Immobilizer Description and Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system functions are provided by the theft deterrent module (TDM). When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains a unique value, which is received by the TDM. The theft deterrent control module then compares this value to a value stored in memory, learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge. If the calculations match, the TDM sends the fuel continue password via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM). If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the PCM via the serial data circuit. The components of the VTD system are as follows:

The TDM
The ECM
The ignition key (transponder)
The ignition lock cylinder
The security indicator