SKIS INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) uses
the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indicator
LED to give an indication when the SKIS is faulty or
when the vehicle has been immobilized due to the
use of an invalid ignition key. The LED is controlled
by the instrument cluster circuitry based upon mes-
sages received from the Sentry Key Immobilizer
Module (SKIM).
OPERATION
The SKIM sends messages to the instrument clus-
ter, to turn the LED on for about three seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a
bulb test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM
sends PCI bus messages to keep the LED off for a
duration of about one second. Then the SKIM sends
messages to the instrument cluster circuitry to turn
the LED on or off based upon the results of the SKIS
self-tests. If the VTSS indicator LED comes on and
stays on after the bulb test, it indicates that the
SKIM has detected a system malfunction and/or that
the SKIS has become inoperative. If the SKIM
detects an invalid key when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, it sends messages to the
instrument cluster to flash the VTSS indicator LED.
The SKIM can also send messages to the instru-
ment cluster to flash the LED and to generate a sin-
gle audible chime tone. These functions serve as an
indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in its “Customer Learn” programming mode.
See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder
Programming in this group for more information on
the “Customer Learn” programming mode.
The VTSS indicator LED uses a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) on the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. It is not serviceable separate from the
instrument cluster assembly. If the VTSS indicator
LED comes on and stays on after the bulb test func-
tion, diagnosis of the SKIS should be performed with
a DRB lll
t scan tool and the proper Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures manual.
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) uses a
transponder chip that is integral to each ignition key
(Fig. 5) 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 transponder has a unique tran-
sponder identification code programmed into it by the
manufacturer. The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM) has a unique “Secret Key” code programmed
into it by the manufacturer. When a Sentry Key
transponder is programmed into the memory of the
SKIM, the SKIM learns the transponder identifica-
tion code from the transponder, and the transponder
learns the “Secret Key” code from the SKIM. Each of
these codes is stored within the transponder and in
the nonvolatile memory of the SKIM. Therefore,
blank keys for the SKIS must be programmed by and
into the SKIM, in addition to being cut to match the
mechanical coding of the ignition lock cylinder. See
Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder Pro-
gramming in this section for more information.
Fig. 5 SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER TRANSPONDER
1 - MOLDED CAP
2 - TRANSPONDER
3 - MOLDED CAP REMOVED
4 - SENTRY KEY
8Q - 6
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
PT