Sentry Key Immobilizer System: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Chrysler Voyager and 2022 Chrysler Pacifica. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is factory-installed standard equipment on this vehicle. The SKIS provides vehicle protection, immobilizing the vehicle by preventing the engine from operating unless a valid Finger Operated Button with Integrated Key (FOBIK) is detected. The FOBIK must be present somewhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle for the engine to start.

The SKIS used in combination with certain market and sales code versions of the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) adds an Electronic Steering-column Lock (ESL) feature that provides protection by preventing the vehicle from being steered unless a valid encoded FOBIK is present somewhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The export premium version of the VTSS is only available in vehicles manufactured for sale in certain markets where it is required equipment.

The SKIS includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere in this service information:

Body Control Module - The Body Control Module (BCM) is concealed within the instrument panel outboard of the steering column. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Keyless Ignition Node - The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the steering column. Refer to MODULE, KEYLESS IGNITION NODE (KIN), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Low Frequency Antenna - The Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system, standard equipment on this vehicle, has several low frequency antenna units strategically placed within the vehicle. Refer to ANTENNA, PASSIVE ENTRY .
Powertrain Control Module - The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located on the inboard side of the left strut tower. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL (PCM), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Radio Frequency Hub - The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) is located in the center of the rear header for the liftgate where it is concealed behind the headliner. Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Sentry Key Transponder - A key transponder microchip is located within each FOBIK. Refer to KEY, TRANSPONDER, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Electronic Steering-column Lock - The ESL is located within a bracket integral to the steering column housing casting below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. Refer to the appropriate service information.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

This vehicle is using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to implement SKIS. This system has three unique secret codes for each vehicle; Immobilizer Secret Code, RKE secret code and mini-crypt secret code. Each secret code is 128 bit long and programmed in the vehicle as shown in illustration. Only authorized dealers have the ability to program them.

The Secret Codes are stored in the following components: BCM, RFH, the engine management module PCM, ESL (if equipped) and ignition keys.

The BCM and the RFH cannot be adjusted or repaired. If ineffective or damaged the BCM or RFH must be replaced. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION or MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .