if missing, trace and repair supply or ground.
- Measure antenna coil resistance and continuity to the immobilizer/BCM; compare to service spec. Replace coil/antenna if open or out-of-spec.
- Use an oscilloscope or dedicated transponder/antenna tester to check for LF carrier and modulation when key is present; if absent, suspect driver or wiring.
- Wiggle test harness and connectors while monitoring for code set to find intermittent faults.
- If wiring and antenna check OK, check immobilizer/BCM communications and outputs; swap with known-good module only if supported and after proper security procedures.
- Consider interference sources: test after disconnecting aftermarket devices that could affect LF signals.
- After repair or replacement, clear codes and verify proper key recognition and no return of fault; perform key re-learn if required.
Likely causes
- Open or high-resistance antenna coil
- Loose/corroded connector at the antenna or immobilizer module
- Missing 12 V supply or poor ground to the antenna circuit
- Intermittent wiring short to chassis or other circuits
- Failed immobilizer/BCM driver for the antenna
Fault status
Status
Transponder key antenna circuit malfunction detected. Check antenna coil, wiring, power/ground, and immobilizer module.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-3 hours
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