Description & Operation: Notes
Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is designed for entire vehicle theft protection. System monitors doors, liftgate, hood and ignition switch for unauthorized operation. VTSS monitors engine compartment and passenger compartment. If engine compartment is not secure, system will still arm and monitor passenger compartment. VTSS will not arm if the passenger compartment section is not secured. VTSS is armed by locking the vehicle using the door lock switch, door lock key or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter when all doors are closed. If vehicle is locked by manually pushing down the door lock mechanism, alarm will not arm. VTSS can be triggered from doors, liftgate, hood and ignition switch. When system is triggered, horn will sound and headlights, parking lights and taillights will flash. After 3 minutes, horn will stop sounding, but lights will continue to flash for another 15 minutes. VTSS will reset after it has been triggered and system has timed out for 18 minutes. VTSS is disarmed through normal vehicle entry of unlocking door with key or RKE system. VTSS is equipped with a tamper alert signal, indicating VTSS has been triggered (vehicle has been tampered with). When either front door is unlocked with key or RKE, the horn will sound 3 times. Whenever battery power is lost or disconnected, VTSS will not disarm. When battery power is restored, system must be disarmed before vehicle will start. VTSS is an internal function of the Body Control Module (BCM). For more information and testing, see BODY CONTROL MODULES - CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY, & VOYAGER article.
Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle engine operation. SKIS consists of the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sentry transponder keys and VTSS LED. See Fig 1 . SKIM is located on steering column, around ignition lock cylinder. SKIS uses Radio Frequency (RF) signals that are transmitted and received by the SKIM. The SKIM uses RF signals to communicate with special Sentry Key transponder keys. Each SKIM is programmed with a unique "Secret Key" code and security code. The SKIM sends the "Secret Key" code over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) bus line to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM also stores the "Secret Key" code. The SKIM sends the "Secret Key" code to each Sentry Key transponder key (up to 8 keys). The SKIM also stores the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in memory from PCM during initialization. When ignition switch is turned to ON or START position, SKIM transmits an RF signal to energize the Sentry Key transponder key. If SKIM receives a valid "Secret Key" and transponder identification code, the SKIM sends a "Valid Key" message to PCM. PCM will allow engine start and run operations. If an invalid ignition key is used, SKIM will send invalid signal to PCM, causing engine to start and run for 2 seconds, then stop. If vehicle is started with invalid keys 6 times in a row, engine will not crank until correct key is used.