INSTALLATION
(1) Install the housing into the cover. Engage the
six trim cover locking blocks to the lip around the
outside edge of the driver airbag housing.
(2) Install the trim cover retainer to the airbag
housing studs.
(3) Install the horn switch ground pigtail wire eye-
let terminal to the upper left airbag housing stud.
(4) Install the four nuts that secure the upper and
lower trim cover retainers to the studs on the back of
the driver airbag housing. Torque nuts to 6.8 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
(5) Install the plastic wire retainer that captures
the horn switch feed pigtail wire between the upper
left inflator stud and the inflator on the back of the
driver airbag housing.
(6) Connect speed control switches (if equipped).
(7) Install the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. FIRST (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM).
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
CONTROLLER
DESCRIPTION
The front driver and passenger airbag system is
designed to reduce the risk of fatality or serious
injury, caused by a frontal impact of the vehicle.
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is also
sometimes referred to as the Airbag Control Module
(ACM). The ORC contains the impact sensor and
energy reserve capacitor. It is mounted on a bracket,
under the instrument panel, just forward of the stor-
age bin. The ORC monitors the system to determine
the system readiness. The ORC contains on-board
diagnostics and will light the AIRBAG warning lamp
in the message center when a problem occurs.
OPERATION
The impact sensor provides verification of the
direction and severity of the impact. One impact sen-
sor is used. It is located inside the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC). The impact sensor is an
accelerometer that senses deceleration. The decelera-
tion pulses are sent to a microprocessor which con-
tains a decision algorithm. When an impact is severe
enough to require airbag protection, the ORC micro-
processor sends a signal that completes the electrical
circuit to the driver and passenger airbags. Theimpact sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle
and reacts to the severity and direction of an impact.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Diagnose the ORC using the service/diag-
nostic manual.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove storage bin from instrument panel.
Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Storage Bin,
Removal.
(3) Remove three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket.
(4) Disconnect the wire connector from ORC.
(5) Remove the ORC assembly from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL ORC IF MOUNTING
LOCATION IS DEFORMED OR DAMAGED.
CAUTION: Use correct screws when installing the
ORC.
(1) Install the ORC assembly into vehicle.
(2) Connect the wire connector to the ORC.
(3) Install three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket. Torque bolts to 7.3 - 9.6 N´m (65 to 85 in.
lbs.)
(4) Install the storage bin onto the instrument
panel. Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Storage Bin,
Installation.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS NO
SERVICEABLE PARTS.
The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the
instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is
mounted to the back side of the instrument panel
reinforcement.
The instrument panel top pad is the most visible
part of the passenger airbag system. Located under
the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the
RSRESTRAINTS8O-7
DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion
supporting components.
The passenger airbag includes a magnesium hous-
ing within which the cushion and inflator are
mounted and sealed.
Following a passenger airbag deployment, the pas-
senger airbag and the instrument panel must be
replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or damaged in any
way.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is equipped with two infla-
tors, each with three levels of pressure output. The
inflators seal the hole in the airbag cushion so it can
discharge the gas it produces directly into the cush-
ion when supplied with the proper electrical signal.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting this gas through the
cushion material towards the instrument panel.
The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the
instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top
pad and above the glove box opening. The instrument
panel top pad above the glove box opening conceals
the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line
beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deploy-
ment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the
door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the
instrument panel.
When the front airbag system is deployed, the fol-
lowingMUSTbe replaced:
²Complete Steering Column Assembly.
²Lower Steering Column Coupler.
²Steering Wheel.
²Clock Spring.
²Driver Airbag.
²Passenger Airbag.
²Upper Instrument Panel with Pad.
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
REMOVAL
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Clean powder residue from interior of vehicle
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STAN-DARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER AN AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT).
(2) Remove instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove all reusable components from the
upper instrument panel and transfer to the new
instrument panel.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve
capacitor to discharge before attempting any airbag
or instrument panel service.
(4) Remove center console bin between front seats.
(5) Remove left front door sill plate using a trim
stick (special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, and gently
prying up on sill plate.
(6) Remove left cowl panel using a trim stick or
equivalent, and gently prying out on cowl panel.
(7) Remove four screws to lower steering column
cover and remove cover.
(8) Unsnap parking brake lever from knee blocker
reinforcement.
(9) Remove Data Link Connector (DLC) from knee
blocker.
(10) Remove screws to knee blocker.
(11) Unsnap left A-pillar lower extension trim
using a trim stick or equivalent.
(12) Remove three left side instrument panel A-pil-
lar retaining bolts and loosen the instrument panel
roll down bolt.
(13) Remove four nuts at brake pedal support
bracket to instrument panel.
(14) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
off left side upper A-pillar trim.
(15) Remove six screws and two wiring connectors
to lower instrument panel cubby bin at bottom of
center stack.
(16) Remove two left side nuts at instrument panel
center stack support to floor.
(17) Remove two right side nuts at instrument
panel center stack support to floor.
(18) Remove right front door sill plate using a trim
stick or equivalent, and gently prying up on sill
plate.
(19) Remove right cowl panel using a trim stick or
equivalent, and gently prying out on cowl panel.
(20) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
out on right instrument panel end cap.
(21) Unsnap right A-pillar lower extension trim
using a trim stick or equivalent.
8O - 8 RESTRAINTSRS
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL OVERSPEED
REDUCTION
DESCRIPTION
Transmission control software includes an auto-
matic speed control overspeed reduction feature. This
maintains vehicle speed at the selected set point
when descending a grade.
OPERATION
The TCM (on SBEC vehicles) (PCM on NGC vehi-
cles) first senses that the speed control is set. If the
set speed is exceeded by more than 4 mph (6.5
km/hr) and the throttle is closed, the TCM (on SBEC
vehicles) (PCM on NGC vehicles) causes the trans-
axle to downshift to THIRD gear. After downshifting,
the automatic speed control resumes normal opera-
tion. To ensure that an upshift is appropriate after
the set speed is reached, the TCM (on SBEC vehi-
cles) (PCM on NGC vehicles) waits until the speed
control system opens the throttle at least 6 degrees
before upshifting to OVERDRIVE again.
If the driver applies the brakes, canceling auto-
matic speed control operation with the transaxle still
in THIRD gear, the TCM (on SBEC vehicles) (PCM
on NGC vehicles) maintains this gear until the driver
opens the throttle at least 6 degrees to avoid an inap-
propriate upshift. The upshift is also delayed for 2.5
seconds after reaching the 6 degrees throttle opening
in anticipation that the driver might open the throt-
tle enough to require THIRD gear. This will avoid
unnecessary and disturbing transmission cycling. If
the automatic speed control RESUME feature is used
after braking, the upshift is delayed until the set
speed is achieved to reduce cycling and provide bet-
ter response.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST
Perform a vehicle road test to verify reports of
speed control system malfunction. The road test
should include attention to the speedometer. Speed-
ometer operation should be smooth and without flut-
ter at all speeds.
Flutter in the speedometer indicates a problem
which might cause surging in the speed control sys-
tem. The cause of any speedometer problems should
be corrected before proceeding. Refer to the Instru-
ment Cluster for speedometer diagnosis.
If a road test verifies an inoperative system, and
the speedometer operates properly, check for:
²A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). If a DTC
exists, conduct tests per the Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedures manual.
²A misadjusted brake (stop) lamp switch. This
could also cause an intermittent problem.
²Loose or corroded electrical connections 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 at both ends of the speed
control servo cable.
²Smooth operation of throttle linkage and throttle
body air valve.
²Conduct electrical test at PCM.
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
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Servo Mounting Bracket
Nuts14 10.3 123.9
Servo Mounting Bracket
Bolts14 10.3 123.9
Servo Mounting Nuts 6.7 60
RSSPEED CONTROL8P-3
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM..................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE
THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM..............3
HOOD AJAR SWITCH - EXPORT
REMOVAL.............................3INSTALLATION..........................3
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER
PROGRAMMING.......................4
VTSS/SKIS INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is
designed to protect against whole vehicle theft. The
system monitors vehicle doors, and ignition action for
unauthorized operation (hood and liftgate for RG -
Export). The alarm activates:
²Sounding of the horn
²Flashing of the headlamps/park/tail lamps
²Flashing of the headlamps
²An engine kill feature (with SKIS)
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is
available as a factory-installed option on this vehicle.
It is designed to provide passive protection against
unauthorized vehicle use by disabling the engine,
after two (2) seconds of running, whenever an invalid
key is used to start the vehicle. The SKIS is active
whenever the ignition is on and does not require any
customer intervention. The primary components of
the system are the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM), Sentry Key (ignition key with a transponder
molded into the head), indicator light, Body Control
Module (BCM), and the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The SKIM is mounted to the steering column
with the molded, integral antenna mounted on the
ignition housing. The indicator light, is located in the
Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC).
OPERATION
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
Upon failure of proper SKIM communication to the
PCM, the PCM will shut off fuel after two seconds of
run time. The engine will not re-crank on the key
cycle that the failure occurred, a full key down
sequence must be performed for the engine to crank
again. After six consecutive fuel shut-offs, the engine
will no longer crank on subsequent key cycles. The
failure must be corrected and a valid communication
process between the SKIM and the PCM must occur
for the engine to crank and start again.
The electronics for the VTSS are part of the Body
Control Module (BCM). The system is armed when
the vehicle is locked using the:
²Power door lock switches (with any door ajar)
²Remote Keyless Entry transmitter.
²Door Cylinder Lock Switches.
For vehicles equipped with SKIS, the doors do not
have to be locked to enable the fuel shut off feature.
After the vehicle is locked and the last door is
closed, the set LED indicator in the Mechanical
Instrument Cluster (MIC) will flash quickly for 16
seconds, indicating that arming is in progress. If no
monitored systems are activated during this period,
the system will arm. The LED will extinguish unless
the liftgate is open. If the liftgate is open, the LED
will flash at a slower rate.
This indicates that the system is armed. If fault is
detected on the driver key cylinder input, the indica-
tor LED will remain solid during the arming process,
although the system will still arm. If the indicator
LED does not illuminate at all upon door closing it
indicates that the system is not arming.
Passive disarming occurs upon normal vehicle
entry by unlocking either door with the ignition key/
RSVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY8Q-1
ProCarManuals.com
remote transmitter. This disarming will also halt the
alarm once it has been activated.
A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the
VTSS had been activated. This alert consists of 3
horn pulses when the vehicle is disarmed.
NOTE: The VTSS will not arm by pushing down the
door lock mechanism. This will manually override
the system.
For Door Cylinder Lock Switch Removal and
Installation, refer to Electrical, Power Locks, Door
Cylinder Lock Switch.
If the VTSS is triggered, the horn will pulse, head-
lamps/marker lamps will flash, and the VTSS warn-
ing lamp will flash. If BCM determines the threat to
be false and the VTSS is not triggered again, the sys-
tem will shut down and rearm itself after three min-
utes. If a trigger is still active, the alarm will
continue for an additional 15 minutes without the
horn. The VTSS monitors the passenger compart-
ment (for RG - Export it also monitors the engine
compartment. If a malfunction occurs in the engine
compartment, the passenger compartment would still
arm and function normally).
NOTE: System will not arm if passenger compart-
ment is not secure.
NOTE: (RG - Export - If hood is not secure during
the arming sequence, the lamp will stay lit and not
flash. The system will arm with hood not secured
and the liftgate open).
ARMING THE VTSS - METHOD A
(1) With the key removed from the ignition lock
and any door open (excluding liftgate), actuate one of
the following:
²Power door lock button to LOCK,
²Key fob LOCK button
²Driver door lock key cylinder to locked position.
(2) Close all opened doors. Liftgate can remain
open.
(3) After the last door is closed, an arming time-
out period of sixteen seconds will start, then the
VTSS will become armed.
ARMING THE VTSS - METHOD B
Actuating the key fob transmitter LOCK button,
key locking the front doors with the doors closed and
the ignition locked will begin the arming time-out
period. If method A, 16 second time-out sequence was
in process when method B was actuated, the 16 sec-
ond time-out will restart from the time of the second
actuation.If the security lamp does not illuminate at all upon
final door closure, it indicates that the system is not
arming.
The current VTSS status armed or disarmed shall
be maintained in memory to prevent battery discon-
nects from disarming the system.
TRIGGERING THE VTSS
After the VTSS is armed, the following actions will
trigger the alarm:
²Opening any door (excluding liftgate).
²Opening the hood (RG - Export)
²Turning the ignition to the RUN position.
NOTE: When the VTSS is ARMED, the interior
power door lock switch ªUNLOCKº will be disabled
until the vehicle is disarmed.
CAUTION: The VTSS indicator LED will trigger and
engine will continue to run if the vehicle is
equipped with SKIS and the proper key is used to
start the vehicle. This condition will occur if the
VTSS has been triggered. If valid key is used, VTSS
will disarm
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The SKIS includes keys from the factory which are
pre-programmed. Each SKIM will recognize a maxi-
mum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer would
like to own additional keys other than those provided
with the vehicle, they can be purchased from any
authorized dealer. These keys must be programmed
to the SKIM on the vehicle in order for the system to
recognize them as valid keys. This can be done by
the dealer with a DRB IIItscan tool or by a cus-
tomer if this feature is available in their market and
they have two (2) valid keys already available to
them. Refer to the Service Procedures portion of this
system for additional details. The SKIS performs a
self-test each time the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and will store 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 DRB IIItscan tool as
described in the appropriate Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures manual.
8Q - 2 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYRS
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS,
WARNINGS, BEFORE ATTEMPTING COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
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 involves the use of
a DRB IIITscan tool. Refer to the proper Body Diag-
nostic Procedures Manual.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and
the Programmable Communication Interface (PCI)
bus network should be diagnosed using a DRB IIIt
scan tool. The DRB IIItwill allow confirmation that
the PCI bus is functional, that the Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer Module (SKIM) is placing the proper messages
on the PCI bus, and that the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) is receiving the PCI bus messages.
Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual, and Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit
descriptions and diagrams.
(1) Check the fuses in the Integrated Power Mod-
ule (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the
shorted circuit or component as required and replace
the faulty fuse.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
remote cable from the remote terminal. Unplug the
wire harness connector at the SKIM. Check for con-
tinuity between the ground circuit cavity of the
SKIM wire harness connector and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, repair the open circuit to ground as required.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the
SKIM wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair the open circuit to the fuse in the
IPM as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run/start) circuit cavity of the SKIM wire
harness connector. If OK, use a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual
to complete the diagnosis of the SKIS. If not OK,
repair the open circuit to the fuse in the IPM as
required.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY SYSTEM
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. Using a DRB
IIItscan tool. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic
Procedures Manual for test procedures.
HOOD AJAR SWITCH -
EXPORT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Using a small flat blade screwdriver, pry trig-
ger switch from the bracket on the left fender well.
(3) Disconnect the hood ajar switch from the wire
connector and remove from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the hood ajar switch to the wire conec-
tor.
(2) Press the hood ajar switch into position on the
bracket located on the left inner fender well.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Close the hood and check for proper operation.
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) uses a
transponder chip that is integral to each ignition key
(Fig. 1) to communicate with the Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer Module (SKIM). Ignition keys are supplied
with the vehicle when it is shipped from the factory.
The transponder chip is undermolded within the
head of the key. This undermold is hidden beneath
an overmolded rubber cap.
OPERATION
Each Sentry Key has a unique transponder identi-
fication code permanently programmed into it by the
manufacturer. Likewise, the SKIM has a unique
9Secret Key9code programmed into it by the manu-
facturer as well. When a Sentry Key is programmed
into the memory of the SKIM, the SKIM stores the
transponder identification code from the Sentry Key,
and the Sentry Key learns the9Secret Key9code from
the SKIM. Once the Sentry Key learns the9Secret
Key9code of the SKIM, it is also permanently pro-
RSVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY8Q-3
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
grammed into the transponder's memory. Therefore,
blank keys for the SKIS must be programmed by the
SKIM in addition to being cut to match the mechan-
ical coding of the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Elec-
trical, Vehicle Theft Security, Transponder Key,
Standard Procedure - Transponder Programming.
The Sentry Key's transponder is within the range
of the SKIM's transceiver antenna ring when it is
inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. When the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the
SKIM communicates with the Sentry Key via a radio
frequency (RF) signal. The SKIM determines if a
valid key is present based on the information it
receives from the Sentry Key. If a valid key is
detected, that fact is communicated to the PCM via
the PCI bus and the vehicle is allowed to continue
running. If an invalid key is received by the PCM or
no status at all is communicated, the vehicle will
stall after two (2) seconds of running. The indicator
light will be flashing at this point. The Sentry Key's
transponder can not be repaired. If it is faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
Common communication problems:
²Two transponder keys too close together.
²Speed Pass too close to transponder key.
Solid indicator that there is a system failure.
²Loss of PCM communication.
²Failed antenna circuit.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER
PROGRAMMING
USING A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL
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
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 lock cylinder of the vehicle for which it will
be used. The vehicle's four digit PIN code will be
required to complete this task since you will need it
to enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. The
following steps must be completed using a DRB IIIt
scan tool:
(1) Insert the blank key into the ignition and turn
it to the RUN position.
(2) Using a DRB IIItscan tool, select9Theft
Alarm,99SKIM,99Miscellaneous,9and then9Program
New Key.9
(3) Enter the four digit PIN code using the DRB
IIItscan tool. When programming is completed, the
SKIM will exit Secured Access Mode and the DRB
IIItscan tool will display the results of your attempt
to program the key. One of five distinct results may
be displayed. All five are listed below:
²(Programming Successful(is displayed if the
Sentry Key programming is successful.
²(Learned Key in Ignition(is displayed if the
key in the ignition has already been programmed
into that vehicle's SKIM.
²(Eight Keys Already Learned (At The Maxi-
mum) Programming Not Done(is displayed if
eight keys have already been programmed into the
SKIM. In this case, if a new key needs to be added
due to a lost or defective key, the9Erase All Keys9
command (which requires entering the Secured
Access Mode) has to be performed. Following the
9Erase All Keys9command, all keys that will be used
to operate the vehicleMUSTbe reprogrammed to
the SKIM.
²(Programming Not Attempted(is displayed
after an9Erase All Keys9function is executed.
²(Programming Key Failed(is displayed if fur-
ther diagnosis is required.
To learn additional keys, turn the ignition OFF,
remove the learned key, insert the next new blank
key, and repeat the steps from the beginning.
ªCUSTOMER LEARNº MODE
This feature is only available on domestic vehicles
or those which have a U.S. country code designator.
This procedure requires access to at least two valid
Sentry Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not avail-
Fig. 1 TRANSPONDER KEY - TYPICAL
1 - MOLDED CAP
2 - TRANSPONDER
3 - MOLDED CAP REMOVED
4 - SENTRY KEY
8Q - 4 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYRS
TRANSPONDER KEY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
able, Sentry Key programming will require the use of
a DRB IIItscan tool.
The steps required to program Sentry Keys with
two valid Sentry Keys follows:
(1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that need to be
programmed. Cut the keys to match the ignition lock
cylinder 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 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 within 15 seconds of removing the first valid
Sentry key.
(4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step
3, the indicator light will start to flash and a single
audible chime tone will sound to indicate that the
system has entered the9Customer Learn9program-
ming mode.
(5) Within sixty seconds of entering the9Customer
Learn9programming 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
indicator light will stop flashing and stay on solid for
three seconds and then turn off to indicate that the
blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed.
The SKIS will immediately exit the9Customer
Learn9programming mode and the vehicle may be
started using the newly programmed Sentry Key.
These steps must be completed in their entirety for
each additional Sentry Key to be programmed. If any
of the above steps are not completed in the given
sequence, or within the allotted time, the SKIS will
exit the9Customer Learn9programming mode and
the programming will be unsuccessful. The SKIS will
also automatically exit the9Customer Learn9pro-
gramming mode if:
²It sees a non-blank Sentry Key when it should
see a blank.
²If it has already programmed eight (8) valid
Sentry Keys.
²If the ignition switch is turned to the OFF posi-
tion for more than about fifty (50) seconds.
NOTE: If you attempt to start the vehicle while in
ªCustomer Learnº mode (LED flashing), the vehiclewill behave as though an invalid key is being used
(i.e. the engine will stall after two (2) seconds of
running). No faults will be logged.
NOTE: Once a Sentry Key has been programmed to
a particular vehicle, it cannot be used on any other
vehicle.
VTSS/SKIS INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) uses
an indicator light to convey information on the status
of the system to the customer. This light is shared
with the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). The
light is located in the Mechanical Instrument Cluster
(MIC). The indicator light is controlled by the Body
Control Module (BCM), via Programmable Communi-
cation Interface (PCI) data bus communication with
the MIC, based upon messages it receives from the
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) on the PCI
data bus.
OPERATION
The Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) per-
forms a four second bulb check via PCI communica-
tion with the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM). After the bulb check, the lamp is controlled
according to SKIM messages. Then, the SKIM sends
messages to the BCM to operate the light based upon
the results of the SKIS self tests. The light may be
actuated in two possible ways, flashing or on solid. If
the light comes on and stays on solid after a pow-
er-up test, this indicates that the SKIM has detected
a system malfunction. If the SKIM detects an invalid
key when the ignition switch is moved to the ON
position, it sends a message on the PCI bus to the
BCM, to flash the light. The SKIM can also send a
message to flash the light and generate a single audi-
ble chime at the same time. These two events occur-
ring simultaneously indicate that the SKIS has been
placed into the9Customer Learn9mode. Refer to
Electrical, Vehicle Theft Security, Transponder Key,
Standard Procedure - Transponder Programming for
more information on the9Customer Learn9mode. If
the light comes on and stays on after the power-up
test, diagnosis of the SKIS should be performed
using a DRB IIItscan tool and the appropriate Body
Diagnostic Procedures manual. The light is not a ser-
viceable component.
RSVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY8Q-5
TRANSPONDER KEY (Continued)
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