1998 DODGE RAM 1500 service

(5) Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side curtain airbag from the connector receptacle
at the back of the airbag inflator.
(6) Remove the four screws (standard cab) or six
screws (quad cab) that secure the side curtain airbag
inflator and manifold tube brackets to the nuts in the
roof rail.
(7) Grasp the extruded plastic side curtain airbag
channel firmly and pull it straight away from the
roof rail far enough to disengage all three (standard
cab) or five (quad cab) plastic push-in fasteners that
secure it.
(8) Remove the side curtain airbag from the vehi-
cle as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG,
RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE HEADLINER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Position the side curtain airbag into the vehicle
as a unit.
(2) Align all three (standard cab) or five (quad cab)
plastic push-in fasteners that secure the extruded
plastic side curtain airbag channel with their holes
in the roof side rail and push them straight into the
roof rail until they are fully seated (Fig. 53).
(3) Working from the rear of the vehicle to the
front, install and tighten the four screws (standard
cab) or six screws (quad cab) that secure the side cur-
tain airbag inflator and manifold tube brackets to the
nuts in the roof rail. Tighten the screws to 5 N´m (40
in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side curtain airbag to the connector receptacle at
the back of the airbag inflator. Be certain the connec-
tor is fully engaged and latched.
(5) Engage the two side curtain airbag tether plas-
tic retainer clips into the A-pillar.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
side curtain airbag tether retainer to the base of the
A-pillar near the belt line. Tighten the screw to 6
N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the headliner into the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
8O - 58 RESTRAINTSDR
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)

SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain
airbags, two side impact sensors are used, one each
for the left and right sides of the vehicle (Fig. 54).
These sensors are mounted remotely from the bi-di-
rectional safing sensor that is internal to the Airbag
Control Module (ACM). The side impact sensors are
secured within the right and left B-pillars just above
the front seat belt retractors and behind the lower
B-pillar trim in the passenger compartment.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor receptacle, an integral mounting stud, and an
integral locating tab. A cavity in the center of the
molded black plastic impact sensor housing contains
the electronic circuitry of the sensor, which includes
an electronic communication chip and an electronic
impact sensor. Potting material fills the cavity to seal
and protect the internal electronic circuitry and com-
ponents. The side impact sensors are each connected
to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out and connector of the body wire harness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The side impact sensors are electronic accelerome-
ters that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which
provides verification of the direction and severity of
an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic
communication chip that allows the unit to commu-
nicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault infor-
mation to the microprocessor in the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). The ACM microprocessor continu-
ously monitors all of the passive restraint system
electrical circuits to determine the system readiness.
If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the
airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current
and ground through dedicated left and right sensor
plus and minus circuits from the ACM. The impact
sensors and the ACM communicate by modulating
the voltage in the sensor plus circuit. The hard wired
circuits between the side impact sensors and the
ACM may be diagnosed and tested using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, con-
ventional diagnostic methods will not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM or the impact
sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the impact sensors, the ACM, and
the electronic message communication between the
sensors and the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
Fig. 54 Side Impact Sensor
1 - SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
3 - STUD
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 59

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT
SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO
DEPLOY THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. IF AN
IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED
DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE
SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Adjust the front seat to its most forward posi-
tion for easiest access to the lower B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the front outboard seat belt and retrac-
tor from the inside of the B-pillar. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT OUTBOARD
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - REMOVAL - STAN-
DARD CAB).
(4) Remove the nut that secures the side impact
sensor stud to the inner B-pillar (Fig. 55).(5) Reach through the retractor mounting hole in
the inner B-pillar to access the side impact sensor
and disengage the locating pin and mounting stud
from the holes in the inner B-pillar.
(6) Pull the side impact sensor out of the B-pillar
far enough to access and disconnect the body wire
harness connector for the sensor from the sensor con-
nector receptacle.
(7) Remove the side impact sensor from the B-pil-
lar.
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT
SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO
DEPLOY THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. IF AN
IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED
DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE
SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Adjust the front seat to its most forward posi-
tion for easiest access to the lower B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the nut that secures the side impact
sensor stud to the inner B-pillar (Fig. 56).
(4) Reach through the large hole above the retrac-
tor mounting hole in the inner B-pillar to access the
side impact sensor and disengage the locating pin
and mounting stud from the holes in the inner B-pil-
lar.
Fig. 55 Side Impact Sensor Remove/Install -
Standard Cab
1 - SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - B-PILLAR
4 - NUT
8O - 60 RESTRAINTSDR
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

(5) Pull the side impact sensor out through the
large hole in the B-pillar far enough to access and
disconnect the body wire harness connector for the
sensor from the sensor connector receptacle.
(6) Remove the side impact sensor from the B-pil-
lar.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT
SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO
DEPLOY THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. IF AN
IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED
DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE
SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the side impact sensor to the retractor
mounting hole in the inner B-pillar (Fig. 55).
(2) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side impact sensor to the sensor connector recep-
tacle.
(3) Reach through the retractor mounting hole in
the inner B-pillar to position and engage the locating
pin and the stud on the side impact sensor to the
locating slot and mounting hole from the inside of
the B-pillar.
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
side impact sensor stud to the inner B-pillar. Tighten
the nut to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the front outboard seat belt and
retractor to the inside of the B-pillar. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT OUTBOARD
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLATION -
STANDARD CAB).
(6) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
Fig. 56 Side Impact Sensor Remove/Install - Quad
Cab
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
3 - NUT
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 61
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT
SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. THE SIDE
IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO
DEPLOY THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. IF AN
IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED
DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE
SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the side impact sensor to the large
hole above the retractor mounting hole in the inner
B-pillar (Fig. 56).
(2) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side impact sensor to the sensor connector recep-
tacle.(3) Reach through the large hole above the retrac-
tor mounting hole in the inner B-pillar to position
and engage the locating pin and the stud on the side
impact sensor to the locating slot and mounting hole
from the inside of the B-pillar.
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
side impact sensor stud to the inner B-pillar. Tighten
the nut to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
(5) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
8O - 62 RESTRAINTSDR
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

(5) Verify operation of one-way check valve and
check it for leaks.
(a) Locate one-way check valve. The valve is
located in vacuum line between vacuum reservoir
and engine vacuum source. Disconnect vacuum
hoses (lines) at each end of valve.
(b) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
reservoir end of check valve. Apply vacuum. Vac-
uum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace one-way check valve.
(c) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
vacuum source end of check valve. Apply vacuum.
Vacuum should flow through valve. If vacuum is
not flowing, replace one-way check valve. Seal the
fitting at opposite end of valve with a finger and
apply vacuum. If vacuum will not hold, diaphragm
within check valve has ruptured. Replace valve.
5.7 Gas
Vacuum is not used for any part of the speed con-
trol system if equipped with a 5.7L V-8 engine.
5.9L Diesel Engine With Manual Trans.
Vacuum is not used for any part of the speed con-
trol system if equipped with a diesel engine and a
manual transmission.
5.9L Diesel Engines With Automatic Trans.
If equipped with a diesel powered engine and an
automatic transmission, an electric vacuum pump
and vacuum lines are used to supply vacuum to the
speed control servo. A vacuum reservoir is not used.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST
Perform a vehicle road test to verify reports of
speed control system malfunction. The road test
should include attention to the speedometer. Speed-ometer operation should be smooth and without flut-
ter at all speeds.
Flutter in the speedometer indicates a problem
which might cause surging in the speed control sys-
tem. The cause of any speedometer problems should
be corrected before proceeding. Refer to Instrument
Cluster for speedometer diagnosis.
If a road test verifies a system problem and the
speedometer operates properly, check for:
²A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). If a DTC
exists, conduct tests per the Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedures service manual.
²A misadjusted brake (stop) lamp switch. This
could also cause an intermittent problem.
²Loose, damaged or corroded electrical connec-
tions at the servo (if used). Corrosion should be
removed from electrical terminals and a light coating
of Mopar MultiPurpose Grease, or equivalent,
applied.
²Leaking vacuum reservoir (if used).
²Loose or leaking vacuum hoses or connections (if
used).
²Defective one-way vacuum check valve (if used).
²Secure attachment of both ends of the speed con-
trol servo cable (if used).
²Smooth operation of throttle linkage (if used)
and throttle body air valve.
²Failed speed control servo (if used). Do the servo
vacuum test.
CAUTION: When test probing for voltage or conti-
nuity at electrical connectors, care must be taken
not to damage connector, terminals or seals. If
these components are damaged, intermittent or
complete system failure may occur.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Servo Mounting Bracket-
to-Servo Nuts7-60
Servo Mounting Bracket-
to-Battery Tray Screws4-30
Speed Control Switch
Mounting Screws1.7 - 15
Vacuum Reservoir
Mounting Nuts3-20
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 3
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)

After the vehicle is locked and the last door is
closed, the VTSS indicator in the instrument cluster
will flash quickly for 16 seconds, indicating that the
arming is in process. After 16 seconds, the LED will
continue to flash at a slower rate indicating that the
system is armed.
VTSS disarming occurs upon normal vehicle entry
by unlocking either door via the key cylinder or RKE
transmitter, or by starting the vehicle with a valid
Sentry Key. This disarming will also halt the alarm
once it has been activated.
A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the
system has been activated. This alert consists of 3
horn pulses and the security telltale flashing for 30
seconds when the vehicle is disarmed. The tamper
alert will not occur if disarmed while alarming.
The VTSS will not arm by mechanically locking the
vehicle doors. This will manually override the sys-
tem.
OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (SKIS)
The SKIS includes two valid Sentry Key transpon-
ders from the factory. These two Sentry Keys can be
used to program additional non-coded blank Sentry
Keys. These blank keys can be cut to match a valid
ignition key, but the engine will not start unless the
key transponder is also programmed to the vehicle.
The SKIS will recognize no more than eight valid
Sentry Key transponders at any one time.
The SKIS performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, and will
store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) if a system
malfunction is detected. The SKIS can be diagnosed,
and any stored DTC can be retrieved using a
DRBIIItscan tool as described in the proper Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures manual.
OPERATION ± SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE (SKIM)
The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals
through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded
plastic ring formation that is integral to the SKIM
housing. When the SKIM is properly installed on the
steering column, the antenna ring is oriented around
the circumference of the ignition lock cylinder hous-
ing. This antenna ring must be located within eight
millimeters (0.31 inches) of the Sentry Key in order
to ensure proper RF communication between the
SKIM and the Sentry Key transponder.
For added system security, each SKIM is pro-
grammed with a unique ªSecret Keyº code and a
security code. The SKIM keeps the ªSecret Keyº code
in memory. The SKIM also sends the ªSecret Keyº
code to each of the programmed Sentry Key tran-
sponders. The security code is used by the assemblyplant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the
dealer technician to access the system for service.
The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through
a PCI bus message from the PCM during initializa-
tion.
The SKIM and the PCM both use software that
includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which
helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS
disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures secu-
rity by preventing an override of the SKIS through
the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the
PCM. However, the use of this strategy also means
that replacement of either the SKIM or the PCM
units will require a system initialization procedure to
restore system operation.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal
to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then
listens for a return RF signal from the transponder
of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock
cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with
valid ªSecret Keyº and transponder identification
codes, the SKIM sends a ªvalid keyº message to the
PCM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an
invalid RF signal or no response, it sends ªinvalid
keyº messages to the PCM. The PCM will enable or
disable engine operation based upon the status of the
SKIM messages.
The SKIM also sends messages to the Instrument
Cluster which controls the VTSS indicator. The
SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to
turn the indicator on for about three seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a
ªbulbº test. After completion of the ªbulbº test, the
SKIM sends bus messages to keep the indicator off
for a duration of about one second. Then the SKIM
sends messages to turn the indicator on or off based
upon the results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS
indicator comes on and stays on after the ªbulb testº,
it indicates that the SKIM has detected a system
malfunction and/or that the SKIS has become inoper-
ative.
If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, it sends
messages to flash the VTSS indicator. The SKIM can
also send messages to flash the indicator to serve as
an indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in its ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder
Programming in this section for more information on
the ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the
PCM, a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual are required. The
8Q - 2 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYDR
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)

SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged,
the unit must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the Vehicle Theft Security Sys-
tem (VTSS) and Sentry Key Immobilizer System
(SKIS) involves the use of a DRBlllTscan tool and
the proper Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual.
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), Sentry
Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and the Programma-
ble Communication Interface (PCI) bus network
should be diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan tool. The
DRBIIItwill allow confirmation that the PCI bus is
functional, that the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM) is placing the proper messages on the PCI
bus, and that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
and the Instrument Cluster are receiving the PCI
bus messages. Refer to the proper Powertrain or
Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness connec-
tors. Look for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded
terminals. If any of the conditions are present, repair
as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagrams for complete
circuit descriptions and diagrams. Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/SEN-
TRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE - REMOVAL for
SKIM replacement.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONFIGURING A NEW MODULE / SWITCH
OPERATING MODES
To configure a new module or to switch operating
modes, a DRBIIItscan tool must be used.
(1) Hook up the DRBIIItscan tool to the Data
Link Connector (DLC).
(2) With the key in the ignition, turn the key to
the RUN position.(3) After the DRBIIItscan tool initialization, per-
form the following:
(a) Select ªTheft Alarm.º
(b) Select ªVTSS.º
(c) Select ªMiscellaneous.º
(4) Once in the ªMiscellaneousº screen:
(a) If you wish to configure a new module, select
ªConfigure Module.º
(b) If you wish to put the module into customer
usage mode, select ªEnable VTSS.º
(c) If you wish to put the module into dealer lot
mode, select ªDealer Lot.º
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INITIALIZATION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) initial-
ization should be performed following a Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement.
It can be summarized by the following:
(1) Obtain the vehicles unique PIN number
assigned to it's original SKIM from the vehicle
owner, the vehicle's invoice or from Chrysler's Cus-
tomer Center.
(2) With the DRBIIItscan tool, select ªTheft
Alarm,º ªSKIM,º Miscellaneous.º Select ªSKIM Mod-
ule Replacedº function and the DRBIIItwill prompt
you through the following steps.
(3) Enter secured access mode using the unique
four digit PIN number.
(4) Program the vehicle's VIN number into the
SKIM's memory.
(5) Program the country code into the SKIM's
memory (U.S.).
(6) Transfer the vehicle's unique Secret Key data
from the PCM. This process will require the SKIM to
be insecured access mode. The PIN number must
be entered into the DRBIIItbefore the SKIM will
entersecured access mode. Oncesecured access
modeis active, the SKIM will remain in that mode
for 60 seconds.
(7) Program all customer keys into the SKIM's
memory. This required that the SKIM be insecured
access modeThe SKIM will immediately exit
secured access modeafter each key is pro-
grammed.
NOTE: If a PCM is replaced, the unique ªSecret
Keyº data must be transferred from the SKIM to the
PCM. This procedure requires the SKIM to be
placed in SECURED ACCESS MODE using the four
digit PIN code.
DRVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 3
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)