The ACM housing also has an integral ground lug
with a tapped hole that protrudes from the lower left
rear corner of the unit. This lug provides a case
ground to the ACM when a ground screw is installed
through the left side of the mounting bracket. Two
molded plastic electrical connector receptacles exit
the right side of the ACM housing. The smaller of the
two receptacles contains twelve terminal pins, while
the larger one contains twenty-three. These terminal
pins connect the ACM to the vehicle electrical system
through two dedicated take outs and connectors of
the instrument panel wire harness.
A molded rubber protective cover is installed
loosely over the ACM to protect the unit from con-
densation or coolant leaking from a damaged or
faulty heater-air conditioner unit housing. An inte-
gral flange on the left side of the cover is secured to
the floor panel transmission tunnel with a short
piece of double-faced tape as an assembly aid during
the manufacturing process, but this tape does not
require replacement following service removal.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to
the ACM are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and
are only serviced as a unit with the ACM. The ACM
cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced. The ACM cover is avail-
able for separate service replacement.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the front supplemental restraint sys-
tem logic circuits and controls all of the front supple-
mental restraint system components. The ACM uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as with the DRBIIItscan tool using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. This method of communication is used for
control of the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and for supplemental
restraint system diagnosis and testing through the
16-way data link connector located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG
INDICATOR - OPERATION).
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the front supplemental restraint system electrical
circuits to determine the system readiness. If the
ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets an
active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and
sends electronic messages to the EMIC over the PCI
data bus to turn on the airbag indicator. An active
fault only remains for the duration of the fault or in
some cases the duration of the current ignition
switch cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be
stored in memory by the ACM. For some DTCs, if afault does not recur for a number of ignition cycles,
the ACM will automatically erase the stored DTC.
For other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched
forever.
On models equipped with optional side curtain air-
bags, the ACM communicates with both the left and
right Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM)
over the PCI data bus. The SIACM notifies the ACM
when it has detected a monitored system fault and
stored a DTC in memory for its respective side cur-
tain airbag system, and the ACM sets a DTC and
controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The ACM also monitors a Hall effect-type seat belt
switch located in the buckle of each front seat belt to
determine whether the seatbelts are buckled, and
provides an input to the EMIC over the PCI data bus
to control the seatbelt indicator operation based upon
the status of the driver side front seat belt switch.
The ACM receives battery current through two cir-
cuits; a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
through a fuse in the Junction Block (JB), and a
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
through a second fuse in the JB. The ACM has a case
ground through a lug on the bottom of the ACM
housing that is secured with a ground screw to the
left side of the ACM mounting bracket. The ACM
also receives a power ground through a ground cir-
cuit and take out of the instrument panel wire har-
ness. This take out has a single eyelet terminal
connector that is secured by a second ground screw
to the left side of the ACM mounting bracket. These
connections allow the ACM to be operational when-
ever the ignition switch is in the Start or On posi-
tions. The ACM also contains an energy-storage
capacitor. When the ignition switch is in the Start or
On positions, this capacitor is continually being
charged with enough electrical energy to deploy the
airbags for up to one second following a battery dis-
connect or failure. The purpose of the capacitor is to
provide backup supplemental restraint system pro-
tection in case there is a loss of battery current sup-
ply to the ACM during an impact.
Two sensors are contained within the ACM, an
electronic impact sensor and a safing sensor. The
ACM also monitors inputs from two remote front
impact sensors located on the back of the right and
left vertical members of the radiator support near
the front of the vehicle. The electronic impact sensors
are accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle
deceleration, which provides verification of the direc-
tion and severity of an impact. The safing sensor is
an electromechanical sensor within the ACM that
provides an additional logic input to the ACM micro-
processor. The safing sensor is a normally open
switch that is used to verify the need for an airbag
deployment by detecting impact energy of a lesser
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSKJ
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
in parallel with the IC where the two pigtail wire
leads connect to the IC pins.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire seat belt buckle-
half unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The seat belt switches are designed to provide a
status signal to the seat belt switch sense inputs of
the Airbag Control Module (ACM) indicating whether
the front seat belts are fastened. The ACM uses the
seat belt switch inputs as a factor in determining
what level of force with which it should deploy the
multistage driver and passenger airbags. In addition,
the ACM sends electronic messages to the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) to control the
seat belt indicator based upon the status of the
driver side front seat belt switch. A spring-loaded
plastic slide with a small, enclosed permanent mag-
net is integral to the buckle latch mechanism. When
a seat belt tip-half is inserted and latched into the
seat belt buckle, the slide is pushed downward and
into close proximity of the Hall Effect Integrated Cir-
cuit (IC) chip within the buckle, which induces a cur-
rent within the chip. The chip provides this induced
current as an output to the ACM, which monitors the
current to determine the status of the front seat
belts. When the seat belt is unbuckled, the spring-
loaded slide and permanent magnet move upward
and away from the IC, causing the output current
from the seat belt switch to be reduced.
The seat belt switch receives a supply current from
the ACM, and the ACM senses the status of the front
seat belts through its pigtail wire connection to the
seat wire harness. The ACM also monitors the condi-
tion of the seat belt switch circuits through circuit
resistance created by the diagnostic resistor. The
ACM will illuminate the airbag indicator in the
EMIC and store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for
any fault that is detected in either seat belt switch
circuit. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt switches,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
A driver side seat belt tensioner supplements the
driver airbag system for all versions of this model
(Fig. 34). The seat belt tensioner is integral to the
driver side front seat belt and retractor unit, which is
secured to the B-pillar on the left side of the vehicle.
The retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists prima-
rily of a molded plastic tensioner housing, a tubularmetal piston housing, a piston, a short rack gear, a
set of pinion gears, a pyrotechnically activated gas
generator, and a short pigtail wire. All of these com-
ponents are located on one side of the retractor spool
on the outside of the retractor housing. The seat belt
tensioner is controlled by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) and is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a dedicated take out of the body wire
harness by a keyed and latching molded plastic con-
nector insulator to ensure a secure connection.
The seat belt tensioner cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire driver side front seat
belt and retractor unit must be replaced. The seat
belt tensioner is not intended for reuse and must be
replaced following a deployment. A locked retractor
that will not allow the seat belt webbing to be
retracted or extracted is a sure indication that the
seat belt tensioner has been deployed and requires
replacement. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR -
REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioner is deployed by a signal gen-
erated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM) through
the driver seat belt tensioner line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits. When the ACM sends the proper elec-
trical signal to the tensioner, the electrical energy
generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic
gas generator. The gas generator is installed in one
end of the tubular metal piston housing, which con-
tains a piston and a small rack gear. As the gas
expands, it pushes the piston and the rack gear
Fig. 34 Seat Belt Tensioner
1 - RETRACTOR
2 - TENSIONER HOUSING
3 - PISTON HOUSING
4 - PIGTAIL WIRE
5 - GAS GENERATOR
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSKJ
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)
through the tube. The rack gear engages a pinion
gear that drives a gear set in the tensioner housing,
which drives the seat belt retractor spool causing the
slack to be removed from the driver side front seat
belt. Removing excess slack from the driver side front
seat belt not only keeps the occupant properly posi-
tioned for an airbag deployment following a frontal
impact of the vehicle, but also helps to reduce inju-
ries that the occupant of the driver side front seat
might experience in these situations as a result of a
harmful contact with the steering wheel and/or steer-
ing column. Also, the seat belt tensioner has a tor-
sion bar mechanism that is designed to deform in
order to control the loading being applied to the occu-
pant of the driver side front seat by the seat belt dur-
ing a frontal impact, further reducing the potential
for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioner through circuit resistance, and will illumi-
nate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is detected.
For proper diagnosis of the seat belt tensioner, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
ADJUSTER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER 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: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELTTHAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Unsnap and lift the trim cover to access the
nut that secures the front seat belt turning loop to
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar.
(3) Remove the nut that secures the seat belt turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster stud on the upper
B-pillar.
(4) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster stud.
(5) Remove the upper trim from the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop adjuster to the upper B-pillar (Fig. 35).
(7) Pull the upper end of the turning loop adjuster
away from the B-pillar far enough to disengage the
hooks on the lower end of the adjuster from the slots
in the B-pillar.
(8) Remove the seat belt turning loop adjuster
from the B-pillar.
Fig. 35 Seat Belt Turning Loop Adjuster Remove/
Install
1 - SCREW
2 - B-PILLAR
3 - ADJUSTER
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
SEAT BELT TENSIONER (Continued)
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 testshould 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Servo Mounting Bracket-to-Servo Nuts 9 - 75
Servo Mounting Bracket-to-Body Bolts 12 - 105
Speed Control Switch Mounting Screws 1.5 - 14
Vacuum Reservoir Mounting Screws 3 - 20
8P - 2 SPEED CONTROLKJ
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)
²Combination Flasher- An electronic combina-
tion flasher is integral to the hazard switch located
in the center of the instrument panel above the
radio. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR/COMBINATION FLASHER -
DESCRIPTION).
²Door Ajar Switch- A door ajar switch is inte-
gral to the latch of each door in the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR/
DOOR AJAR SWITCH - DESCRIPTION).
²Door Cylinder Lock Switch- For North
American vehicles only, a door cylinder lock switch is
located on the back of the lock cylinder of each front
door. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY/DOOR CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH -
DESCRIPTION).
²Flip-Up Glass Ajar Switch- A flip-up glass
ajar switch is integral to the rear flip-up glass latch,
located on the top of the tailgate near the center.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
INTERIOR/FLIP-UP GLASS AJAR SWITCH -
DESCRIPTION).
²Hood Ajar Switch- A hood ajar switch is
located beneath the hood panel on the right inner
fender side shield of vehicles built for sale in certain
markets where it is required equipment. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY/HOOD
AJAR SWITCH - DESCRIPTION).
²Horn Relay- A horn relay is located on the
Junction Block (JB) under the driver side outboard
end of the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/HORN/HORN RELAY - DESCRIPTION).
²Intrusion Transceiver Module- An Intrusion
Transceiver Module (ITM) is located near the center
of the headliner in the passenger compartment of
vehicles built for sale in certain markets where it is
required equipment. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VE-
HICLE THEFT SECURITY/UK SECURITY SYSTEM
MODULE - DESCRIPTION).
²Security Indicator- A security indicator is
located in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster
(EMIC) on the instrument panel in front of the driver
side front seat. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER/SECURITY INDICATOR -
DESCRIPTION).
²Siren- An alarm siren is located on the front
extension of the right front wheel house panel in the
engine compartment of vehicles built for sale in cer-
tain markets where it is required equipment. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY/
SIREN - DESCRIPTION).
²Tailgate Ajar Switch- A tailgate ajar switch is
integral to the latch for the tailgate in the vehicle.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
INTERIOR/TAILGATE AJAR SWITCH - DESCRIP-
TION).SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM The Sen-
try Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is available as a
factory-installed option on this model. Vehicles
equipped with the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) are also
equipped with SKIS. The SKIS provides passive vehi-
cle protection by preventing the engine from operat-
ing unless a valid electronically encoded key is
detected in the ignition lock cylinder. The SKIS
includes the following major components, which are
described in further detail elsewhere in this service
information:
²Powertrain Control Module- The Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) is located on the left inner
fender shield in the engine compartment near the
dash panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/POWERTRAIN
CONTROL MODULE - DESCRIPTION).
²Sentry Key Immobilizer Module- The Sentry
Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) is located beneath
the steering column shrouds on the right side of the
steering column near the ignition lock cylinder hous-
ing. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE - DESCRIPTION).
²Sentry Key Transponder- The Sentry Key
transponder is molded into the head of the ignition
key, and concealed by a gray molded rubber cap.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
RITY/TRANSPONDER KEY - DESCRIPTION).
²SKIS Indicator- The SKIS indicator is located
in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
on the instrument panel in front of the driver side
front seat. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER/SPEED CONTROL INDICATOR -
DESCRIPTION).
OPERATION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is
divided into two basic subsystems: Vehicle Theft
Alarm (VTA) and Sentry Key Immobilizer System
(SKIS). Following are paragraphs that briefly
describe the operation of each of these two sub-
systems.
VEHICLE THEFT ALARM The Body Control Mod-
ule (BCM) is used on this model to control and inte-
grate many of the electronic functions and features
included in the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA). The BCM
receives hard wired inputs indicating the status of
the door ajar switches, the door cylinder lock
switches, the ignition switch, the tailgate ajar switch,
the tailgate cylinder lock switch, the flip-up glass
ajar switch, the power lock switches and, in vehicles
built for certain markets where it is required, 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-
KJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 3
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
ergize the combination flasher, the horn relay (except
vehicles with the Rest-Of-World or ROW premium
version of the VTA), and the security indicator. In
addition, in vehicles built for certain markets where
the ROW premium version of the VTA is required,
the BCM also exchanges electronic messages with
the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network to provide the features found in this version
of the VTA.
The hard wired circuits and components of the
VTA may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive
in the diagnosis of the Body Control Module (BCM),
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM), or the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the BCM, the EMIC, the ITM,
and the PCI data bus network inputs and outputs
related to the VTA requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Following are paragraphs that briefly
describe the operation of each of the VTA features.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the VTA.
²ENABLING- The BCM must have the VTA
function electronically enabled in order for the VTA
to perform as designed. The logic in the BCM keeps
its VTA function dormant until it is enabled using a
DRBIIItscan tool. The VTA function of the BCM is
enabled on vehicles equipped with the VTA option at
the factory, but a service replacement BCM must be
VTA-enabled by the dealer using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
²PRE-ARMING- The VTA has a pre-arming
sequence. Pre-arming occurs when a door, the tail-
gate, or the flip-up glass is open when the vehicle is
locked using a power lock switch, or when the ªLockº
button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit-
ter is depressed. The power lock switch will not ini-
tiate 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.
²ARMING- Passive arming of the VTA occurs
when the vehicle is exited with the key removed from
the ignition switch and the doors are locked while
they are open using the power lock switch (see Pre-
Arming). Active arming of the VTA occurs when the
ªLockº button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is depressed to lock the vehicle after all
of the doors, the tailgate, and the flip-up glass are
closed. The VTA will not arm if the doors are lockedusing the key in a lock cylinder or using a mechani-
cal lock button. Once the VTA begins the passive or
active arming sequence, the security indicator in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly for about six-
teen seconds. This indicates that the VTA arming
sequence is in progress. If the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, if a door is unlocked with
the power lock switch or the RKE transmitter, or if
the tailgate is unlocked by any means during the six-
teen second arming sequence, the security indicator
will stop flashing and the VTA arming sequence will
abort. On vehicles equipped with the hood ajar
switch, the VTA arming sequence will occur regard-
less of whether the hood is open or closed, but the
underhood area will not be protected unless the hood
is closed when the VTA arming sequence begins.
Also, if the status of the hood ajar switch changes
from open (hood closed) to closed (hood open) during
the sixteen second arming sequence, the security
indicator will stop flashing and the VTA arming
sequence will abort. Once the sixteen second arming
sequence is successfully completed, the security indi-
cator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the
VTA is armed.
²DISARMING- For vehicles built for the North
American market, disarming of the VTA occurs when
the vehicle is unlocked using the key to unlock a door
or the tailgate. Disarming of the VTA for any market
also occurs when the vehicle is unlocked by depress-
ing the ªUnlockº button of the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter, or by turning the ignition switch
to the On position using a valid Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer System (SKIS) key. Once the alarm has been
activated, any of these disarming methods will also
deactivate the alarm.
²POWER-UP MODE- When the armed VTA
senses that the battery has been disconnected and
reconnected, it enters its power-up mode. In the pow-
er-up mode the alarm system returns to the mode
that was last selected prior to the battery failure or
disconnect. If the VTA was armed prior to the battery
disconnect or failure, the technician or vehicle opera-
tor will have to actively or passively disarm the sys-
tem after the battery is reconnected. The power-up
mode will also apply if the battery goes dead while
the system is armed, and battery jump-starting is
then attempted. The VTA will remain armed until
the technician or vehicle operator has actively or pas-
sively disarmed the system. If the VTA is in the dis-
armed mode prior to a battery disconnect or failure,
it will remain disarmed after the battery is recon-
nected or replaced, or if jump-starting is attempted.
²ALARM- 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
8Q - 4 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYKJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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). Following are the recommended procedures
for diagnosis and testing of each of these two sub-
systems.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER 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.
VEHICLE THEFT ALARM
Models equipped with the Rest-Of-World (ROW)
premium version of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA)
provide some preliminary diagnostic feedback by illu-minating the security indicator located in the Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC). If the
security indicator illuminates with the ignition
switch in the On position, it indicates that there is a
communication problem between the Intrusion
Transceiver Module (ITM) and the Body Control
Module (BCM), or between the ITM and the siren
module. The BCM will also turn on the security indi-
cator if it receives a message from the ITM indicating
that the ITM has stored a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) for a siren module fault.
The hard wired circuits and components of the
VTA may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive
in the diagnosis of the Body Control Module (BCM),
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM), or the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the BCM, the EMIC, the ITM,
and the PCI data bus network inputs and outputs
related to the VTA requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds.
8Q - 6 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYKJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SKIS INDICATOR FAILS TO
LIGHT DURING BULB TEST1. SKIS indicator faulty. 1. Test and replace the instrument cluster as
required.
2. Fuse faulty. 2. Test and replace the SKIM fused B(+) and
fused ignition switch output (run-start) fuses in the
Junction Block (JB) as required.
3. Ground circuit faulty. 3. Test and repair the SKIM ground circuit as
required.
4. Fused B(+) circuit faulty. 4. Test and repair the SKIM fused B(+) circuit as
required.
5. Fused ignition switch
output circuit faulty.5. Test and repair the SKIM fused ignition switch
output (run-start) circuit as required.
SKIS INDICATOR FLASHES
WHEN IGNITION SWITCH IS
TURNED TO9ON9
POSITION1. 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 to diagnose the
key-related fault. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
SKIS INDICATOR LIGHTS
SOLID FOLLOWING BULB
TEST1. SKIS system malfunction/
fault detected.1. Use a DRBIIITscan tool to diagnose the SKIS.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
2. SKIS system inoperative. 2. Use a DRBIIITscan tool to diagnose the SKIS.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
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). 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 Immobilizer Module (SKIM) should be sus-
pected, and the following procedure should be used
for diagnosis. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
details of wire harness routing and retention, connec-
tor pin-out information and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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 (Fuse 33 - 10
ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 33 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open B(+) circuit between the
JB and the battery as required.
(3) Check the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) fuse (Fuse 15 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or
component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) fuse (Fuse 15 - 10 ampere) in the
JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
between the JB 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 receptacle. Check
for continuity between each of the two ground circuit
cavities of the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor for the SKIM and a good ground. There should be
KJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 7
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)