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)
