1998 DODGE RAM 1500 ECO mode

OPERATION
The six switches in the two remote radio switch
units are normally open, resistor multiplexed
momentary switches that are hard wired to the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM) through the clockspring.
The IPM sends a five volt reference signal to both
switch units on one circuit, and senses the status of
all of the switches by reading the voltage drop on a
second circuit.
When the IPM senses an input (voltage drop) from
any one of the remote radio switches, it sends the
proper switch status messages on the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) data bus network to
the radio receiver. The electronic circuitry within the
radio receiver is programmed to respond to these
remote radio switch status messages by adjusting the
radio settings as requested. For diagnosis of the IPM
or the PCI data bus, the use of a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE
SWITCHES
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the
DRB IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic
Service Manual.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appro-
priate wiring information.WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the remote radio switch(es) (Fig. 15)
from the steering wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/REMOTE SWITCHES - REMOVAL).
(2) Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resis-
tances as shown in the Remote Radio Switch Test
chart. If the remote radio switch resistances check
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
switch.
Fig. 14 Remote Radio Switch Operational View
1 - PRESET SEEK
2 - SEEK UP
3 - VOLUME UP
4 - MODE
5 - VOLUME DOWN
6 - SEEK DOWN
Fig. 15 Remote Radio Switches
1 - BLACK (LEFT) SWITCH
2 - WHITE (RIGHT) SWITCH
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 11
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)

REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST TABLE
Switch Switch Position Resistance
Right
(White)Volume Up1.210 Kilohms
 1%
Right
(White)Volume Down3.010 Kilohms
 1%
Right
(White)Mode Advance0.0511 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Seek Up0.261 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Seek Down0.681 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Pre-Set Station
Advance0.162 Kilohms
 1%
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for 5 volts
at the radio control mux circuit cavities of the steer-
ing wheel wire harness connectors for both remote
radio switches. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the open or shorted radio control mux circuit to the
Integrated Power Module (IPM) as required.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the 22-way instrument panel wire
harness connector from the IPM. Check for continu-
ity between the remote radio switch ground circuit
cavities of the steering wheel wire harness connec-
tors for both remote radio switches and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted remote radio
switch ground circuit to the IPM as required.
(5) Check for continuity between the remote radio
switch ground circuit cavities of the steering wheel
wire harness connectors for both remote radio
switches and the 22-way instrument panel wire har-
ness connector for the IPM. There should be continu-
ity. If OK, refer to the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual to test the IPM and the PCI data bus. If not
OK, repair the open remote radio switch ground cir-
cuit as required.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAGSYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the vehicle
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the speed control switches (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/SPEED CONTROL/SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
(4) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
remote radio switch(es).
(5) Depress the tabs on each side of each switch
and push the switch through the rear steering wheel
cover (Fig. 16).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
Fig. 16 REMOTE SWITCHES
1 - REMOTE SWITCH
2 - SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
3 - BOLT
8A - 12 AUDIO/VIDEODR
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)

Engine Control Module (ECM) over the PCI data bus
to illuminate the check gauges indicator for a coolant
temperature high condition.
²Fasten Seat Belt Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On or Start positions to announce that
the hard wired inputs from the seat belt switch and
the ignition switch indicate that the driver side front
seat belt is not fastened. The chimes will continue to
sound for a duration of about six seconds, until the
driver side front seat belt is fastened, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Head/Park Lamps-On Warning- The instru-
ment cluster chime tone generator will generate
repetitive chimes at a slow rate to announce that the
hard wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch,
the ignition switch, and the exterior lighting circuitry
of the headlamp switch indicate that the exterior
lamps are turned On with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the exterior
lamps are turned Off, the driver door is closed, or the
ignition switch is turned to the On position, or the
battery protection time-out expires, whichever occurs
first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch, the
ignition switch, and the key-in ignition circuitry of
the ignition switch indicate that the key is in the
ignition lock cylinder with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the key is
removed from the ignition lock cylinder, the driver
door is closed, or the ignition switch is turned to the
On position, whichever occurs first.
²Low Fuel Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low fuel indicator is illuminated by the
instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
percent tank full message input received from the
PCM over the PCI data bus indicating that there is
less than about one-eighth tank of fuel remaining to
illuminate the low fuel indicator. This chime feature
will only occur once in an ignition cycle.
²Low Oil Pressure Warning (Diesel Engine
Only)- The instrument cluster chime tone generator
will generate repetitive chimes at a fast rate when
the check gauges indicator is illuminated for a low oil
pressure condition. The instrument cluster uses
engine speed and oil pressure message inputs
received from the diesel Engine Control Module
(ECM) over the PCI data bus indicating that theengine is running and that the oil pressure is low to
illuminate the check gauges indicator. The chimes
will continue to sound for five seconds, until the
engine oil pressure message indicates that the oil
pressure is not low, or until the engine speed mes-
sage indicates that the engine is not running, which-
ever occurs first. This chime tone will only occur once
in an ignition cycle.
²Low Wash Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low washer fluid indicator is illuminated by
the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
message input received from the Front Control Mod-
ule (FCM) over the PCI data bus indicating that
washer fluid level is low within the washer reservoir.
This chime feature will only occur once in an ignition
cycle.
²Overspeed Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone to
announce that a vehicle speed message input
received from the PCM over the PCI data bus indi-
cates that the vehicle speed is above a pre-programed
limit.
²Park Brake Reminder- The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate ten repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired input from the park brake switch and a vehicle
speed message input received from the PCM over the
PCI data bus indicates that the park brake is applied
and the vehicle is moving. This chime feature will
repeat each time the input conditions are met.
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System ªCustomer
Learnº Mode Announcement- This chime feature
is only active on vehicles equipped with the optional
Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and sold in
markets where the optional ªCustomer Learnº pro-
gramming feature is available. The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate one chime to
announce that a status message input received from
the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) over the
PCI data bus indicates that the SKIS is in the ªCus-
tomer Learnº mode, which is used for programming
additional sentry key transponders.
²Transmission Temperature High Warning
(Automatic Transmission only)- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate when the transmission temper-
ature indicator is illuminated for a high or critical
transmission fluid temperature condition. The instru-
ment cluster uses transmission temperature message
inputs received from the Transmission Control Mod-
ule (TCM) over the PCI data bus to illuminate the
indicator for a transmission temperature high condi-
tion.
²Turn Signal On Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERDR
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro con-
troller based module located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. On this model the inte-
grated power module must be positioned aside in
order to access the front control module. The front
control module mates to the power distribution cen-
ter to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM). The
integrated power module connects directly to the bat-
tery and provides the primary means of circuit pro-
tection and power distribution for all vehicle
electrical systems. The front control module controls
power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and
electromechanical loads based on inputs received
from hard wired switch inputs and data received on
the PCI bus circuit (J1850).
For information on theIntegrated Power Mod-
ule Refer to the Power Distribution Sectionof
the service manual.
OPERATION
As messages are sent over the PCI bus circuit, the
front control module reads these messages and con-
trols power to some of the vehicles electrical systems
by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver)
or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side
driver). The following functions areControlledby
the Front Control Module:
²Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
²Windshield Wiper ªON/OFFº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Wiper ªHI/LOº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Washer Pump Motor
²Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
²Park Lamp Relay Actuation
²Horn Relay Actuation
The following inputs areReceived/Monitoredby
the Front Control Module:
²B+ Connection Detection
²Power Ground
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Ignition Switch Run
²Washer Fluid Level Switch
²Windshield Wiper Park Switch
²PCI Bus Circuit
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT CONTROL
MODULE
The front control module is a printed circuit board
based module with a on-board micro-processor. The
front control module interfaces with other electronic
modules in the vehicle via the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus (J1850). In
order to obtain conclusive testing the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network
and all of the electronic modules that provide inputs
to, or receive outputs from the front control module
must be checked. All PCI (J1850) communication
faults must be resolved prior to further diagnosing
any front control module related issues.
The front control module was designed to be diag-
nosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such
as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the front control module
requires the use of a DRB IIItscan tool and the
proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
Before any testing of the front control module is
attempted, the battery should be fully charged and
all wire harness and ground connections inspected
around the affected areas on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the positive and negative battery
cables from the battery.
(2) Partially remove the integrated power module
from the engine compartment (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the front control module retaining
screws.
(4) Using both hands, pull the front control module
straightfrom the integrated power module assembly
to disconnect the 49-way electrical connector and
remove the front control module from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front control module on the inte-
grated power module assembly by pushing the
49-way electrical connector straight in.
(2) Install the front control module retaining
screws. Torque the screws to 7 in. lbs.
(3) Install the integrated power module (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Connect the positive and negative battery
cables.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 5

During Closed Loop modes, the PCM will monitor
the oxygen (O2S) sensors input. This input indicates
to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector
pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio. This
ratio is 14.7 parts air-to-1 part fuel. By monitoring
the exhaust oxygen content through the O2S sensor,
the PCM can fine tune the injector pulse width. This
is done to achieve optimum fuel economy combined
with low emission engine performance.
The fuel injection system has the following modes
of operation:
²Ignition switch ON
²Engine start-up (crank)
²Engine warm-up
²Idle
²Cruise
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide open throttle (WOT)
²Ignition switch OFF
The ignition switch On, engine start-up (crank),
engine warm-up, acceleration, deceleration and wide
open throttle modes are Open Loop modes. The idle
and cruise modes, (with the engine at operating tem-
perature) are Closed Loop modes.
IGNITION SWITCH (KEY-ON) MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. When the fuel system
is activated by the ignition switch, the following
actions occur:
²The PCM pre-positions the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel
strategy.
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy
based on this input.
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor input is
monitored.
²Throttle position sensor (TPS) is monitored.
²The auto shutdown (ASD) relay is energized by
the PCM for approximately three seconds.
²The fuel pump is energized through the fuel
pump relay by the PCM. The fuel pump will operate
for approximately three seconds unless the engine is
operating or the starter motor is engaged.
²The O2S sensor heater element is energized via
the ASD or O2S heater relay. The O2S sensor input
is not used by the PCM to calibrate air-fuel ratio dur-
ing this mode of operation.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The following actions
occur when the starter motor is engaged.
The PCM receives inputs from:²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
The PCM monitors the crankshaft position sensor.
If the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position
sensor signal within 3 seconds of cranking the
engine, it will shut down the fuel injection system.
The fuel pump is activated by the PCM through
the fuel pump relay.
Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
The PCM determines the proper ignition timing
according to input received from the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During engine warm-
up, the PCM receives inputs from:
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
Based on these inputs the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
²The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the
idle air control (IAC) motor and adjusts ignition tim-
ing.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
²When engine has reached operating tempera-
ture, the PCM will begin monitoring O2S sensor
input. The system will then leave the warm-up mode
and go into closed loop operation.
8E - 8 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At idle speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Battery voltage
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
injection sequence and injector pulse width by turn-
ing the ground circuit to each individual injector on
and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio by varying injector pulse width.
It also adjusts engine idle speed through the idle air
control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by increasing
and decreasing spark advance.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
CRUISE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At cruising speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)²Oxygen (O2S) sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then adjust
the injector pulse width by turning the ground circuit
to each individual injector on and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio. It also adjusts engine idle
speed through the idle air control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil(s) on and off.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
ACCELERATION MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The PCM recognizes
an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP pres-
sure as a demand for increased engine output and
vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased throttle opening.
DECELERATION MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is an Open Loop mode. During hard deceleration, the
PCM receives the following inputs.
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Vehicle speed
If the vehicle is under hard deceleration with the
proper rpm and closed throttle conditions, the PCM
will ignore the oxygen sensor input signal. The PCM
will enter a fuel cut-off strategy in which it will not
supply a ground to the injectors. If a hard decelera-
tion does not exist, the PCM will determine the
proper injector pulse width and continue injection.
Based on the above inputs, the PCM will adjust
engine idle speed through the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 9
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

(8) If the previous step is not performed, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set.
(9) If necessary, use DRB IIItScan Tool to erase
any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) from PCM.
Also use the DRB scan tool to reprogram new PCM
with vehicles original Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) and original vehicle mileage.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) con-
tains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a cen-
tral processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS
programming enables the SKIM to program and
retain in memory the codes of at least two, but no
more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key
transponders. The SKIS programming also enables
the SKIM to communicate over the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) bus network with the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Electronic Con-
trol Module (ECM), depending on engine application,
and/or the DRBIIItscan tool.
OPERATION
The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals
through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded
plastic ring that is integral to the SKIM housing.
When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering
column, the antenna ring is oriented around the igni-
tion lock cylinder housing. This antenna ring must be
located within eight millimeters (0.31 inches) of the
Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communica-
tion between the SKIM and the Sentry Key tran-
sponder.
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 assembly
plant 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 (NGC) or ECM
(Cummins) during initialization.The SKIM and the PCM/ECM 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/ECM. However, the use of this strategy also
means that replacement of either the SKIM or the
PCM/ECM 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/ECM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an
invalid RF signal or no response, it sends ªinvalid
keyº messages to the PCM/ECM. The PCM/ECM 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 LED. The
SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to
turn the LED on for about three seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb
test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM
sends bus messages to keep the LED off for a dura-
tion of about one second. Then the SKIM sends mes-
sages to turn the LED on or off based upon the
results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS indicator
LED comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it
indicates that the SKIM has detected a system mal-
function and/or that the SKIS has become inopera-
tive.
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 LED. The
SKIM can also send messages to flash the LED as an
indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in it's 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/ECM, a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper Pow-
ertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual are required.
The SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, the unit must be replaced.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 13
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

(2) Use the DRBIIItscan tool and select THEFT
ALARM, SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select PROGRAM IGNITION KEY'S.
(4) Enter secured access mode by entering the
vehicle four-digit PIN.
NOTE: A maximum of eight keys can be learned to
each SKIM. Once a key is learned to a SKIM, it (the
key) cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
(5) If ignition key programming is unsuccessful,
the DRBIIItscan tool will display one of the follow-
ing messages:
(a) Programming Not Attempted - The DRBIIIt
scan tool attempts to read the programmed key
status and there are no keys programmed into
SKIM memory.
(b) Programming Key Failed (Possible Used Key
From Wrong Vehicle) - SKIM is unable to program
key due to one of the following:
²Faulty ignition key transponder.
²Ignition key is programmed to another vehicle.
(c) 8 Keys Already Learned, Programming Not
Done - SKIM transponder ID memory is full.
(6) Obtain ignition keys to be programmed from
customer (8 keys maximum).
(7) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, erase all ignition
keys by selecting MISCELLANEOUS and ERASE
ALL CURRENT IGN. KEYS.
(8) Program all ignition keys.
Learned Key In Ignition - Ignition key transponder
ID is currently programmed in SKIM memory.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from
steering column.
(3) Disconnect the steering column wire harness
connector from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM)(4) Remove the screw that secures the SKIM to
the steering column (Fig. 7).
(5) Release the SKIM antenna ring retaining clips
from around the ignition switch lock cylinder housing
and remove the SKIM.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the SKIM is replaced with a new unit, a
DRBIIITscan tool MUST be used to initialize the
new SKIM and to program at least two Sentry Key
transponders before the vehicle can be operated
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
RITY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Position the SKIM antenna ring around the
ignition switch lock cylinder housing.
(2) Install the SKIM antenna ring retaining clips.
(3) Install the screw that secures the SKIM to the
steering column.
(4) Connect the steering column wire harness con-
nector to the SKIM.
(5) Position both the upper and lower shrouds onto
the steering column.
(6) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 7 Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)
1 - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (SKIM)
2 - STEERING COLUMN
3 - SCREW
4 - WIRING HARNES
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 15
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (Continued)