OEM RKE control box location on '04 4dr Blazer

[Sammytheorangutan]

I just purchased an gently used '04 4dr Blazer which seems to be fairly well optioned out (except power, leather seating and sunroof). I deciphered the RPOs and didn't come up with RKE but there were a few "option packages" that might have included it. I know the disadvantages to factory RKE but I'd like to stay factory in that respect if it's possible.

Where is the factory RKE control box located? I'd like to check and see if it's there and the PO just forgot to give me the key fob.

Thanks in advance!

[91sonomast]

under the steering column there is a black closeout/silencer panel. a few 7mm bolts hold it in, take them out, it should be mounted to that. If its not there see if there is a red connector, if so, go buy the box which is 70-100 dollars, buy a fob specifically for a blazer(they are different than others) which is about 40ish, plug box in, learn fob to RKE module, done

[orangesonoma]

A0U is keyless for the rpo codes...i never seen a blazer with power locks that did not have it

[Sammytheorangutan]

No A0U on my RPO list. Got AU3 Lock Control, Side dr. elec, though. Hmmm...odd. I'll check under the dash on Monday as I work all weekend.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

[orangesonoma]

if you dont have the rpo you dont have the little box under your dash

[Sammytheorangutan]

Are you sure that's the right RPO? In my master list, I have A0U as Fleet Incentive, Motorist Insurance Company.

[orangesonoma]

ah is AU0 sorry

[Sammytheorangutan]

I see it on the master list now, but not in my RPOs. Hmmm... Maybe the plug is there like 91sonomast suggested. I can find the "black boxes" on eBay for $20 or so and the key fobs for less than that. Not the same range as aftermarket, but less chance of screwing up the electricals.

[orangesonoma]

yeah pretty much

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Quote: Originally Posted by orangesonoma

ah is AU0 sorry

Also, AU5 indicates RKE as well. Just got the rpos from the dealer the other day when I was inquiring about a remote for my truck. I was dissapointed to see the AU3 (no RKE) in my glovebox.

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Oh and one more thing..I read in a couple different places that if you do indeed install a RKE module in a vehicle not equipped from the factory, that you will need to have your local dealership (or anyone with a TechII, for that matter) activate the function in the BCM before it will work..Can anyone verify this?

[orangesonoma]

Quote: Originally Posted by 02_Black_XBlazer

Oh and one more thing..I read in a couple different places that if you do indeed install a RKE module in a vehicle not equipped from the factory, that you will need to have your local dealership (or anyone with a TechII, for that matter) activate the function in the BCM before it will work..Can anyone verify this?

yeah im pretty sure of that...the keyless mod only tells the bcm to lock and unlock the doors

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Hmm, found a couple from s10warehouse. 15 clams, hard to beat that...

(Edit: there was a linky here, but it no worky)

2 different part #s, though..not sure which one I'd need, 15732806 or 15442969

[Sammytheorangutan]

Quote: Originally Posted by 02_Black_XBlazer

Oh and one more thing..I read in a couple different places that if you do indeed install a RKE module in a vehicle not equipped from the factory, that you will need to have your local dealership (or anyone with a TechII, for that matter) activate the function in the BCM before it will work..Can anyone verify this?

So, with an AU3 RPO (which I have too), all I need for OEM RKE is the black (or gray) box and the correct key fob? The wiring is already there? If that's the case, I'll order one of each tomorrow and be up and running in a few days. I can call my friendly dealership (whom I've worked with for many years) and have them tell me the correct part number. They might even program it for free.

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Yes, as near as I can tell, if you already have the rpos for the "power accessories group" (basically, power windows and doors, as far as this thread is concerned), then the harness should be there waiting for a module. I'm gonna pull the kick panel today on my Blaze and confirm this.

[Sammytheorangutan]

I dropped the kick panel on the Blazer this afternoon but didn't get a good look as it started to rain a bit. I didn't see any red pigtail but did see a small (8 pin?) blue one. Dunno if that's the one you're referring to. I can add an aftermarket RKE but since 107% of the truck is electronic, I'd hate to screw anything up. Besides, OEM is much cheaper even if the range isn't as good.

Did you get a chance to drop your kick panel? If so, what did you find?

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Unfortunately, I am without the Blazer right now, as I had to drop it off to get the rear hatch release actuator released. A common problem I've been reading about on the forum for a while (there's even a sticky from 96blazer at the top of this very section), I just happened to be unlucky enough to run across it myself. I'm just glad it's unde the extendo warranty.

I'm going to ask a technician I have at the dealership that's a friend of mine to take a look for me while he's got it in, he might even know without having to look. I'll definitely keep you posted on what I find.

[Sammytheorangutan]

So, did you find anything out? If not, I'll go with aftermarket.

[91sonomast]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sammytheorangutan

I dropped the kick panel on the Blazer this afternoon but didn't get a good look as it started to rain a bit. I didn't see any red pigtail but did see a small (8 pin?) blue one. Dunno if that's the one you're referring to. I can add an aftermarket RKE but since 107% of the truck is electronic, I'd hate to screw anything up. Besides, OEM is much cheaper even if the range isn't as good.

Did you get a chance to drop your kick panel? If so, what did you find?

thats the one, I went out and looked at mine, I was thinking it was a red connector with a blue lock, but I had it backwards, its a 4 pin blue connector. Get the box......as far as I can remember I didn't have to turn on the option in my BCM with a Tech 2, I hooked it up and programmed my fob via the Tech 2, but I didn't have to turn anything on that I recall

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sammytheorangutan

So, did you find anything out? If not, I'll go with aftermarket.

I found the same thing sonomast did, 4 pin connector, blue. No red. I'm just gonna drop the $20 or so on one I found on "The Bay" and see what happens. Small price to pay for some info for the s10forum peeps.
I'll update with pics and info if/when this works out.

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Quick update: Got the RKE control module in the mail today ($14 on Ebay, like-new condition. Not a bad deal for OEM, imo). Tiny little thing, about as big as a credit card, and 3/4" thick. I'm still waiting on the 3-button control fob to arrive, and then the install will commence.

[Sammytheorangutan]

Thanks for the update. Dealership told me yesterday that the BCM had to be programmed for RKE if it wasn't OEM and that they couldn't program it. Would have to buy a new one. Didn't seem right as I hear of BCMs being reprogrammed all the time. Gonna have to wait and see how things work out for you. Best of luck. Keep us updated, please.

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Alright, 'nother update.....Module is installed, fob is waiting to be programmed, just gotta get it in. My TECH II hook-up hasn't come through, so it looks like I'll hafta bite the bullet and go to Chevy.

Found this write-up for those who are also attempting to undertake this operation. The proper GM part number for the '98-and-up RKE modules is 15732806 . Pretty self-explanatory operation already, but just in case, here's the info and some placement diagrams.

http://gmtruckforum.net/do-yourself/...ess-entry.html

First off, he is correct...if you do not have the AU0 or AU5, you will need to have someone (hopefully not the dealer, cuz it's gonna cost you BIG) w/ a TECH II scanner activate the RKE function in the BCM. More specific instructions on what exactly the tech needs to do (since apparently many techs, including the ones at some of my local Chevy shops, have never heard of/performed this procedure) are contained within.

[Zeeke98]

Hmm...thinking I might just throw a remote start on mine and get the keyless that way. Wish you didn't have to reprogram the BCM to make it work. I'm sure a dealer charges more than it's worth to turn a simple switch on in the software.

[02_Black_XBlazer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Zeeke98

Hmm...thinking I might just throw a remote start on mine and get the keyless that way. Wish you didn't have to reprogram the BCM to make it work. I'm sure a dealer charges more than it's worth to turn a simple switch on in the software.

The good news is that after calling several places today, a lot more local repair shops have GM Tech IIs than I had anticipated, so I might not have to pay the $95 hour for labor that the Chevy/GMC dealers charge. Most had never heard of this, some were willing to do it (and those that were all said the same thing: no way it's worth an hour, they would likely charge for only a 1/2 hour unless something unexpected popped up), several talked to me as if I had asked them to install a flux capacitor with dual reverse knuten valves into my hydrolitic constraplaphone.

[Sammytheorangutan]

Thanks a ton, 02 Black XBlazer! Looks like I'll be off to get a control box and key fob!

[travisn]

alright, here is the question. what if I add in power locks/windows? I am thinking of going to the JY and taking the whole harness out and putting it in my truck. (yes I know its not that simple, lol)

what beyond the RKE module and a flash would be required?

[Sammytheorangutan]

Wiring to the BCM, I'm sure. Possibly the correct BCM. One that *could* have had RKE.

[travisn]

yea, ill just swipe everything from the jy truck/blazer, prob next summer though

[Sammytheorangutan]

In all likelyhood, you'll need every bit of wiring the donor truck came with. The dash harness, engine bay harness, etc plus maybe some misc bits and pieces. If I didn't already have the necessary connections, etc I'd go aftermarket.

[Kampz69]

Quote: Originally Posted by 02_Black_XBlazer

The good news is that after calling several places today, a lot more local repair shops have GM Tech IIs than I had anticipated, so I might not have to pay the $95 hour for labor that the Chevy/GMC dealers charge. Most had never heard of this, some were willing to do it (and those that were all said the same thing: no way it's worth an hour, they would likely charge for only a 1/2 hour unless something unexpected popped up), several talked to me as if I had asked them to install a flux capacitor with dual reverse knuten valves into my hydrolitic constraplaphone.

what shops did you talk to that had the snapon/tech II scanners? im right by you in frankfort and i need some drivetrain codes pulled.

[Sammytheorangutan]

I got the reciever and key fob the other day and installed the transmitter this morning. I took the truck to the local locksmith who has a Tech II (but has never tried to reprogram a BCM). After about 3 hours, we got as far as being able to get into the truck into the programming mode. (press unlock, key on/off/on/off and the truck locks and unlocks) That's as far as we could get. I can't seem to program the remote. I push the lock/unlock buttons but the truck won't accept it for some reason. Battery in fob is good and it's the right part number. I called the only 2 local dealerships and both said that they can't reprogram the BCM. Seems odd they'd say that but that's probably because they've never tried it.

Any suggestions before I just add an aftermarket system? Any techs on here who have actually performed this with a Tech II? Did GM change anything on the '04s to prevent the BCM from being reprogrammed?

[Sammytheorangutan]

Now my factory alarm is working...sort of. (It wasn't activated before the Tech II incident earlier.) It won't shut off unless I start the truck. Should be fun when I go to work at 4am or when it's cold enough out to keep the truck from starting. What have I done???