²The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)
Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the RES/ACCEL switch (when speed is
greater than 30 mph) restores the vehicle to the tar-
get speed that was stored in the PCM.
While the speed control is engaged, the driver can
increase the vehicle speed by depressing the RES/AC-
CEL switch. The new target speed is stored in the
PCM when the RES/ACCEL is released. The PCM
also has a9tap-up9feature in which vehicle speed
increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for each
momentary switch activation of the RES/ACCEL
switch.
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 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 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.
8P - 2 SPEED CONTROLWJ
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY SYSTEM....................1
DESCRIPTION - SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM..................2
OPERATION
OPERATION - VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
SYSTEM.............................2
OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM.............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE
THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM..............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM..................5
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SKIS
INITIALIZATION........................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SENTRY KEY
TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING..........6
DOOR CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DOOR
CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH...............8
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
HOOD AJAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HOOD AJAR
SWITCH.............................9REMOVAL
REMOVAL - HOOD AJAR SWITCH........10
REMOVAL - HOOD AJAR SWITCH
BRACKET...........................10
REMOVAL - HOOD AJAR SWITCH STRIKER . 10
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - HOOD AJAR SWITCH.....10
INSTALLATION - HOOD AJAR SWITCH
BRACKET...........................10
INSTALLATION - HOOD AJAR SWITCH
STRIKER............................11
INTRUSION TRANSCEIVER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SIREN
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
SKIS INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
VTSS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VTSS
INDICATOR..........................16
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
SYSTEM
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is
designed to provide perimeter protection against
unauthorized vehicle use or tampering by monitoring
the vehicle doors, the liftgate, the liftgate flip-up
glass, the ignition system and, only on vehicles built
for sale in certain international markets where it is
required equipment, the hood. If unauthorized vehi-cle use or tampering is detected, the system responds
by pulsing the horn and flashing the exterior lamps.
In many markets the VTSS also includes the Sentry
Key Immobilizer System (SKIS), which provides pas-
sive vehicle protection by preventing the engine from
operating unless a valid electronically encoded key is
detected in the ignition lock cylinder. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY -
DESCRIPTION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM).
The VTSS includes the following major compo-
nents, which are described in further detail else-
where in this service manual:
²Body Control Module (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/BODY
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 1
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)
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open B(+) circuit between the JB fuse and the Power
Distribution Center (PDC).
(3) Check the fused ignition switch output (st-run)
fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the shorted circuit or component and replace the
faulty fuse.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (st-run) fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If
not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output
(st-run) circuit between the JB fuse 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. Check for continu-
ity between the ground circuit of the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the SKIM and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
SKIM. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open
fused B(+) circuit between the SKIM and the JB
fuse.
(7) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (st-run) circuit of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the SKIM. If OK, refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information and use a
DRBIIItscan tool to complete the diagnosis of the
SKIS. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (st-run) circuit between the SKIM and
the JB fuse.
SKIS INDICATOR FLASHES OR LIGHTS SOLID FOLLOWING
BULB TEST
A SKIS indicator that flashes following a successful
bulb test indicates that an invalid key has been
detected, or that a key-related fault has been set. A
SKIS indicator that lights solid following a successful
bulb test indicates that the SKIM has detected a sys-
tem malfunction or that the SKIS is inoperative. In
either case, fault information will be stored in the
SKIM memory. For retrieval of this fault information
and further diagnosis of the SKIS, the PCI data bus,
the SKIM message outputs to the instrument cluster,
the SKIM message outputs to the Body Control Mod-
ule (BCM), or the message inputs and outputs
between the SKIM and the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM), a DRBIIItscan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information are required. Following are
preliminary troubleshooting guidelines to be followed
during diagnosis using a DRBIIItscan tool:(1) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, read and record
the faults as they exist in the SKIM when you first
begin your diagnosis of the vehicle. It is important to
document these faults because the SKIM does not
differentiate between historical and active faults. If
this problem turns out to be an intermittent condi-
tion, this information may become invaluable to your
diagnosis.
(2) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, erase all of the
faults from the SKIM.
(3) Cycle the ignition switch to the Off position,
then back to the On position.
(4) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, read any faults
that are now present in the SKIM. These are the
active faults.
(5) Using this active fault information, refer to the
proper procedure in the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation for the additional specific diagnostic steps.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SKIS
INITIALIZATION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) must
be initialized following a Sentry Key Immobilizer
Module (SKIM) replacement. SKIS initialization
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Initialization
will also require that you have access to the unique
four-digit PIN code that was assigned to the original
SKIM. The PIN codemustbe used to enter the
Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. This PIN number
may be obtained from the vehicle owner, from the
original vehicle invoice, or from the DaimlerChrysler
Customer Center. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - PCM/SKIM PROGRAMMING).
NOTE: If a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is
replaced on a vehicle equipped with the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS), the unique Secret Key
data must be transferred from the Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM) to the new PCM using
the PCM replacement procedure. This procedure
also requires the use of a DRBIIITscan tool and the
unique four-digit PIN code to enter the Secured
Access Mode in the SKIM. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information for the proper PCM replace-
ment procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SENTRY KEY
TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING
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
8Q - 6 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
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 switch lock cylinde for which it will be used.
Once the additional key has been cut, the SKIM
must be programmed to recognize it as a valid key.
There are two possible methods to program the
SKIM to recognize a new or additional valid key, the
Secured Access Method and the Customer Learn
Method. Following are the details of these two pro-
gramming methods.
SECURED ACCESS METHOD
The Secured Access method applies to all vehicles.
This method requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool.
This method will also require that you have access to
the unique four-digit PIN code that was assigned to
the original SKIM. The PIN codemustbe used to
enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. This
PIN number may be obtained from the vehicle owner,
from the original vehicle invoice, or from the
DaimlerChrysler Customer Center. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information for the proper
Secured Access method programming procedures.
CUSTOMER LEARN METHOD
The Customer Learn feature is only available on
domestic vehicles, or those vehicles which have a
U.S. country code designator. This programming
method also requires access to at least two valid Sen-
try Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not available,
or if the vehicle does not have a U.S. country code
designator, the Secured Access Methodmustbe used
to program new or additional valid keys to the SKIM.
The Customer Learn programming method proce-
dures are as follows:
(1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that are to be
programmed as valid keys for the vehicle. Cut the
blank key(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylin-
der 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 switch 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 in the lock cylinder within fifteen seconds
of removing the first valid key.
(4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step
3, the SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster will
start to flash and a single audible chime tone willsound to indicate that the system has entered the
Customer Learn programming mode.
(5) Within sixty seconds of entering the Customer
Learn programming 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
SKIS indicator will stop flashing, stay on solid for
three seconds, then turn off to indicate that the
blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed.
The SKIS will immediately exit the Customer Learn
programming mode and the vehicle may now be
started using the newly programmed valid Sentry
Key.
Each of these steps must be repeated and com-
pleted in their entirety for each additional Sentry
Key that is to be programmed. If the above steps are
not completed in the given sequence, or within the
allotted time, the SKIS will exit the Customer Learn
programming mode and the programming will be
unsuccessful. The SKIS will also automatically exit
the Customer Learn programming mode if it sees a
non-blank Sentry Key transponder when it should
see a blank, if it has already programmed eight (8)
valid Sentry Keys, or if the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position for more than about fifty seconds.
NOTE: If an attempt is made to start the vehicle
while in the Customer Learn mode (SKIS indicator
flashing), the SKIS will respond as though the vehi-
cle were being started with an invalid key. In other
words, the engine will stall after about two seconds
of operation. No faults will be set.
NOTE: Once a Sentry Key has been programmed as
a valid key to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed
as a valid key for use on any other vehicle.
DOOR CYLINDER LOCK
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles manufactured for North American mar-
kets that are equipped with the optional Vehicle
Theft Security System (VTSS) have a door cylinder
lock switch secured to the back of the key lock cylin-
der inside the drivers front door (Fig. 1). The door
cylinder lock switch is a resistor multiplexed momen-
tary switch that is hard wired in series between the
door lock switch ground and right or left cylinder
lock switch mux circuits of the Drivers Door Module
(DDM) through the front door wire harness. The door
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 7
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)
The ITM microprocessor continuously monitors
inputs from its on-board motion sensor as well as
inputs from the BCM and the alarm siren module.
The ITM motion sensor transmits ultrasonic signals
into the vehicle cabin through a transmit transducer,
then listens to the returning signals as the bounce off
of objects in the vehicle interior. If an object is mov-
ing in the interior, a detection circuit in the ITM
senses this movement through the modulation of the
returning ultrasonic signals that occurs due to the
Doppler effect. The motion detect function of the ITM
can be disabled by depressing the ªLockº button on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter three
times within fifteen seconds, while the security indi-
cator is still flashing rapidly or by cycling the key in
the driver door cylinder from the center to the lock
position. The ITM will signal the alarm siren module
to provide a single siren ªchirpº as an audible confir-
mation that the motion sensor function has been dis-
abled.
If movement is detected, the ITM sends an mes-
sage to the BCM over the PCI data bus to flash the
exterior lighting and send a message to the alarm
siren module over a dedicated serial bus line to
sound the siren. When the BCM detects a breach in
the perimeter protection through a door, tailgate,
flip-up glass, or hood ajar switch input, it sends an
message to the ITM and the ITM sends an message
to the BCM over the PCI data bus to flash the exte-
rior lighting and send a message to the alarm siren
module over a dedicated serial bus line to sound the
siren. The ITM also monitors inputs from the alarm
siren module for siren battery or siren input/output
circuit tamper alerts, and siren battery condition
alerts, then sets active and stored Diagnostic Trouble
Codes (DTC) for any monitored system faults it
detects. 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 ITM. If a fault
does not reoccur for fifty ignition cycles, the ITM will
automatically erase the stored DTC.
The ITM is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through the overhead wire harness. The ITM
receives battery voltage on a B(+) circuit through a
fuse in the Junction Block (JB), and is grounded to
the chassis at G303. These connections allow the
ITM to remain operational, regardless of the ignition
switch position. The hard wired inputs and outputs
for the ITM may be diagnosed and tested using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However,
conventional diagnostic methods will not prove con-
clusive in the diagnosis of the ITM, the PCI data bus
network, or the electronic message inputs to and out-
puts from the ITM. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the ITM, the PCI data
bus network, and the message inputs to and outputsfrom the ITM requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) While pulling downward lightly on the rear cor-
ner of the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) trim
cover, insert a small thin-bladed screwdriver through
each of the service holes on the rear edge of the trim
cover to release the two integral rear latch features
of the module from the mounting bracket above the
headliner (Fig. 7).
(3) Pull the ITM trim cover rearward far enough
to disengage the two front latch features of the mod-
ule from the mounting bracket above the headliner.
(4) Pull the ITM and trim cover down from the
headliner far enough to access and disconnect the
overhead wire harness connector for the ITM from
the module connector.
(5) Remove the ITM from the headliner.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the Intrusion Transceiver Module
(ITM) to the headliner.
(2) Reconnect the overhead wire harness connector
for the ITM to the module connector.
(3) Align the two front latch features of the ITM
with the two front latch receptacles of the mounting
bracket above the headliner (Fig. 8).
(4) Push the ITM trim cover forward far enough to
insert the two rear latch features of the module into
Fig. 7 INTRUSION TRANSCEIVER MODULE
REMOVE
1 - SMALL SCREWDRIVER
2 - HEADLINER
3 - SERVICE HOLES
4 - ITM
8Q - 12 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYWJ
INTRUSION TRANSCEIVER MODULE (Continued)
the two rear latch receptacles of the mounting
bracket above the headliner.
(5) Push upward firmly and evenly on the rear
edge of the ITM trim cover until the two rear latch
features of the module are engaged and latched in
the mounting bracket above the headliner.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
NOTE: If the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) has
been replaced with a new unit, the new ITM MUST
be initialized before the Vehicle Theft Security Sys-
tem can operate as designed. The use of a DRBIIIT
scan tool is required to initialize the ITM. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
SIREN
DESCRIPTION
An alarm siren module is part of the premium ver-
sion of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) in the Vehicle
Theft Security System (VTSS) (Fig. 9). The premium
version of the VTA is only available in vehicles built
for certain markets, where the additional features
offered by this system are required. The alarm siren
module is located in the right front frame rail. This
unit is designed to provide the audible alert require-
ments for the premium VTA.
The alarm siren module consists of microprocessor,
the siren, and a nickel metal hydride backup battery.
All of the alarm module components are protected
and sealed within the housing.The alarm siren module cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor within the alarm siren module
provides the siren unit features and functions based
upon internal programming and arm and disarm
messages received from the Intrusion Transceiver
Module (ITM) over a dedicated serial bus communi-
cation circuit. The alarm siren module will self-detect
problems with its internal and external power supply
and communication circuits, then send messages
indicating the problem to the ITM upon receiving a
request from the ITM. The ITM will store a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for a detected alarm siren
module fault that can be retrieved with the DRBIIIt
scan tool over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus.
When the premium version of the Vehicle Theft
Alarm (VTA) is armed, the alarm siren module con-
tinuously monitors inputs from the ITM for messages
to sound its siren and enters its auto-detect mode.
While in the auto-detect mode, if the alarm siren
module detects that its power supply or communica-
tion circuits are being tampered with or have been
sabotaged, it will sound an alarm and continue to
operate through its on-board backup battery. If the
arm siren module is in its disarmed mode when its
power supply or communication circuits are inter-
rupted, the siren will not sound. The alarm module
will also notify the ITM when the backup battery
requires charging, and the ITM will send a message
that will allow the backup battery to be charged
through the battery voltage and ground circuits to
the alarm module only when the ignition switch is in
the On position and the engine is running. This will
prevent the charging of the alarm backup battery
from depleting the charge in the main vehicle battery
while the vehicle is not being operated.
The alarm siren module receives battery voltage
through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC), and is grounded to the chassis. These connec-
tions allow the alarm siren module to remain opera-
tional, regardless of the ignition switch position. The
hard wired inputs and outputs for the alarm siren
module may be diagnosed and tested using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, con-
ventional diagnostic methods will not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the internal circuitry or
the backup battery of the alarm siren module, the
ITM, the serial bus communication line, or the mes-
sage inputs to and outputs from the alarm siren
module. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the alarm siren module, the ITM,
the serial bus communication line, and the electronic
Fig. 8 INTRUSION TRANSCEIVER MODULE
RETAINER RING
1 - STAMPED NUT (2)
2 - MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - HEADLINER
4 - LATCH RECEPTACLES (4)
WJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 13
INTRUSION TRANSCEIVER MODULE (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)