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)
switch, or when the ªLockº button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is depressed. The
powerlock switch will not initiate the pre-arming
sequence if the key is in the ignition switch. When
the VTA is pre-armed, the arming sequence is
delayed until all of the doors, the tailgate and the
flip-up glass are closed.
ARMING
Passive arming of the VTSS occurs when the vehi-
cle is exited with the key removed from the ignition
switch, the headlamps are turned off, and the doors
are locked while they are open using the power lock
switch. The power lock switch will not function if the
key is in the ignition switch or the headlamps are
turned on with the driver side front door open. The
VTSS will not arm if the driver side front door is
locked using the key in the lock cylinder or using the
mechanical lock button. Active arming of the VTSS
occurs when the ªLockº button on the Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) transmitter is depressed to lock the
vehicle, even if the doors and/or the liftgate are open
when the RKE transmitter Lock button is depressed.
However, the VTSS arming will not be complete until
all of the doors, the liftgate and the liftgate flip-up
glass are closed. On vehicles equipped with the hood
ajar switch, VTSS arming will complete if the hood is
open, but the underhood area will not be protected
unless the hood is closed when the VTSS is armed.
Following successful passive or active VTSS arm-
ing, the VTSS indicator on the top of the instrument
panel will flash rapidly for about sixteen seconds
after the illuminated entry system times out. This
indicates that VTSS arming is in progress. Once the
sixteen second arming function is successfully com-
pleted, the indicator will flash at a slower rate, indi-
cating that the VTSS is armed.
DISARMING
Passive disarming of the VTSS occurs when the
vehicle is unlocked using the key to unlock the driver
side front door. Active disarming of the VTSS occurs
when the vehicle is unlocked by depressing the
ªUnlockº button of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. Once the alarm has been activated,
either disarming method will also deactivate the
alarm. Depressing the ªPanicº button on the RKE
transmitter will also disarm the VTSS, but the horn
will continue to pulse and the exterior lamps will
continue to flash for about three minutes as part of
the Panic feature function. The Panic feature is over-
ridden if the ªPanicº button is depressed a second
time, or if a vehicle speed of about 24 kilometers-per-
hour (15 miles-per-hour) is attained.POWER-UP MODE
When the armed VTSS senses that the battery has
been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its pow-
er-up mode. In the power-up mode the alarm system
remains armed following a battery failure or discon-
nect. If the VTSS was armed prior to a battery dis-
connect or failure, the technician or vehicle operator
will have to actively or passively disarm the alarm
system after the battery is reconnected. The pow-
er-up mode will also apply if the battery goes dead
while the system is armed, and battery jump-starting
is then attempted. The VTSS will be armed until it is
actively or passively disarmed. If the VTSS is in the
disarmed mode prior to a battery disconnect or fail-
ure, it will remain disarmed after the battery is
reconnected or replaced, or if jump-starting is
attempted.
ALARM
The VTA alarm output varies by the version of the
VTA with which the vehicle is equipped. In all cases,
the alarm provides both visual and audible outputs;
however, the time intervals of these outputs vary by
the requirements of the market for which the vehicle
is manufactured. In all cases, the visual output will
be a flashing of the exterior lamps. For vehicles
equipped with North American or the base version of
the VTA, the audible output will be the pulsing of the
horn. For vehicles with the premium version of the
VTA, the audible output will be the cycling of the
siren. The inputs that will trigger the alarm include
the door ajar switch, the flip-up glass ajar switch,
and in vehicles built for certain markets where they
are required, the hood ajar switch and the Intrusion
Transceiver Module (ITM).
TAMPER ALERT
The VTSS tamper alert feature will sound the horn
(or the alarm siren for the premium version) three
times upon VTA disarming, if the alarm was trig-
gered and has since timed-out (about eighteen min-
utes). This feature alerts the vehicle operator that
the VTA alarm was activated while the vehicle was
unattended.
INTRUSION ALARM
The Intrusion Alarm is an exclusive feature of the
premium version of the VTA, which is only available
in certain markets, where it is required. When the
VTA is armed, a motion sensor in the Intrusion
Transceiver Module (ITM) monitors the interior of
the vehicle for movement. If motion is detected, the
ITM sends a message to the BCM over the PCI bus
to invoke the visual alarm feature, and sends a mes-
sage to the alarm siren over a dedicated serial bus to
invoke the audible alarm feature. The motion detec-
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 3
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)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
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.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SKIS INDICATOR FAILS TO
LIGHT DURING BULB TEST1. Bulb faulty. 1. Perform the instrument cluster actuator test.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
ACTUATOR TEST). Replace the faulty bulb, if
required.
2. Fuse faulty. 2. Check the SKIM fused B(+) fuse and the fused
ignition switch output (st-run) fuse in the JB.
Replace fuses, if required.
3. Ground path faulty. 3. Check for continuity to ground at the connector
for the SKIM. Repair wiring, if required.
4. Battery feed faulty. 4. Check for battery current at the connector for
the SKIM. Repair wiring, if required.
5. Ignition feed faulty. 5. Check for battery current at the connector for
the SKIM with the ignition switch in the On
position. Repair wiring, if required.
SKIS INDICATOR FLASHES
FOLLOWING BULB TEST1. Invalid key in ignition
switch lock cylinder.1. Replace the key with a known valid key.
2. Key-related fault. 2. Use a DRBIIITscan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information for further diagnosis.
SKIS INDICATOR LIGHTS
SOLID FOLLOWING BULB
TEST1. SKIS system malfunction/
fault detected.1. Use a DRBIIITscan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information for further diagnosis.
2. SKIS system inoperative. 2. Use a DRBIIITscan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information for further diagnosis.
SKIS INDICATOR FAILS TO LIGHT DURING BULB TEST
If the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) indi-
cator in the instrument cluster fails to illuminate for
about three seconds after the ignition switch is
turned to the On position (bulb test), perform the
instrument cluster actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - ACTUATOR TEST). If the bulb
fails to operate during the actuator test, replace the
bulb. If the SKIS indicator still fails to light during
the bulb test, a wiring problem resulting in the loss
of battery current or ground to the Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer Module (SKIM) should be suspected, and thefollowing procedure should be used for diagnosis.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
NOTE: The following tests may not prove conclu-
sive in the diagnosis of this system. The most reli-
able, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the
Sentry Key Immobilizer System requires the use of
a DRBIIITscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the Junction
Block (JB). If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the
shorted circuit or component and replace the faulty
fuse.
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 5
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open B(+) circuit between the JB fuse and the Power
Distribution Center (PDC).
(3) Check the fused ignition switch output (st-run)
fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the shorted circuit or component and replace the
faulty fuse.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (st-run) fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If
not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output
(st-run) circuit between the JB fuse and the ignition
switch as required.
(5) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM) from the SKIM connector. Check for continu-
ity between the ground circuit of the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the SKIM and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
SKIM. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open
fused B(+) circuit between the SKIM and the JB
fuse.
(7) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (st-run) circuit of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the SKIM. If OK, refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information and use a
DRBIIItscan tool to complete the diagnosis of the
SKIS. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (st-run) circuit between the SKIM and
the JB fuse.
SKIS INDICATOR FLASHES OR LIGHTS SOLID FOLLOWING
BULB TEST
A SKIS indicator that flashes following a successful
bulb test indicates that an invalid key has been
detected, or that a key-related fault has been set. A
SKIS indicator that lights solid following a successful
bulb test indicates that the SKIM has detected a sys-
tem malfunction or that the SKIS is inoperative. In
either case, fault information will be stored in the
SKIM memory. For retrieval of this fault information
and further diagnosis of the SKIS, the PCI data bus,
the SKIM message outputs to the instrument cluster,
the SKIM message outputs to the Body Control Mod-
ule (BCM), or the message inputs and outputs
between the SKIM and the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM), a DRBIIItscan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information are required. Following are
preliminary troubleshooting guidelines to be followed
during diagnosis using a DRBIIItscan tool:(1) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, read and record
the faults as they exist in the SKIM when you first
begin your diagnosis of the vehicle. It is important to
document these faults because the SKIM does not
differentiate between historical and active faults. If
this problem turns out to be an intermittent condi-
tion, this information may become invaluable to your
diagnosis.
(2) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, erase all of the
faults from the SKIM.
(3) Cycle the ignition switch to the Off position,
then back to the On position.
(4) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, read any faults
that are now present in the SKIM. These are the
active faults.
(5) Using this active fault information, refer to the
proper procedure in the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation for the additional specific diagnostic steps.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SKIS
INITIALIZATION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) must
be initialized following a Sentry Key Immobilizer
Module (SKIM) replacement. SKIS initialization
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Initialization
will also require that you have access to the unique
four-digit PIN code that was assigned to the original
SKIM. The PIN codemustbe used to enter the
Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. This PIN number
may be obtained from the vehicle owner, from the
original vehicle invoice, or from the DaimlerChrysler
Customer Center. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - PCM/SKIM PROGRAMMING).
NOTE: If a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is
replaced on a vehicle equipped with the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS), the unique Secret Key
data must be transferred from the Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM) to the new PCM using
the PCM replacement procedure. This procedure
also requires the use of a DRBIIITscan tool and the
unique four-digit PIN code to enter the Secured
Access Mode in the SKIM. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information for the proper PCM replace-
ment procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SENTRY KEY
TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING
All Sentry Keys included with the vehicle are pre-
programmed to work with the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer System (SKIS) when it is shipped from the
8Q - 6 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
factory. The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)
can be programmed to recognize up to a total of eight
Sentry Keys. When programming a blank Sentry Key
transponder, the key must first be cut to match the
ignition switch lock cylinde for which it will be used.
Once the additional key has been cut, the SKIM
must be programmed to recognize it as a valid key.
There are two possible methods to program the
SKIM to recognize a new or additional valid key, the
Secured Access Method and the Customer Learn
Method. Following are the details of these two pro-
gramming methods.
SECURED ACCESS METHOD
The Secured Access method applies to all vehicles.
This method requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool.
This method will also require that you have access to
the unique four-digit PIN code that was assigned to
the original SKIM. The PIN codemustbe used to
enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. This
PIN number may be obtained from the vehicle owner,
from the original vehicle invoice, or from the
DaimlerChrysler Customer Center. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information for the proper
Secured Access method programming procedures.
CUSTOMER LEARN METHOD
The Customer Learn feature is only available on
domestic vehicles, or those vehicles which have a
U.S. country code designator. This programming
method also requires access to at least two valid Sen-
try Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not available,
or if the vehicle does not have a U.S. country code
designator, the Secured Access Methodmustbe used
to program new or additional valid keys to the SKIM.
The Customer Learn programming method proce-
dures are as follows:
(1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that are to be
programmed as valid keys for the vehicle. Cut the
blank key(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylin-
der mechanical key codes.
(2) Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the
ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the
On position.
(3) After the ignition switch has been in the On
position for longer than three seconds, but no more
than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to
the Off position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in
the ignition switch lock cylinder with the second
valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to
the On position. The second valid Sentry Key must
be inserted in the lock cylinder within fifteen seconds
of removing the first valid key.
(4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step
3, the SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster will
start to flash and a single audible chime tone willsound to indicate that the system has entered the
Customer Learn programming mode.
(5) Within sixty seconds of entering the Customer
Learn programming mode, turn the ignition switch to
the Off position, replace the valid Sentry Key with a
blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition
switch back to the On position.
(6) About ten seconds after the completion of Step
5, a single audible chime tone will sound and the
SKIS indicator will stop flashing, stay on solid for
three seconds, then turn off to indicate that the
blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed.
The SKIS will immediately exit the Customer Learn
programming mode and the vehicle may now be
started using the newly programmed valid Sentry
Key.
Each of these steps must be repeated and com-
pleted in their entirety for each additional Sentry
Key that is to be programmed. If the above steps are
not completed in the given sequence, or within the
allotted time, the SKIS will exit the Customer Learn
programming mode and the programming will be
unsuccessful. The SKIS will also automatically exit
the Customer Learn programming mode if it sees a
non-blank Sentry Key transponder when it should
see a blank, if it has already programmed eight (8)
valid Sentry Keys, or if the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position for more than about fifty seconds.
NOTE: If an attempt is made to start the vehicle
while in the Customer Learn mode (SKIS indicator
flashing), the SKIS will respond as though the vehi-
cle were being started with an invalid key. In other
words, the engine will stall after about two seconds
of operation. No faults will be set.
NOTE: Once a Sentry Key has been programmed as
a valid key to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed
as a valid key for use on any other vehicle.
DOOR CYLINDER LOCK
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles manufactured for North American mar-
kets that are equipped with the optional Vehicle
Theft Security System (VTSS) have a door cylinder
lock switch secured to the back of the key lock cylin-
der inside the drivers front door (Fig. 1). The door
cylinder lock switch is a resistor multiplexed momen-
tary switch that is hard wired in series between the
door lock switch ground and right or left cylinder
lock switch mux circuits of the Drivers Door Module
(DDM) through the front door wire harness. The door
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 7
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
message inputs to and outputs from the alarm siren
module requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the alarm siren module wiring har-
ness connector. (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove the screws that secure the alarm siren
module to the left frame rail.
(4) Remove the alarm siren module.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the alarm siren module on to the left
frame rail. (Fig. 9).
(2) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
alarm siren moduleto the frame rail. Tighten the
screws to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the alarm siren module wiring har-
ness connector.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
NOTE: If the alarm siren module has been replaced
with a new unit, the new unit MUST be configured
in the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) before the
Vehicle Theft Security System can operate as
designed. The use of a DRBIIITscan tool is requiredto configure the alarm siren module settings in the
ITM. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
SKIS INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION
A Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) indicator
lamp is standard equipment on all instrument clus-
ters, but is only functional on vehicles equipped with
the optional SKIS. The amber SKIS indicator lamp is
located to the right of the oil pressure gauge.
OPERATION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) indica-
tor lamp gives an indication to the vehicle operator of
the status of the SKIS. This lamp is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon messages received by the cluster from
the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) over the
Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The SKIS indicator lamp bulb receives battery
current on the instrument cluster circuit board
through the fused ignition switch output (st-run) cir-
cuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On or
Start positions. The lamp bulb only illuminates when
it is provided a path to ground by the instrument
cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn
on the SKIS indicator lamp for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, the SKIM tells the cluster
to illuminate the lamp for about three seconds.
²SKIS Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a SKIS lamp-on message from the SKIM,
the lamp will be illuminated. The lamp can be
flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dictated
by the message from the SKIM. For more informa-
tion on the SKIS and the SKIS lamp control param-
eters, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY - OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMO-
BILIZER SYSTEM). The lamp remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a lamp-off message from
the SKIM or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the lamp will be turned on
for the duration of the test to confirm the functional-
ity of the lamp and the cluster.
The SKIM performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position to decide
whether the system is in good operating condition.
The SKIM then sends a message to the instrument
cluster. If the SKIS indicator lamp fails to light dur-
ing the bulb test, replace the bulb. For further diag-
nosis of the SKIS indicator lamp or the instrument
Fig. 9 Siren Remove/Install
1 - SIREN
2 - FRAME
8Q - 14 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
SIREN (Continued)
cluster circuitry that controls the lamp, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns
on the SKIS indicator lamp after the bulb test, either
solid or flashing, it indicates that a SKIS malfunction
has occurred or that the SKIS is inoperative. For
proper diagnosis of the SKIS, the PCI data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the SKIS indicator lamp, a DRBIIItscan tool
and the appropriate diagnostic information are
required.
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION
Each ignition key used in the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer System (SKIS) has an integral transponder chip
(Fig. 10). Ignition keys with this feature can be
readily identified by a gray rubber cap molded onto
the head of the key, while conventional ignition keys
have a black molded rubber cap. The transponder
chip is concealed beneath the molded rubber cap,
where it is molded into the head of the metal key.
Each new Sentry Key has a unique transponder iden-
tification code permanently programmed into it by
the manufacturer. The Sentry Key transponder if
faulty or damaged, must be replaced.
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is turned to the On posi-
tion, the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)communicates through its antenna with the Sentry
Key transponder using a Radio Frequency (RF) sig-
nal. The SKIM then waits for a RF response from the
transponder through the same antenna. The Sentry
Key transponder chip is within the range of the
SKIM transceiver antenna ring when it is inserted
into the ignition lock cylinder. The SKIM determines
whether a valid key is present in the ignition lock
cylinder based upon the response from the transpon-
der. If a valid key is detected, that fact is communi-
cated by the SKIM to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus, and the PCM allows the
engine to continue running. If the PCM receives an
invalid key message, or receives no message from the
SKIM over the PCI data bus, the engine will be dis-
abled after about two seconds of operation. The Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) will also
respond to the invalid key message on the PCI data
bus by flashing the SKIS indicator on and off.
Each Sentry Key has a unique transponder identi-
fication code permanently programmed into it by the
manufacturer. Likewise, the SKIM has a unique
Secret Key code programmed into it by the manufac-
turer. When a Sentry Key is programmed into the
memory of the SKIM, the SKIM stores the transpon-
der identification code from the Sentry Key, and the
Sentry Key learns the Secret Key code from the
SKIM. Once the Sentry Key learns the Secret Key
code of the SKIM, it is permanently stored in the
memory of the transponder. Therefore, once a Sentry
Key has been programmed to a particular vehicle, it
cannot be used on any other vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER PRO-
GRAMMING).
VTSS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indica-
tor consists of a red Light-Emitting Diode that is
mounted and integral to the automatic headlamp
light sensor photo diode unit, which is located on the
top of the instrument panel. The remainder of the
housing including the mount and the electrical con-
nection are concealed beneath the instrument panel
top cover.
The VTSS indicator cannot be adjusted or repaired
the entire automatic headlamp light sensor/VTSS
indicator must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/AUTO HEAD-
LAMP SENSOR - REMOVAL).
Fig. 10 Sentry Key Immobilizer Transponder
1 - MOLDED CAP
2 - TRANSPONDER CHIP
3 - MOLDED CAP REMOVED
4 - TRANSPONDER KEY
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 15
SKIS INDICATOR LAMP (Continued)