Vehicle Theft Security: Description

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 the presence of an amber SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster that will illuminate for about three seconds each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position, or by a gray molded rubber cap on the head of the ignition key. Models not equipped with SKIS still have a SKIS indicator in the cluster, but it will not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the On position. Also, models not equipped with the 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 manual:

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)  - The PCM is located on the right side of the dash panel in the engine compartment.
• Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)  - The SKIM is located on 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.
• SKIS Indicator  - The SKIS indicator is located in the upper left corner of the instrument cluster overlay.

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 circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system and to the SKIS components through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. See SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.