Universal Transmitter: Overview Dodge Dart PF

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Vehicles equipped with the optional universal transmitter (also known as the HomeLink® transmitter or Universal Garage Door Opener/UGDO) have a universal transmitter switch pod (2) integral to the overhead console (1) located in the headliner just behind the windshield opening header. The switch buttons are centered between the two map/reading lamps (4), forward of the sunglasses storage bin (5) and, if equipped, the power sunroof switch (3). This switch has three momentary push buttons clearly marked by the Roman numerals I , II and III for identification of each of the three transmitter channels. A single transmission indicator illuminated by a red Light Emitting Diode (LED) unit is also integral to the switch pod in the overhead console. The switch push buttons have instrument panel dimmer controlled LED units that provide back lighting for visibility at night.

Each of the three universal transmitter push buttons controls an independent radio transmitter channel. Each of these three channels can be trained to transmit a different Radio Frequency (RF) signal for the remote operation of garage door openers, motorized gate openers, home or office lighting, security systems or most any other device equipped with a RF receiver operating in the 280 to 418 MegaHertz (MHz) frequency range. The transmitter is capable of operating systems using either rolling code or non-rolling code security technology.

The universal transmitter switch pod cannot be repaired and is only serviced as a unit with the overhead console. If the transmitter or any of the switches are ineffective or damaged, the entire overhead console unit must be replaced.

OPERATION

The universal transmitter (also known as the HomeLink® transmitter or Universal Garage Door Opener/UGDO) operates on a non-switched source of battery current received on a fused B(+) circuit through a fused B(+) fuse located in the Junction Block (JB) (also known as the interior Power Distribution Center/PDC). The universal transmitter has a path to ground through a security ground circuit received through the Body Control Module (BCM). These connections allow the universal transmitter to remain functional, regardless of the status of the ignition switch; however, the unit will become disabled any time the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) is armed.

The universal transmitter has several modes of operation

1. Cleared Memory Mode - When Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) has been cleared by depressing and holding the channel 1 and 3 buttons simultaneously for about 20 seconds, successful erasure is indicated by the red transmission indicator being flashed at a fast rate. If the buttons are continuously pressed for about another 10 seconds, the transmission indicator is extinguished and all three channels are set to their respective factory default mode settings.
2. Default Mode - The default mode of the universal transmitter is when only the factory preset codes are stored in NVM for any given channel, prior to a channel having been programmed. When the button for any such channel is depressed, the transmitter will transmit the factory preset code for that channel and illuminate the red transmission indicator as in Transmit Mode.
3. Emulate Mode - While in the emulate mode (also known as the training or programming mode) the universal transmitter is capable of emulating and storing an original garage door opener transmitter Radio Frequency (RF) signal in one of the three selected channels. While in this mode, the universal transmitter will flash the red transmission indicator at a slow rate. Once in this mode all programming must be completed within 2.5 minutes. After successfully determining the frequency and code for the selected channel, the universal transmitter will flash the red transmission indicator at a fast rate to indicate that the selected transmitter button has been programmed. Once programmed, the universal transmitter stores the necessary emulation information in NVM.
4. Stuck Button Mode - If one or more of the universal transmitter buttons has been depressed continually for over about 1 minute, the universal transmitter will enter a reduced power mode. If the button is held depressed for over about another 2 minutes, the universal transmitter will also flag the button in NVM as stuck and exit the current operating mode for as long as the transmitter is connected to power. To reset the universal transmitter from the reduced power or stuck button mode, the transmitter power feed must be disconnected, then reconnected.
5. Transmit Mode - The universal transmitter activates the transmit mode when any of the three transmitter buttons is depressed. The transmitter will transmit the programmed code over the programmed frequency repeatedly while the button is being pressed, for up to about 20 seconds. The universal transmitter will also illuminate the red transmission indicator solid while the transmission is in process. The transmission will cease immediately when the transmitter button is released.

The hard wired input circuits for the universal transmitter may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The RF signal strength of the universal transmitter may also be tested. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

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If the universal transmitter (also known as the HomeLink® transmitter or Universal Garage Door Opener/UGDO) is inoperative, retrain the transmitter using a known good transmitter containing a known good battery. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . Test the universal transmitter operation again. If the unit is still inoperative, test the universal transmitter with a Radio Frequency Detector special tool as follows

1. Turn On the Radio Frequency (RF) detector special tool by depressing the ON/OFF button (3). An audible chirp will sound and the green Power indicator (2) will illuminate. If the Power indicator does not illuminate, replace the RF detector battery (4).
2. Hold the RF detector within 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) of the trained universal transmitter, then depress any one of the three universal transmitter channel push buttons.
3. The red Signal Strength Light Emitting Diode (LED) units (1) will illuminate and the tool will generate an audible beep if a radio signal is detected. Repeat this test for all three universal transmitter channel push buttons. If the tool does not detect a radio signal for any of the three push buttons, replace the ineffective universal transmitter unit. Refer to «CONSOLE, OVERHEAD, FRONT, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S30529336322014072800000) .

Note. Individual channels cannot be erased. Erasing any universal transmitter (also known as HomeLink® transmitter or Universal Garage Door Opener/UGDO) code will erase ALL programmed codes.

The programming from all three channel push buttons can be erased using the following procedure. Individual channel push buttons cannot be erased, but can be reprogrammed.

1. Depress and hold the two outer universal transmitter push buttons until the red transmission indicator begins to flash slowly (about 20 seconds). Do not hold the buttons depressed for longer than 30 seconds.
2. Release both buttons.
3. The universal transmitter is now in the Emulate Mode (also known as the train or learning mode) and can be programmed at any time using the Programming standard procedure. Refer to «STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-646266-S23187606112014072800000) .

Note. When programming a garage door opener, it is advised to park outside the garage. It is also recommended that a new battery be placed in the hand-held transmitter of the device being programmed to the universal transmitter for quicker training and accurate transmission of the Radio Frequency (RF) signal.

Note. If programing the universal transmitter is unsuccessful using the following procedure, refer to the Owner's Manual for the current customer assistance phone number.

1. Press and hold the two outer universal transmitter (also known as HomeLink® transmitter or Universal Garage Door Opener/UGDO) buttons, and release only when the red transmission indicator begins to flash slowly (after 20 seconds). Do not hold the buttons for longer than 30 seconds and do not repeat Step 1 to program a second and/or third hand-held transmitter to the remaining two universal transmitter buttons.
2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter 3 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) away from the universal transmitter buttons while keeping the red transmission indicator within view. NOTE: Some gate operators and garage door openers may require that you replace Steps 3 and 4 with the Step noted in the CANADIAN PROGRAMMING OR GATE PROGRAMMING procedure, which follows this procedure.
3. Simultaneously depress and hold both the universal transmitter button that you want to program and the hand-held transmitter button. Do not release these buttons until Step 4 has been completed.
4. The universal transmitter red transmission indicator will transition from flashing slowly to flashing rapidly after the transmitter successfully acquires the frequency signal from the hand-held transmitter. Release both buttons after the transmission indicator begins flashing rapidly.
5. Press and hold the universal transmitter button just programmed and observe the red transmission indicator. If the transmission indicator stays on solid (not flashing), programming is complete. The newly programmed device should activate when this universal transmitter button is pressed and released. NOTE: If the red transmission indicator flashes rapidly for two seconds and then changes to solid, proceed to Steps 6 through 8 to complete programming of a rolling code equipped device. Rolling code is most commonly found on garage door openers. NOTE: To program the remaining two universal transmitter buttons, begin with Step 2. Do not repeat Step 1.
6. At the garage door opener receiver on the motor or head unit in the garage, locate the Learn or Smart button. This can usually be found near where the hanging antenna wire is attached to the motor or head unit. The name and color of the button varies by manufacturer.
7. Firmly press and release the Learn or Smart button. NOTE: You have about 30 seconds after completing Step 7 in which to initiate Step 8.
8. Return to the vehicle and firmly depress, hold for two seconds then release the programmed universal transmitter button. Repeat the depress, hold, then release sequence a second time. Depending upon the brand of the garage door opener (or other rolling code equipped device), it may be necessary to repeat this sequence a third time to complete the programming. The newly programmed rolling code equipped device should now activate when this universal transmitter button is pressed and released.

Note. To program the remaining two universal transmitter buttons, begin with Step 2. Do not repeat Step 1.