Operating Modes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Charger and 2015 Dodge Charger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Following are paragraphs that briefly describe the operation of each of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) operating modes.

Enabling - The Body Control Module (BCM) (also known as the Common Body Controller/CBC) must have the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) function electronically enabled in order for the VTA to perform as designed. The logic within the BCM keeps its VTA function dormant until it is enabled using a diagnostic scan tool. The VTA function of the BCM is enabled on vehicles equipped with the VTA option at the factory, but a service replacement BCM must be VTA-enabled by the dealer using a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
Arming - Passive arming of the VTA occurs when the vehicle is exited with the FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK), the headlamps are turned Off, and the doors are locked while they are open using the power lock switch. Active arming occurs when the Lock button on the FOBIK is pressed to lock the vehicle. For active arming to occur, the doors and the deck lid must be closed and the status of the Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) must be Off when the FOBIK Lock button or the Lock button on the Passive Entry (PE) handle is pressed. The power lock switches will not function if the FOBIK is within the vehicle interior.
Pre-arming of the VTA is initiated when a door or the deck lid is open when the vehicle is locked using a power door lock switch or when the FOBIK Lock button is pressed. Pre-arming will not occur if the FOBIK is within the vehicle interior. When the VTA is pre-armed, the arming sequence is delayed until all of the doors and the deck lid have been closed. The VTA will remain in pre-armed mode for up to 16 seconds after all doors and the deck lid have been closed.

Once the VTA begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the Instrument Cluster (IC) (also known as the Common Instrument Cluster/CIC) will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds. This indicates that VTA arming is in progress. If the ignition transitions to the On status, if a door or the deck lid is unlocked and opened by any means or if the RKE Panic button is depressed during the 16 second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the arming process will abort. Once the arming sequence is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTA is armed.
Disarming - Press the FOBIK Unlock button or with one of the valid FOBIK units located outside the vehicle and within 1.5 meters (5 feet) of the driver or passenger front door handles, grab the Passive Entry (PE) handle and enter the vehicle, then press the Start/Stop/Button (SSB) to transition the ignition status to On. This requires at least one valid FOBIK be located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Alarm - The VTA alarm provides both visual and audible outputs; however, the time intervals of these outputs vary by the requirements of the market for which the vehicle is manufactured. In all cases, the visual output will be a flashing On and Off of the exterior lamps and the audible output will be a pulsing of the horn. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for details of the alarm output requirements of the specific market for which the vehicle was manufactured. The inputs that will trigger the alarm include the door ajar switches and the deck lid ajar switch.
Power-Up Mode - When the armed VTA senses that the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its power-up mode. In the power-up mode, the alarm system remains armed following a battery failure or disconnect. If the VTA was armed prior to a battery disconnect or failure, the technician or the vehicle operator will have to actively or passively disarm the alarm system after the battery is reconnected. The power-up mode will also apply if the battery goes dead while the system is armed and battery jump-starting is attempted. The VTA will be armed until the technician or the vehicle operator has actively or passively disarmed the alarm system. If the VTA is in the disarmed mode prior to a battery disconnect or failure, it will remain disarmed after the battery is reconnected or replaced, or if jump-starting is attempted.
Tamper Alert - If the VTA alarm was triggered, the VTA tamper alert feature will give the message REMOTE START DISABLED - START VEHICLE TO RESET in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and the horn will beep three short beeps. This message will display once the vehicle is properly disarmed by unlocking the vehicle with a valid FOBIK. This message can also display if the alarm has since timed out or if the battery has been disconnected and reconnected. This feature alerts the vehicle operator that the VTA alarm was activated while the vehicle was unattended.