DESCRIPTION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is
available as a factory-installed option on this model.
Vehicles equipped with this option can be readily
identified by a gray molded rubber cap on the head of
the ignition key. Models not equipped with SKIS
have a black molded rubber cap on the head of the
ignition key.
The SKIS includes the following major components,
which are described in further detail elsewhere in
this service information:
• Powertrain Control Module - The Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) is located on the right front
fender inner shield above the right front wheel house
in the engine compartment.
• Sentry Key Immobilizer Module - The Sentry
Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) is located on the
right side of the steering column near the ignition
lock cylinder housing and an integral molded plastic
antenna ring circles the ignition lock cylinder like a
halo. The SKIM and its antenna are concealed
beneath the steering column shrouds.
• Sentry Key Transponder - The Sentry Key
transponder is molded into the head of the ignition
key, and concealed by a gray molded rubber cap.
• Security Indicator - The security indicator is
located in the Information Center area of the instru-
ment cluster, to the left of center. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER/SECURITY
INDICATOR - DESCRIPTION).
Except for the Sentry Key transponders, which rely
upon Radio Frequency (RF) communication, hard
wired circuitry connects the SKIS components to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the SKIS components through the use of a
combination of soldered splices, splice block connec-
tors, and many different types of wire harness termi-
nal
connectors
and
insulators.
Refer
to
the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION - VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
SYSTEM
A Central Timer Module (CTM) is used on this
model to control and integrate many of the electronic
functions and features included in the Vehicle Theft
Security System (VTSS). In the VTSS, the CTM
receives inputs indicating the status of the door ajar
switches, the door cylinder lock switch, and the igni-
tion switch. The programming in the CTM allows it
to process the information from all of these inputs
and send control outputs to energize or de-energize
the horn relay, the headlamp high beams, and the
security indicator. If the VTSS alarm is triggered, the
CTM pulses the horn for about three minutes and
flashes the headlamp high beams and security indi-
cator for about eighteen minutes or until the system
is disarmed, whichever occurs first. The control of
these inputs and outputs are what constitute all of
the features of the VTSS. Following is information on
the operation of each of the VTSS features. Refer to
the owner’s manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of the
VTSS.
ENABLING
The CTM must have the VTSS function electroni-
cally enabled in order for the VTSS to perform as
designed. The logic in the CTM keeps its VTSS func-
tion dormant until it is enabled using a DRBIII
t
scan tool. The VTSS function of the CTM is enabled
on vehicles equipped with the VTSS option at the
factory, but a service replacement CTM must be
VTSS-enabled by the dealer using a DRBIII
t scan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
ARMING
Passive arming of the VTSS occurs when the vehi-
cle is exited with the key removed from the ignition
switch, the headlamps are turned off, and the doors
are locked while they are open using the power lock
switch, or locked after they are closed by turning
either front door lock cylinder to the lock position
using the key. The power lock switch will not func-
tion if the key is in the ignition switch or the head-
lamps are turned on with the driver side front door
open. The VTSS will not arm if the doors are locked
using the mechanical lock button. Active arming of
the VTSS occurs when the “Lock” button on the
Remote
Keyless
Entry
(RKE)
transmitter
is
depressed to lock the vehicle. For active arming to
occur, the doors must be closed and the ignition
switch must be in the Off position when the RKE
transmitter “Lock” button is depressed. However,
once the VTSS arming process has been completed,
the ignition switch can be turned to the Accessory
position without triggering the alarm.
Pre-arming of the VTSS is initiated when a door is
open when the vehicle is locked using a power door
lock switch or a key in the door lock cylinder (pas-
sive), or when the RKE transmitter “Lock” button is
depressed (active). Pre-arming will not occur if the
key is in the ignition switch or the headlamps are
8Q - 2
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
AN
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)