Drivers door handle proximity function not working

[Hootbro]

The door switch is a simple on/off momentary latching switch that goes straight to the radio frequency hub module which is located on the back inside lower cab wall behind the rear seats.

I would go to the RFH and with a multimeter, remove the C2 connector and check for continuity across pins 13 & 14 while having the drivers door handle button depressed. That will check the wiring from the door to the hub, if that checks good, you may be looking at a RFH module.

You may have a fault code stored in the RFH module. A scan tool like JScan can pull that if there. A cheapie OBDII basic read may not find it since it would not be a code that set the MIL.
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[Gwz1985]

Does anyone have pics or info how to access the rfu? What all do I need to remove. It may jus be a pin or plug issue with it.

 

[Hootbro]

Below is a couple of threads of people accessing the back panel area. I put an arrow to show where the RFH module is.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ing-the-rear-and-side-interior-panels….45428/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/rear-trim-removal.41215/

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Below is a couple of threads of people accessing the back panel area. I put an arrow to show where the RFH module is.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/help-removing-the-rear-and-side-interior-panels….45428/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/rear-trim-removal.41215/

Man, I'm sure glad mine works ok - it would take me an hour just to clear out behind and under the seats just to get back to the rear panel before I could even expose those parts.
So it's to the driver's side of the sub. Good to know

 

[KJ Jeeper]

Mine doesn’t work if my fob is beside my cell phone. They affect each other. Try putting your phone somewhere far away and see if proximity works. Other than that, I’ve got nothing else for you

 

[Dreaded1]

My drivers side proimity just stopped work a few weeks ago and I have not had the doors off at all this year. Its been too rainy here. Its 3 years old and the key fob still works so I will just roll with it, unless there is a good answer out there.

 

[5adventurers]

I came looking for answers ... Any follow up on if it was fixed by going into the back panel? Also... Did anyone try the simple "reset feature" of simply unplugging battery and allowing for a reset of the computer? I've seen that solve so many glitches over the years now it's a go to for anything electrical first...

And if it isn't an easy fix sounds like warranty work to me ?

 

[Gwz1985]

I have yet to tear into the back panel. I’ve heard to many horror story’s of interior clips breaking. And it’s jus not worth it to chase a ghost. The handle hasn’t worked since I’ve owned it. So it could be the actual handle. Doors have never been off. So it has to be one or the other

 

[idiotdiy]

Long time reader, first time contributor here. I had this same issue crop up a few months ago. The door hadn't been taken off in a while so I know it isn't a pin issue.
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1) Door handle itself - I purchased a new door handle and tried swapping, no luck. I took off the passenger side handle (which still works) and took it to the driver's side, no luck. I took the driver side handle and installed on passenger side and it worked in that location. - So it isn't the handle

2) Used the taser mini to view error codes - none present

3) Used taser mini to do system reboots - no luck

4) took apart the A pillar looking for the antenna that reads the fob on that side - it isn't in the A pillar plastic - still thinking this might be the issue

Next steps: 1) Remove both batteries (the proximity doors run off of the lower battery) to try rebooting that way, 2) replace the antenna on the drivers side

Trying to avoid the dealer if at all possible. They have screwed up service more than once, and I almost got in an accident after one of their botched services.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

(the proximity doors run off of the lower battery)

Just to clarify for lurkers-
No, they don't. Both batteries are in parallel, so they run off the pair of batteries.
I don't know where some of this "xxx runs off the small/lower/aux battery" - it's not the case. Both are connected together as a pair while the vehicle sits, so things actually get power from both batteries, and both will run down at the same time if they sit long enough.

Back to the issue-
Disconnecting batteries will do a hard reset on things, but that's unlikely the issue. Possible, but unlikely since you used tazer to do a reboot anyway.
Have you tried the second fob?

 

[idiotdiy]

No, they don't. Both batteries are in parallel, so they run off the pair of batteries.
I don't know where some of this "xxx runs off the small/lower/aux battery" - it's not the case. Both are connected together as a pair while the vehicle sits, so things actually get power from both batteries, and both will run down at the same time if they sit long enough.

Back to the issue-
Disconnecting batteries will do a hard reset on things, but that's unlikely the issue. Possible, but unlikely since you used tazer to do a reboot anyway.
Have you tried the second fob?

Sorry, I just meant that both batteries needed to be disconnected to really do a reset. I actually just removed the aux battery while I was in there. I have heard nightmares about it being an issue right about at the 3-4 year mark (which is where I am).

It did not solve my issue as predicted.

I have tried both FOBs, neither works on driver's side. Passenger side works great.

Next step is to locate and try replacing the antenna for drivers side passive entry. Not sure where it is.

 

[Janster]

New 2024 .... Mine wasn't working either...... Until I discovered part of my hand/finger was going near the 'inside' of the door handle.

So, at the same time I was trying to lock it, the unlock feature was sensing my hand/finger and unlocking it at the same time.

FINGER...only my finger!!!! Yea..that's kinda my luck....

 

[idiotdiy]

Update: I took apart the B Pillars and found the antenna for each side. Swapped them, and the passenger side still was the only side that works. So that means, door handle and antenna have both been ruled out as the issue. Looked at the pins, and they were all straight on, so it isn't that.

I am leaning towards something weird is going on inside the door wiring, or with the software, or something is wrong with the main communications hub behind the back seat. I am thinking it is the door wiring as the most likely culprit.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Update: I took apart the B Pillars and found the antenna for each side. Swapped them, and the passenger side still was the only side that works. So that means, door handle and antenna have both been ruled out as the issue. Looked at the pins, and they were all straight on, so it isn't that.

I am leaning towards something weird is going on inside the door wiring, or with the software, or something is wrong with the main communications hub behind the back seat. I am thinking it is the door wiring as the most likely culprit.

Check for broken wire inside the door harness where the wires flex in the strap. If it's like the WJ, that could be an issues of contention in the future.......... Your truck is 4 years old and if you drive it a lot - or if you open and close that door a lot, it's a possible area to look at.
WJs were notorious for the power locks and that sort of thing to stop working due to a broken wire where they flexed between door and door frame.

 

[ColoradoCantu]

Sounds like you need to replace the handle. I had the same problem with the driver side door handle and took it to dealer, they found nothing wrong physically like bent pins or anything visible, it was an electronic component within the handle and the handle needed to be replaced.

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