INSTALLATION
The following service procedure applies to vehicles
manufactured for sale in North America, which have
removable child seat tether anchor brackets that are
located on the inner liftgate opening header. Vehicles
manufactured for sale in Rest-Of-World (ROW) mar-
kets have child tether anchors that are integral to,
and are only serviced with the rear seat back panels.
(1) Position the child tether anchor bracket onto
the inner liftgate opening header (Fig. 12).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
child tether anchor bracket to the inner liftgate open-
ing header. Tighten the screw to 11.8 N´m (105 in.
lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the cover into the child tether anchor
bezel in the headliner near the liftgate opening
header.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two
screws to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing near the top of the steering column behind the
steering wheel (Fig. 13). The clockspring consists of a
flat, round molded plastic case with a stubby tail
that hangs below the steering column and contains
two connector receptacles that face toward the
instrument panel (Fig. 14). Within the plastic hous-ing is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large
exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has
a large center hole, two large flats, an index hole,
two short pigtail wires with connectors, and two con-
nector receptacles that face toward the steering
wheel.
The lower surface of the rotor hub has three pins,
two round and one oblong. These pins index the
clockspring to the turn signal cancel cam unit in the
multi-function switch mounting housing. Within the
plastic case and wound around the rotor spool is a
long ribbon-like tape that consists of several thin cop-
per wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic
membranes. The outer end of the tape terminates at
the connector receptacles that face the instrument
panel, while the inner end of the tape terminates at
the pigtail wires and connector receptacles on the
hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering
wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic locking pin
installed. The locking pin secures the centered clock-
spring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment
and handling, but must be removed from the clock-
spring after it and the multi-function switch mount-
ing housing are installed on the steering column.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
Fig. 13 Clockspring (Upper View)
1 - MOUNTING EAR (2)
2 - LOCKING PIN
3 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
4 - LABEL
5 - OBLONG PIN
6 - ALIGNMENT ARROWS
7 - CASE
8 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
Fig. 14 Clockspring (Lower View)
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - CASE
3 - OBLONG PIN
4 - ROUND PIN (2)
5 - LOWER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
6 - ROTOR
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSWJ
CHILD TETHER ANCHOR (Continued)
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model
the rotating electrical components include the driver
airbag, the horn switch, the speed control switches,
and the remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing on the upper steering column housing by two
screws. The two connector receptacles on the tail of
the fixed clockspring case connect the clockspring to
the vehicle electrical system through two take outs
with connectors from the instrument panel wire har-
ness. The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed
to the hub of the steering wheel by two large flats
that are molded into the rotor hub. The three pins
(two round and one oblong) on the lower surface of
the clockspring rotor hub engage and index the clock-
spring rotor to the turn signal cancel cam. The turn
signal cancel cam is integral to the multi-function
switch mounting housing and is keyed to the upper
steering column shaft. Two short, yellow-sleeved pig-
tail wires on the upper surface of the clockspring
rotor connect the clockspring to the driver airbag,
while a steering wheel wire harness connects the two
connector receptacles on the upper surface of the
clockspring rotor to the horn switch, the two speed
control switches, and the remote radio switches on
vehicles that are so equipped.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring must be centered when it is installed on
the steering column. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to the movable steering
components so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components and must be re-cen-
tered following completion of the service or the tape
may be damaged. Service replacement clocksprings
are shipped pre-centered and with a locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with a molded plastic lock-
ing pin installed. This locking pin should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the locking pin is removed
before the clockspring is installed on a steering col-
umn, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (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 DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with a locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (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 DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) While holding the centered clockspring rotor
and case stationary in relation to each other, care-
fully slide the clockspring down over the steering col-
umn upper shaft.
(2) Align and seat the three pins on the lower sur-
face of the clockspring rotor hub with the three holes
in the hub of the turn signal cancel cam (Fig. 17). It
should be noted that when the clockspring is prop-
erly centered the uppermost pin on the clockspring
rotor hub is the oblong pin, and it will only fit in the
oblong hole in the hub of the turn signal cancel cam.
Fig. 16 Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install
1 - UPPER TILTING COLUMN SHROUD
2 - FIXED COLUMN SHROUD
3 - LOWER TILTING COLUMN SHROUD
4 - SCREW
Fig. 17 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - OBLONG HOLE
2 - TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM
3 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH MOUNTING HOUSING
4 - RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
5 - SCREW (2)
6 - OBLONG PIN
7 - CLOCKSPRING
8 - LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 17
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electri-
cal signals generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the driver airbag squib 1 and squib 2
circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By
using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at
multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled
by the ACM to suit the monitored impact conditions
by providing one of four delay intervals between the
electrical signals provided to the two initiators. The
longer the delay between these signals, the less force-
fully the airbag will deploy. When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signals to each initiator, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic charge which, in turn ignites chemical
pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, these chem-
ical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity
of nitrogen gas. The inflator is sealed to the back of
the airbag housing and a diffuser in the inflator
directs all of the nitrogen gas into the airbag cush-
ion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion
inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at pre-
determined breakout lines, then fold back out of the
way along with the horn switch and tray unit. Fol-
lowing an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting the nitrogen gas towards
the instrument panel through vent holes within the
fabric used to construct the back (steering wheel
side) panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the nitrogen
gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, both ini-
tiators are used and all potentially hazardous chem-
icals are burned during an airbag deployment event.
However, it is possible for only one initiator to be
used during a deployment due to an airbag system
fault; therefore, it is necessary to always confirm
that both initiators have been used in order to avoid
the improper disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic
or hazardous materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SER-
VICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT). The nitrogen gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, a small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with
plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are
irritated, move to another area where there is plenty
of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not
alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the driver 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: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (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 DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 19).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing.
(4) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector for the horn switch from the horn switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 19
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
SPEED CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST.....2
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - SPEED CONTROL.............3
CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4.0L.......................3
REMOVAL - 4.7L.......................3
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4.0L...................4
INSTALLATION - 4.7L...................4
SERVO
DESCRIPTION..........................5OPERATION............................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
RESERVOIR..........................8
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The speed control system is electronically con-
trolled and vacuum operated. Electronic control of
the speed control system is integrated into the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM). The controls consist
of two steering wheel mounted switches. The
switches are labeled: ON/OFF, RES/ACCEL, SET,
COAST, and CANCEL.
The system is designed to operate at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT
RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO
NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED,
SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT
ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIP-
PERY.
OPERATION
When speed control is selected by depressing the
ON switch, the PCM allows a set speed to be stored
in PCM RAM for speed control. To store a set speed,
depress the SET switch while the vehicle is moving
at a speed between 35 and 85 mph. In order for the
speed control to engage, the brakes cannot be
applied, nor can the gear selector be indicating the
transmission is in Park or Neutral.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
²Stepping on the brake pedal
²Depressing the OFF switch
²Depressing the CANCEL switch.
²Depressing the clutch pedal (if equipped).
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch or turning off the
ignition switch will erase the set speed stored in
the PCM.
For added safety, the speed control system is pro-
grammed to disengage for any of the following condi-
tions:
²An indication of Park or Neutral
²A rapid increase rpm (indicates that the clutch
has been disengaged)
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
²The speed signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the coefficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
WJSPEED CONTROL 8P - 1
²The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)
Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the RES/ACCEL switch (when speed is
greater than 30 mph) restores the vehicle to the tar-
get speed that was stored in the PCM.
While the speed control is engaged, the driver can
increase the vehicle speed by depressing the RES/AC-
CEL switch. The new target speed is stored in the
PCM when the RES/ACCEL is released. The PCM
also has a9tap-up9feature in which vehicle speed
increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for each
momentary switch activation of the RES/ACCEL
switch.
A ªtap downº feature is used to decelerate without
disengaging the speed control system. To decelerate
from an existing recorded target speed, momentarily
depress the COAST switch. For each switch activa-
tion, speed will be lowered approximately 1 mph.
OVERSHOOT/UNDERSHOOT
If the vehicle operator repeatedly presses and
releases the SET button with their foot off of the
accelerator (referred to as a ªlift foot setº), the vehicle
may accelerate and exceed the desired set speed by
up to 5 mph (8 km/h). It may also decelerate to less
than the desired set speed, before finally achieving
the desired set speed.
The Speed Control System has an adaptive strat-
egy that compensates for vehicle-to-vehicle variations
in speed control cable lengths. When the speed con-
trol is set with the vehicle operators foot off of the
accelerator pedal, the speed control thinks there is
excessive speed control cable slack and adapts
accordingly. If the ªlift foot setsº are continually used,
a speed control overshoot/undershoot condition will
develop.
To ªunlearnº the overshoot/undershoot condition,
the vehicle operator has to press and release the set
button while maintaining the desired set speed using
the accelerator pedal (not decelerating or accelerat-
ing), and then turning the cruise control switch to
the OFF position (or press the CANCEL button if
equipped) after waiting 10 seconds. This procedure
must be performed approximately 10±15 times to
completely unlearn the overshoot/undershoot condi-
tion.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 Group 8J,
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. Corrosion should be removed from
electrical terminals and a light coating of Mopar
MultiPurpose Grease, or equivalent, applied.
²Leaking vacuum reservoir.
²Loose or leaking vacuum hoses or connections.
²Defective one-way vacuum check valve.
²Secure attachment of both ends of the speed con-
trol servo cable.
²Smooth operation of throttle linkage and throttle
body air valve.
²Failed speed control servo. 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.
8P - 2 SPEED CONTROLWJ
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)
CONTROL/CENTRAL TIMER MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
²Combination Flasher (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/COMBINA-
TION FLASHER - DESCRIPTION).
²Door Ajar Switch (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR/DOOR AJAR
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION - DOOR AJAR SWITCH).
²Driver Cylinder Lock Switch (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER LOCKS/DOOR CYLINDER LOCK/
UNLOCK SWITCH - DESCRIPTION).
²Hood Ajar Switch(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VE-
HICLE THEFT SECURITY/HOOD AJAR SWITCH -
DESCRIPTION).
²Horn Relay (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HORN/
HORN RELAY - DESCRIPTION).
²Liftgate Ajar Switch (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR/DOOR AJAR
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION - LIFTGATE AJAR
SWITCH).
²Liftgate Flip-Up Glass Ajar Switch(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR/
DOOR AJAR SWITCH - DESCRIPTION - LIFTGATE
FLIP-UP GLASS AJAR SWITCH).
²Low Beam Headlamp Relay
²VTSS Indicator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VE-
HICLE THEFT SECURITY/VTSS INDICATOR -
DESCRIPTION).
Certain functions and features of the VTSS rely
upon resources shared with or controlled by other
modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus network. The
other modules that may affect VTSS operation are:
²Driver Door Module (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DOOR MOD-
ULE - DESCRIPTION).
²Passenger Door Module (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DOOR
MODULE - DESCRIPTION).
DESCRIPTION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
Vehicles equipped with the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System (SKIS) can be identified by the presence of
an amber SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster
that will illuminate for about three seconds each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On position,
or by a gray molded rubber cap on the head of the
ignition key. Models not equipped with SKIS still
have a SKIS indicator in the cluster, but it will not
illuminate. Also, models not equipped with the SKIS
have a black molded rubber cap on the head of the
ignition key.
The SKIS includes the following major components,
which are described in further detail elsewhere in
this service manual:²Powertrain Control Module
²Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
²Sentry Key Transponder
²SKIS Indicator
Except for the Sentry Key transponders, which rely
upon Radio Frequency (RF) communication, hard
wired circuitry connects the SKIS components to the
electrical system of the vehicle.Refer to the appropri-
ate wiring information.
OPERATION
OPERATION - VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
SYSTEM
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is
divided into two basic subsystems: Vehicle Theft
Alarm (VTA) and Sentry Key Immobilizer System
(SKIS). The following are paragraphs that briefly
describe the operation of each of those two sub-
systems.
A Body Control Module (BCM) is used to control
and integrate many of the functions and features
included in the Vehicle Theft Security System
(VTSS). In the VTSS, the BCM receives inputs indi-
cating the status of the door ajar switches, the driver
cylinder lock switch, the ignition switch, the liftgate
ajar switches, the liftgate flip-up glass ajar switch,
the power lock switches and, in vehicles so equipped,
the hood ajar switch. The programming in the BCM
allows it to process the information from all of these
inputs and send control outputs to energize or de-en-
ergize the combination flasher, the horn relay (except
vehicles with the premium version of the VTA), and
the VTSS indicator. In addition, in vehicles built for
certain markets where premium versions of the VTA
is required, the BCM also exchanges messages with
the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
buss network to provide the features found in this
version of the VTA. The control of these inputs and
outputs are what constitute all of the features of the
VTSS. Following is information on the operation of
each of the VTSS features.
ENABLING
The BCM must have the VTSS function enabled in
order for the VTSS to perform as designed. The logic
in the BCM keeps its VTSS function dormant until it
is enabled using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
PRE-ARMING
The VTA has a pre-arming sequence. Pre-arming
occurs when a door, the tailgate, or the flip-up glass
is open when the vehicle is locked using a power lock
8Q - 2 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
tion feature of the ITM can be disabled by depressing
the ªLockº button on the RKE transmitter three
times or cycling the key in the driver door cylinder
from the center to lock position within fifteen seconds
during VTA arming, while the security indicator is
still flashing rapidly. The VTA provides a single short
siren ªchirpº as an audible conformation that the
motion detect disable request has been received. The
ITM must be electronically enabled in order for the
intrusion alarm to perform as designed. The intru-
sion alarm function of the ITM is enabled on vehicles
equipped with this option at the factory, but a service
replacement ITM must be configured and enabled by
the dealer using the DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is
designed to provide passive protection against unau-
thorized vehicle use by disabling the engine after
about two seconds of running, whenever any method
other than a valid Sentry Key is used to start the
vehicle. The SKIS is considered a passive protection
system because it is always active when the ignition
system is energized and does not require any cus-
tomer intervention. The SKIS uses Radio Frequency
(RF) communication to obtain confirmation that the
key in the ignition switch is a valid key for operating
the vehicle. The microprocessor-based SKIS hard-
ware and software also uses messages to communi-
cate with other modules in the vehicle over the
Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERA-
TION).
Pre-programmed Sentry Key transponders are pro-
vided with the vehicle from the factory. Each Sentry
Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) will recognize a
maximum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer
would like additional keys other than those provided
with the vehicle, they may be purchased from any
authorized dealer. These additional keys must be pro-
grammed to the SKIM in the vehicle in order for the
system to recognize them as valid keys. This can be
done by the dealer using a DRBIIItscan tool or, if
Customer Learn programming is an available SKIS
feature in the market where the vehicle was pur-
chased, the customer can program the additional
keys, as long as at least two valid Sentry Keys are
already available. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHI-
CLE THEFT SECURITY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING).
The SKIS performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, and will
store fault information in the form of DiagnosticTrouble Codes (DTC's) if a system malfunction is
detected. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY SYSTEM
The VTSS-related hard wired inputs to and out-
puts from the Body Control Module (BCM), the
Driver Door Module (DDM), or the Passenger Door
Module (PDM) may be diagnosed and tested using
conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer
to the appropriate wiring information.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the BCM, the
DDM, the PDM, or the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus network. In order to
obtain conclusive testing of the VTSS, the BCM, the
DDM, the PDM, and the PCI data bus network must
also be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the VTSS requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool and the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
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.
8Q - 4 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)