WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE RESTRAINT
SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH
THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG UNIT ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE COL-
UMN ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG UNIT
FACE DOWN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the PCI data bus, the
data bus message inputs to and outputs from the
ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC), the
Airbag Control Module (ACM), or the Side Impact
Airbag Control Module (SIACM) as well as the
retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) from the ACM or SIACM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of a non-de-
ployed airbag or seat belt tensioner. When carrying a
non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be pointed away from the
body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental
deployment. If the airbag unit is placed on a bench or
any other surface, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be face up to minimize move-
ment in the event of an accidental deployment. When
handling a non-deployed seat belt tensioner, take
proper care to keep fingers out from under the
retractor cover and away from the seat belt webbing
where it exits from the retractor cover. In addition,
the supplemental restraint system should be dis-
armed whenever any steering wheel, steering col-
umn, seat belt tensioner, driver airbag, passenger
airbag, front impact sensor, side curtain airbag, or
instrument panel components require diagnosis or
service. Failure to observe this warning could result
in accidental airbag deployment and possible per-
sonal injury.
All damaged, faulty or non-deployed airbags and
seat belt tensioners which are replaced on vehicles
are to be handled and disposed of properly. If an air-
bag or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or damaged
and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous Substance
Control System for proper disposal. Dispose of all
non-deployed and deployed airbags and seat belt ten-
sioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial,
local and federal regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT STORAGE
Airbags and seat belt tensioners must be stored in
their original, special container until they are used
for service. Also, they must be stored in a clean, dry
environment; away from sources of extreme heat,
sparks, and high electrical energy. Always place or
store any airbag on a surface with its trim cover or
airbag cushion side facing up, to minimize movement
in case of an accidental deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use follow-
ing a supplemental restraint deployment, must have
the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the
driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring
must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is
deployed, the passenger airbag door and both passen-
ger airbag mounting brackets must be replaced. If a
side curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSKJ
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
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)
magnitude than that of the electronic impact sensors,
and must be closed in order for the airbags/seat belt
tensioner to deploy. A pre-programmed decision algo-
rithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when
the deceleration rate as signaled by the impact sen-
sors and the safing sensor indicate an impact that is
severe enough to require front supplemental
restraint system protection and, based upon the sta-
tus of the seatbelt switch inputs and the severity of
the monitored impact, determines what combination
of driver seat belt tensioner and/or front airbag
deployment is required for each front seating posi-
tion. When the programmed conditions are met, the
ACM sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the
driver seat belt tensioner and/or the multistage dual
front airbags at the programmed force levels.
The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ACM
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in
the diagnosis of the ACM, the PCI data bus network,
or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ACM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the ACM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the electronic message inputs to and out-
puts from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
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: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAM-
AGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALI-
BRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE ISACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE
MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED
WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMEN-
TAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the center console from the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, remove the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) cover from the ACM (Fig. 7). The cover flange
is secured to the silencer pad on the floor panel
transmission tunnel with double-faced tape.
(4) Remove the ground screw that secures the
ground lug on the left rear corner of the ACM hous-
ing to the ACM bracket on the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel.
Fig. 7 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - FLANGE
2 - COVER
3 - TAPE
4 - SCREW
5 - BRACKET
6 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
7 - FLOOR PANEL TRANSMISSION TUNNEL
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 11
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
(10) Reinstall the headliner into the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(11) Reinstall the lower trim onto the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
LOWER TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(12) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain
airbags, a Side Impact Airbag Control Module
(SIACM) and its mounting bracket are secured with
four screws to the sill panel at the base of each B-pil-
lar behind the lower B-pillar trim (Fig. 43). Con-
cealed within a hollow in the center of the die cast
aluminum SIACM housing is the electronic circuitry
of the SIACM which includes a microprocessor and
an electronic impact sensor. The SIACM housing is
secured to a stamped steel mounting bracket, which
is unique for the right or left side application of this
component. The SIACM should never be removed
from its mounting bracket. The housing also receives
a case ground through this mounting bracket when it
is secured to the vehicle. A molded plastic electrical
connector receptacle that exits the top of the SIACMhousing connects the unit to the vehicle electrical
system through a dedicated take out and connector of
the body wire harness. Both the SIACM housing and
its electrical connection are sealed to protect the
internal electronic circuitry and components against
moisture intrusion.
The impact sensor internal to the SIACM is cali-
brated for the specific vehicle, and is only serviced as
a unit with the SIACM. The SIACM cannot be
repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, it
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Side Impact Airbag Con-
trol Module (SIACM) contains the side curtain airbag
system logic circuits and controls all of the features
of only the side curtain airbag mounted on the same
side of the vehicle as the SIACM. The SIACM 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 by the
SIACM to communicate with the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) and for supplemental restraints sys-
tem diagnosis and testing through the 16-way data
link connector located on the driver side lower edge
of the instrument panel. The ACM communicates
with both the left and right SIACM over the PCI
data bus.
The SIACM microprocessor continuously monitors
all of the side curtain airbag electrical circuits to
determine the system readiness. If the SIACM
detects a monitored system fault, it sets an active
and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and sends
electronic messages to the ACM over the PCI data
bus. The ACM will respond by sending an electronic
message to the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator,
and by storing a DTC that will indicate whether the
left or the right SIACM has stored the DTC that ini-
tiated the airbag indicator illumination. An active
fault only remains for the current ignition switch
cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be stored
in memory by the SIACM. For some DTCs, if a fault
does not recur for a number of ignition cycles, the
SIACM will automatically erase the stored DTC. For
other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched for-
ever.
The SIACM receives battery current on a fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit through a
fuse in the Junction Block (JB). The SIACM has a
case ground through its mounting bracket and also
receives a power ground through a ground circuit
and take out of the body wire harness. This take out
has a single eyelet terminal connector that is secured
by a ground screw to the front seat front crossmem-
Fig. 43 Side Impact Airbag Control Module
1 - BRACKET (RIGHT SHOWN)
2 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
3 - SIACM
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 43
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)
ber beneath the respective right or left front seat.
These connections allow the SIACM to be operational
whenever the ignition switch is in the Start or On
positions. An electronic impact sensor is contained
within the SIACM. The electronic impact sensor is
an accelerometer that senses the rate of vehicle
deceleration, which provides verification of the direc-
tion and severity of an impact. A pre-programmed
decision algorithm in the SIACM microprocessor
determines when the deceleration rate as signaled by
the impact sensor indicates a side impact that is
severe enough to require side curtain airbag protec-
tion. When the programmed conditions are met, the
SIACM sends the proper electrical signals to deploy
the side curtain airbag.
The hard wired inputs and outputs for the SIACM
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in
the diagnosis of the SIACM, the PCI data bus net-
work, or the electronic message inputs to and outputs
from the SIACM. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the SIACM, the PCI data
bus network, and the electronic message inputs to
and outputs from the SIACM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
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: THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL
MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH
ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAGS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT
CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT
ITS CALIBRATION. IF A SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CON-
TROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DUR-ING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED
AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER SIDE CUR-
TAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Adjust the front seat to its most forward posi-
tion for easiest access to the lower B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the lower trim from the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
LOWER TRIM - REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM)
from the module connector receptacle (Fig. 44).
(5) Disengage the body wire harness retainer from
the tab on the SIACM mounting bracket.
(6) Remove the four screws that secure the SIACM
mounting bracket to the sill panel at the base of the
B-pillar.
(7) Remove the SIACM and its mounting bracket
from the sill panel as a unit.
Fig. 44 Side Impact Airbag Control Module
Remove/Install
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - SIACM
4 - SCREW (4)
8O - 44 RESTRAINTSKJ
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (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)
these outputs vary by the requirements of the mar-
ket for which the vehicle is manufactured. In all
cases, the visual output will be a flashing on and off
of the exterior lamps. For vehicles equipped with the
North American or the ROW base version of the
VTA, the audible output will be a pulsing of the horn.
For vehicles with the ROW premium version of the
VTA, the audible output will be a cycling of the
alarm siren. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for details of the alarm output require-
ments of the specific market for which the vehicle
was manufactured. The inputs that will trigger the
alarm include the door ajar switches, the tailgate
ajar switch, the flip-up glass ajar switch, and in vehi-
cles built for certain markets where they are
required, the hood ajar switch and the Intrusion
Transceiver Module (ITM).
²TAMPER ALERT- The VTA tamper alert fea-
ture will pulse the horn (or the alarm siren for the
ROW premium version of the VTA) three times upon
VTA disarming, if the alarm was triggered and has
since timed-out. This feature alerts the vehicle oper-
ator that the VTA alarm was activated while the
vehicle was unattended.
²INTRUSION ALARM- The intrusion alarm is
an exclusive feature of the ROW 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 move-
ment. If motion is detected, the ITM sends an elec-
tronic message to the BCM over the PCI data bus to
invoke the visual alarm feature, and sends an elec-
tronic message to the alarm siren in the engine com-
partment over a dedicated serial bus to invoke the
audible alarm feature. The motion detect feature of
the ITM can be disabled by depressing the ªLockº
button on the RKE transmitter three times within
fifteen seconds during VTA arming, while the secu-
rity indicator is still flashing rapidly. The VTA pro-
vides a single short siren ªchirpº as an audible
confirmation 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 logic in the ITM keeps its intrusion
alarm function dormant until it is enabled using a
DRBIIItscan tool. The intrusion alarm function of
the ITM is enabled on vehicles equipped with thisoption at the factory, but a service replacement ITM
must be configured and enabled by the dealer using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM The Sen-
try Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is designed to
provide passive protection against unauthorized vehi-
cle use by disabling the engine after about two sec-
onds 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 customer inter-
vention. The SKIS uses Radio Frequency (RF) com-
munication to obtain confirmation that the key in the
ignition switch is a valid key for operating the vehi-
cle. The microprocessor-based SKIS hardware and
software also use electronic messages to communi-
cate with other electronic modules in the vehicle over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - OPER-
ATION).
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 Diagnostic
Trouble Codes (DTC's) if a system malfunction is
detected. The SKIS can be diagnosed, and any stored
DTC's can be retrieved using a DRBIIItscan tool.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
KJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 5
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)