NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a three-point center
seat belt have the center seat belt lower anchor
secured to the right buckle anchor plate with a
screw instead of the center lap belt. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR CENTER SEAT
BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLATION).
(3) Fold the rear seat cushion back into the seat-
ing position.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch for this model is actually a
Hall Effect-type sensor. This sensor consists of a
fixed-position, Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC) chip
and a small permanent magnet that are integral to
each front seat belt buckle. The front seat belt buck-
les are each located on a stamped steel stanchion
within a molded plastic scabbard and secured with a
screw to the floor panel transmission tunnel on the
inboard side of each front seat cushion (Fig. 40). Theseat belt switches are connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system through a two-lead pigtail wire and
connector on the seat belt buckle-half, which is con-
nected to a wire harness connector and take out of
the body wire harness on vehicles with manual seat
adjusters, or to a connector and take out of the power
seat wire harness on vehicles with power seat adjust-
ers. A radio noise suppression capacitor is connected
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
slide with a small window-like opening 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 the window of the
slide exposes the Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC)
chip within the buckle to the field of the permanent
magnet, which induces a current 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 moves upward
and shields the IC from the field of the permanent
magnet, 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
airbag overlay wire harness. The ACM monitors the
condition of the seat belt switch circuits and will illu-
minate the airbag indicator in the EMIC then 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 appropriate diagnostic
information.
Fig. 40 Front Seat Belt Buckle
1 - SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - SEAT BELT SWITCH PIGTAIL WIRE
3 - SCREW
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)
tion feature of the ITM can be disabled by depressing
the ªLockº button on the RKE transmitter three
times or cycling the key in the driver door cylinder
from the center to lock position within fifteen seconds
during VTA arming, while the security indicator is
still flashing rapidly. The VTA provides a single short
siren ªchirpº as an audible conformation that the
motion detect disable request has been received. The
ITM must be electronically enabled in order for the
intrusion alarm to perform as designed. The intru-
sion alarm function of the ITM is enabled on vehicles
equipped with this option at the factory, but a service
replacement ITM must be configured and enabled by
the dealer using the DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is
designed to provide passive protection against unau-
thorized vehicle use by disabling the engine after
about two seconds of running, whenever any method
other than a valid Sentry Key is used to start the
vehicle. The SKIS is considered a passive protection
system because it is always active when the ignition
system is energized and does not require any cus-
tomer intervention. The SKIS uses Radio Frequency
(RF) communication to obtain confirmation that the
key in the ignition switch is a valid key for operating
the vehicle. The microprocessor-based SKIS hard-
ware and software also uses messages to communi-
cate with other modules in the vehicle over the
Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERA-
TION).
Pre-programmed Sentry Key transponders are pro-
vided with the vehicle from the factory. Each Sentry
Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) will recognize a
maximum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer
would like additional keys other than those provided
with the vehicle, they may be purchased from any
authorized dealer. These additional keys must be pro-
grammed to the SKIM in the vehicle in order for the
system to recognize them as valid keys. This can be
done by the dealer using a DRBIIItscan tool or, if
Customer Learn programming is an available SKIS
feature in the market where the vehicle was pur-
chased, the customer can program the additional
keys, as long as at least two valid Sentry Keys are
already available. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHI-
CLE THEFT SECURITY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING).
The SKIS performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, and will
store fault information in the form of DiagnosticTrouble Codes (DTC's) if a system malfunction is
detected. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY SYSTEM
The VTSS-related hard wired inputs to and out-
puts from the Body Control Module (BCM), the
Driver Door Module (DDM), or the Passenger Door
Module (PDM) may be diagnosed and tested using
conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer
to the appropriate wiring information.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the BCM, the
DDM, the PDM, or the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus network. In order to
obtain conclusive testing of the VTSS, the BCM, the
DDM, the PDM, and the PCI data bus network must
also be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the VTSS requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool and the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
8Q - 4 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
cluster circuitry that controls the lamp, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns
on the SKIS indicator lamp after the bulb test, either
solid or flashing, it indicates that a SKIS malfunction
has occurred or that the SKIS is inoperative. For
proper diagnosis of the SKIS, the PCI data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the SKIS indicator lamp, a DRBIIItscan tool
and the appropriate diagnostic information are
required.
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION
Each ignition key used in the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer System (SKIS) has an integral transponder chip
(Fig. 10). Ignition keys with this feature can be
readily identified by a gray rubber cap molded onto
the head of the key, while conventional ignition keys
have a black molded rubber cap. The transponder
chip is concealed beneath the molded rubber cap,
where it is molded into the head of the metal key.
Each new Sentry Key has a unique transponder iden-
tification code permanently programmed into it by
the manufacturer. The Sentry Key transponder if
faulty or damaged, must be replaced.
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is turned to the On posi-
tion, the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)communicates through its antenna with the Sentry
Key transponder using a Radio Frequency (RF) sig-
nal. The SKIM then waits for a RF response from the
transponder through the same antenna. The Sentry
Key transponder chip is within the range of the
SKIM transceiver antenna ring when it is inserted
into the ignition lock cylinder. The SKIM determines
whether a valid key is present in the ignition lock
cylinder based upon the response from the transpon-
der. If a valid key is detected, that fact is communi-
cated by the SKIM to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus, and the PCM allows the
engine to continue running. If the PCM receives an
invalid key message, or receives no message from the
SKIM over the PCI data bus, the engine will be dis-
abled after about two seconds of operation. The Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) will also
respond to the invalid key message on the PCI data
bus by flashing the SKIS indicator on and off.
Each Sentry Key has a unique transponder identi-
fication code permanently programmed into it by the
manufacturer. Likewise, the SKIM has a unique
Secret Key code programmed into it by the manufac-
turer. When a Sentry Key is programmed into the
memory of the SKIM, the SKIM stores the transpon-
der identification code from the Sentry Key, and the
Sentry Key learns the Secret Key code from the
SKIM. Once the Sentry Key learns the Secret Key
code of the SKIM, it is permanently stored in the
memory of the transponder. Therefore, once a Sentry
Key has been programmed to a particular vehicle, it
cannot be used on any other vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER PRO-
GRAMMING).
VTSS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indica-
tor consists of a red Light-Emitting Diode that is
mounted and integral to the automatic headlamp
light sensor photo diode unit, which is located on the
top of the instrument panel. The remainder of the
housing including the mount and the electrical con-
nection are concealed beneath the instrument panel
top cover.
The VTSS indicator cannot be adjusted or repaired
the entire automatic headlamp light sensor/VTSS
indicator must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/AUTO HEAD-
LAMP SENSOR - REMOVAL).
Fig. 10 Sentry Key Immobilizer Transponder
1 - MOLDED CAP
2 - TRANSPONDER CHIP
3 - MOLDED CAP REMOVED
4 - TRANSPONDER KEY
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 15
SKIS INDICATOR LAMP (Continued)
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
DESCRIPTION
The EVIC will monitor the tire pressure signals
from the five tire sensors and determine if any tire
has gone below the low pressure threshold or raised
above the high pressure threshold. Refer to the table
below.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE THRESHOLDS
SYSTEM STATUS
INDICATORTIRE PRESSURE
ON 179 kPa (26 PSI)
OFF 214 kPa (31 PSI)
HIGH TIRE PRESSURE THRESHOLDS
SYSTEM STATUS
INDICATORTIRE PRESSURE
ON 310 kPa (45 PSI)
OFF 276 kPa (40 PSI)
The Remote Tire Pressure Monitors (RTPM) are
not internally serviceable. For a Sensor Failure or
Low Battery fault, the RTPM must be replaced.
OPERATION
If equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem, each of the vehicle's five wheels will have a
valve stem with a pressure sensor and radio trans-
mitter built in. Signals from the tire pressure sensors
are received and interpreted by the Electronic Vehi-
cle Information Center (EVIC). A sensor in a
mounted wheel will broadcast its detected pressure
once per minute when the vehicle is moving faster
than 40 km/h (25 mph). The spare tire sensor will
broadcast once every hour. Each sensor's broadcast is
uniquely coded so that the EVIC can determine loca-
tion. The individual tire pressures can be displayed
graphically on the EVIC
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM
All Tire Pressure Monitoring System Faults are
specific to one location. If a9BATTERY LOW9or
9SENSOR FAILURE9fault is detected, the location
will be displayed. The appropriate sensor/transmitter
can then be replaced. If a single sensor/transmitter
cannot be detected by the EVIC, replace that sensor
transmitter. If none of the sensors/transmitters can
be detected, refer to symptoms in the EVIC section.
For additional system description and diagnosis,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring in the Body Diag-
nostic manual.
SENSOR
REMOVAL - TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR/
TRANSMITTER
(1) Remove the tire/wheel from the vehicle.
CAUTION: When removing the stick on balancing
weights from the wheel, do not use an abrasive
cleaner or a cleaner which will damage the protec-
tive finish on the wheel.
(2) Remove the balancing weights from the wheel.
NOTE: The cap used on this valve stem contains an
O-ring seal to prevent contamination and moisture
from entering the valve stem. Retain this valve stem
cap for re-use. Do not substitute a regular valve
stem cap in its place.
(3) Remove the cap from the valve stem.
NOTE: The valve stem used on this vehicle is made
of aluminum and the core is nickel plated brass.
The original valve stem core must be reinstalled
and not substituted for a valve stem core made of a
different material. This is required to prevent corro-
sion in the valve stem caused by the different met-
als.
(4) Using the appropriate tool, remove the core
from the valve stem (Fig. 20).
(5) Let the tire fully deflate.
Fig. 20 REMOVING VALVE STEM CORE - TYPICAL
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - TIRE
4 - VALVE STEM CORE TOOL
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSWJ