1998 DODGE RAM 1500 ECU

²Engine loads and temperatures are high such as
when towing a trailer.
²Cool silicone fluid within the fan drive unit is
being redistributed back to its normal disengaged
(warm) position. This can occur during the first 15
seconds to one minute after engine start-up on a cold
engine.
LEAKS
Viscous fan drive operation is not affected by small
oil stains near the drive bearing. If leakage appears
excessive, replace the fan drive unit.
VISCOUS DRIVE
If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the
fan blades will revolve more than five turns when
spun by hand), replace the fan drive. This spin test
must be performed when the engine is cool.
For the following test, the cooling system must be
in good condition. It also will ensure against exces-
sively high coolant temperature.
WARNING: BE SURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE
FAN BLADE CLEARANCE BEFORE DRILLING.
(1) Drill a 3.18-mm (1/8-in) diameter hole in the
top center of the fan shroud.
(2) Obtain a dial thermometer with an 8 inch stem
(or equivalent). It should have a range of -18É-to-
105ÉC (0É-to-220É F). Insert thermometer through the
hole in the shroud. Be sure that there is adequate
clearance from the fan blades.
(3) Connect a tachometer and an engine ignition
timing light. The timing light is to be used as a
strobe light. This step cannot be used on the diesel
engine.(4) Block the air flow through the radiator. Secure
a sheet of plastic in front of the radiator. Use tape at
the top to secure the plastic and be sure that the air
flow is blocked.
(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped)
and blowe fan is turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm.
Within ten minutes the air temperature (indicated on
the dial thermometer) should be up to 88É C (190É F).
Fan driveengagementshould start to occur at/be-
tween:
²3.7L Automatic - 93É C - 99ÉC (200É F - 210É F)
²3.7L Manual/4.7L Automatic/5.9L - 85É - 91É C
(185É - 195É F)
²4.7L Manual - 74É - 79É C (165É - 175É F)
²5.7L
²5.9L
²Engagement is distinguishable by a definite
increasein fan flow noise (roaring). The timing light
also will indicate an increase in the speed of the fan.
(7) When viscous drive engagement is verified,
remove the plastic sheet. Fan drivedisengagement
should start to occur at or between:
²3.7L Automatic - 76ÉC - 81ÉC (168É F - 178É F)
²3.7L Manual/4.7L Auto/ 5.9L - 67ÉC - 73ÉC (153É
F - 163É F)
²4.7L Manual - 56ÉC - 62ÉC (133É F - 143É F)
²5.7L
²5.9L
²8.0L engine - 93É to 101É C (190É - 205É F) Min-
imum 73ÉC (163ÉF). A definitedecreaseof fan flow
noise (roaring) should be noticed. If not, replace the
defective viscous fan drive unit.
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. They are marked with the word
REVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of
the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in
engine overheating.
Fig. 32 Viscous Fan Drive - Typical
1 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
2 - THERMOSTATIC SPRING
3 - MOUNTING NUT TO WATER PUMP HUB
DRENGINE 7 - 51
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH-GAS ENGINES (Continued)

(11) Remove the two radiator upper mounting
bolts (Fig. 37).
(12) Lift the radiator straight up and out of the
engine compartment. Take care not to damage cool-
ing fins or tubes on the radiator and oil coolers when
removing.
NOTE: The radiator is equipped with one alignment
dowel on the bottom of the outlet tank and one
retaining bracket on the front side of the inlet tank.
Both features have rubber insulators attached to
them that must be present. The alignment dowel fits
into a hole at the bottom of the front end sheet
metal vertical support post and the support bracket
rests on top of the lower radiator closure tube.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, and bro-
ken or missing fittings. Inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fan shroud over the fan blades
rearward towards engine.
(2) Install the rubber insulators to the lower radi-
ator mounting features (alignment dowel and support
bracket at the lower part of the radiator).
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the alignment dowel into the vertical post bracket.
Position and seat the lower radiator support bracket
onto the lower radiator closure tube.
(4) Install the upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the lower radiator hose and install the
clamp in the proper position.
(6) Connect the power steering hoses to the power
steering oil cooler and install the clamps.
(7) Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to the
transmission oil cooler and install the secondary
latches.
(8) Position the fan shroud into the mounting clips
on the radiator tanks and secure with bolts. Tighten
the bolts to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(9) Secure the power steering hoses into the clip
on the lower fan shroud.
(10) Install the windshield washer reservoir tank
and connect the hose and electrical connector.
(11) Install coolant reserve/overflow container
hose(s) to radiator filler neck and secure properly
with clamps.
(12) Install coolant reserve/overflow container or
degas container to fan shroud and tighten the bolts
to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(13) Connect upper radiator hose and install
clamp.
(14) Install battery negative cable.
(15) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Operate the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Check cooling system fluid
levels.
Fig. 37 Radiator
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
DRENGINE 7 - 55
RADIATOR-3.7L/4.7L/5.7L (Continued)

(3) Remove instrument panel center bezel (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove instrument panel lower right center
bezel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP
LOWER RIGHT CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect electrical harness connector from
amplifier (Fig. 1).
(6) Remove mounting bolts.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect electrical harness connector and
install amplifier.
(2) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 10 N´m (90
in. lbs.).
(3) Install instrument panel lower right center
bezel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP
LOWER RIGHT CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install instrument panel center bezel (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE
DESCRIPTION
The antenna body and cable is secured below the
fender panel by the antenna cap nut through a
mounting hole in the right front fender. The primary
coaxial antenna cable is then routed beneath the
fender sheet metal and through a entry hole in theright cowl side panel into the interior of the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle, the primary coaxial cable is con-
nected to a secondary instrument panel antenna
coaxial cable with an in-line connector that is located
behind the right kick panel. The secondary coaxial
cable is then routed behind the instrument panel to
the back of the radio.
OPERATION
The antenna body and cable connects the antenna
mast to the radio. The radio antenna is an electro-
magnetic circuit component used to capture radio fre-
quency signals that are broadcast by local
commercial radio stations in both the Amplitude
Modulating (AM) and Frequency Modulating (FM)
frequency ranges. These electromagnetic radio fre-
quency signals induce small electrical modulations
into the antenna as they move past the mast. The
antenna body transfers the weak electromagnetic
radio waves induced into the rigid antenna mast into
the center conductor of the flexible primary antenna
coaxial cable. The braided outer shield of the
antenna coaxial cable is grounded through both the
antenna body and the radio chassis, effectively
shielding the radio waves as they are conducted to
the radio. The radio then tunes and amplifies the
weak radio signals into stronger electrical signals in
order to operate the audio system speakers.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTENNA BODY
AND CABLE
The following four tests are used to diagnose the
antenna with an ohmmeter:
²Test 1- Mast to ground test
²Test 2- Tip-of-mast to tip-of-conductor test
²Test 3- Body ground to battery ground test
²Test 4- Body ground to antenna coaxial cable
shield test.
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.
The ohmmeter test lead connections for each test
are shown in the illustration (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 AMPLIFIER MOUNTING
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - AMPLIFIER
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
8A - 4 AUDIO/VIDEODR
AMPLIFIER (Continued)

antenna body to fender mating surfaces and tighten
the antenna cap nut to specifications.
(4) Check the resistance again with an ohmmeter.
If the resistance is still more then one ohm, replace
the faulty antenna body and cable.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the right side kick panel.
(3) Disconnect antenna body cable from instru-
ment panel cable.
(4) Securely tie a suitable length of cord or twine
to the antenna half of the coaxial cable connector.
This cord will be used to pull the cable back into
position during installation.
(5) Remove the antenna mast.
(6) Remove the antenna cap nut using an antenna
nut wrench (Special Tool C-4816) (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove the antenna adapter.
(8) With the right door open, pull the antenna
body assembly out through the opening between the
fender and body.
INSTALLATION
(1) Tie the cord that was used during the removal
procedure to the cable being installed.
(2) Using the cord, pull the antenna cable through
the hole in the door opening and seat grommet into
place.
(3) Connect the antenna body and cable to the
instrument panel cable.
(4) Install the right side kick panel.(5) Insert the antenna body through the hole in
the fender and install adapter.
(6) Install the antenna cap nut. Tighten to 7 N´m
(65 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the antenna mast.
(8) Connect the battery negative cable.
ANTENNA - NAVIGATION
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel top cover (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the radio (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/RADIO - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the antenna mounting fasteners (Fig.
4).
(5) Cut each end of the cable and leave remaining
portion in the instrument panel (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position new antenna cable to wire harness.
Secure into place.
(2) Install antenna mounting fasteners.
(3) Install radio (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/AU-
DIO/RADIO - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install instrument panel top cover (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 3 ANTENNA BODY AND CABLE
1 - NUT
2 - FENDER
3 - ANTENNA BODY AND CABLE
4 - ADAPTER
Fig. 4 NAVIGATION ANTENNA MOUNTING
8A - 6 AUDIO/VIDEODR
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE (Continued)

RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION
GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION
Radio noise suppression devices are factory-in-
stalled standard equipment on this vehicle. Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI) and ElectroMagnetic
Interference (EMI) can be produced by any on-board
or external source of electromagnetic energy. These
electromagnetic energy sources can radiate electro-
magnetic signals through the air, or conduct them
through the vehicle electrical system.
When the audio system converts RFI or EMI to an
audible acoustic wave form, it is referred to as radio
noise. This undesirable radio noise is generally man-
ifested in the form of ªbuzzing,º ªhissing,º ªpopping,º
ªclicking,º ªcrackling,º and/or ªwhirringº sounds. In
most cases, RFI and EMI radio noise can be sup-
pressed using a combination of vehicle and compo-
nent grounding, filtering and shielding techniques.
This vehicle is equipped with factory-installed radio
noise suppression devices that were designed to min-
imize exposure to typical sources of RFI and EMI;
thereby, minimizing radio noise complaints.
Factory-installed radio noise suppression is accom-
plished primarily through circuitry or devices that
are integral to the factory-installed radios, audio
power amplifiers and other on-board electrical com-
ponents such as generators, wiper motors, blower
motors, and fuel pumps that have been found to be
potential sources of RFI or EMI. External radio noise
suppression devices that are used on this vehicle to
control RFI or EMI, and can be serviced, include the
following:
²Engine-to-body ground strap- This length of
braided ground strap has an eyelet terminal connec-
tor crimped to each end. One end is secured to the
engine cylinder head(s). The other is secured to the
plenum at the exhaust heat shield forward/outer
attaching stud.
²Resistor-type spark plugs- This type of spark
plug has an internal resistor connected in series
between the spark plug terminal and the center elec-
trode to help reduce the production of electromag-
netic radiation that can result in radio noise.
OPERATION
There are two common strategies that can be used
to suppress Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and
ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) radio noise. The
first suppression strategy involves preventing the
production of RFI and EMI electromagnetic signals
at their sources. The second suppression strategy
involves preventing the reception of RFI and EMIelectromagnetic signals by the audio system compo-
nents.
The use of braided ground straps in key locations
is part of the RFI and EMI prevention strategy.
These ground straps ensure adequate ground paths,
particularly for high current components such as
many of those found in the starting, charging, igni-
tion, engine control and transmission control sys-
tems. An insufficient ground path for any of these
high current components may result in radio noise
caused by induced voltages created as the high cur-
rent seeks alternative ground paths through compo-
nents or circuits intended for use by, or in close
proximity to the audio system components or circuits.
Preventing the reception of RFI and EMI is accom-
plished by ensuring that the audio system compo-
nents are correctly installed in the vehicle. Loose,
corroded or improperly soldered wire harness connec-
tions, improperly routed wiring and inadequate audio
system component grounding can all contribute to
the reception of RFI and EMI. A properly grounded
antenna body and radio chassis, as well as a shielded
antenna coaxial cable with clean and tight connec-
tions will each help reduce the potential for reception
of RFI and EMI.
REMOVAL
BED TO CAB
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts and strap (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10 BED TO CAB GROUND STRAP
1 - BED
2 - CAB
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 9

The PCI data bus can be monitored using the
DRBIIItscan tool. It is possible, however, for the bus
to pass all DRBIIIttests and still be faulty if the
voltage parameters are all within the specified range
and false messages are being sent.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The CAB voltage source is through the ignition
switch in the RUN position. The CAB contains a self
check program that illuminates the ABS warning
light when a system fault is detected. Faults are
stored in a diagnostic program memory and are
accessible with the DRB III scan tool. ABS faults
remain in memory until cleared, or until after the
vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the negative battery cable from the
battery.
(2) Pull up on the CAB harness connector release
and remove connector.
(3) Remove the CAB mounting bolts.
(4) Remove the pump connector from the CAB.
(5) Remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
(1) Install CAB to the HCU.
(2) Install the pump connector to the CAB.
(3) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 2 N´m (16 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install the wiring harness connector to the
CAB and push down on the release to secure the con-
nector.
(5) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is located at the
lower edge of the instrument panel near the steering
column.
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The 16±way data link connector (diagnostic scan
tool connector) links the Diagnostic Readout Box
(DRB) scan tool or the Mopar Diagnostic System
(MDS) with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM
The engine control module (ECM) for the 5.9L Die-
sel engine is bolted to the left side of the engine
below the intake manifold.
OPERATION - ECM
The main function of the Engine Control Module
(ECM) is to electrically control the fuel system. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)does notcontrol
the fuel system.
The ECM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.If the ECM has
been replaced, flashed or re-calibrated, the
ECM must learn the Accelerator Pedal Position
Sensor (APPS) idle voltage. Failure to learn
this voltage may result in unnecessary diagnos-
tic trouble codes. Refer to ECM Removal/Instal-
lation for learning procedures.
The ECM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
ECM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asECM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the ECM are
consideredECM Inputs.
Fig. 1 HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
1 - HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 3
COMMUNICATION (Continued)

HEATED SEAT MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat module is also known as the Seat
Heat Interface Module. The heated seat module (Fig.
3) is located under the drivers front seat cushion,
where it is secured to a mounting bracket. The
heated seat module has a single connector receptacle
that allows the module to be connected to all of the
required inputs and outputs through the seat wire
harness.
The heated seat module is an electronic micropro-
cessor controlled device designed and programmed to
use inputs from the battery, the two heated seat
switches and the two heated seat sensors to operate
and control the heated seat elements in both front
seats and the two heated seat indicator lamp Light-
Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in each heated seat switch.
The heated seat module is also programmed to per-
form self-diagnosis of certain heated seat system
functions and provide feedback of that diagnosis
through the heated seat switch indicator lamps.
The heated seat module cannot be repaired. If the
heated seat module is damaged or faulty, the entire
module must be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat module operates on fused battery
current received from the integrated power module.
Inputs to the module include a resistor multiplexed
heated seat switch request circuit for each of the two
heated seat switches and the heated seat sensor
inputs from the seat cushions of each front seat. In
response to those inputs the heated seat module con-
trols battery current feeds to the heated seat ele-ments and sensors, and controls the ground for the
heated seat switch indicator lamps.
When a heated seat switch (Driver or Passenger) is
depressed a signal is received by the heated seat
module, the module energizes the proper indicator
LED (Low or High) in the switch by grounding the
indicator lamp circuit to indicate that the heated seat
system is operating. At the same time, the heated
seat module energizes the selected heated seat sensor
circuit and the sensor provides the module with an
input indicating the surface temperature of the
selected seat cushion.
The Low heat set point is about 36É C (96.8É F),
and the High heat set point is about 42É C (107.6É F).
If the seat cushion surface temperature input is
below the temperature set point for the selected tem-
perature setting, the heated seat module energizes
an N-channel Field Effect Transistor (N-FET) within
the module which energizes the heated seat elements
in the selected seat cushion and back. When the sen-
sor input to the module indicates the correct temper-
ature set point has been achieved, the module
de-energizes the N-FET which de-energizes the
heated seat elements. The heated seat module will
continue to cycle the N-FET as needed to maintain
the selected temperature set point.
If the heated seat module detects a heated seat
sensor value input that is out of range or a shorted
or open heated seat element circuit, it will notify the
vehicle operator or the repair technician of this con-
dition by flashing the High and/or Low indicator
lamps in the affected heated seat switch. Refer to
Diagnosis and Testing Heated Seat Systemin
Heated Systems for flashing LED diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. Refer toDiagnosis and Testing
Heated Seat Modulein this section for heated seat
module diagnosis and testing procedures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
MODULE
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toDiagnosis and Testing Heated Seat Systemin
Heated Seats for the location of flashing LED heated
seat system diagnosis and testing procedures. If a
heated seat heats but one or both indicator lamps on
the heated seat switch fail to operate, test the heated
seat switch. Refer toDiagnosis and Testing
Heated Seat Switchin Heated Seats for heated
seat switch diagnosis and testing procedures. If the
heated seat switch checks OK, proceed as follows.
(1) Check the heated seat element (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Fig. 3 Heated Seat Module
1 - MOUNTING TABS (NOT USED ON DR)
2 - HEATED SEAT MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
8E - 6 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

(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)