Vehicle Theft Alarm: 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 Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) is factory-installed standard equipment in this vehicle. There is more than one VTA system available depending on market and sales code.

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

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 .
Key FOBIK - A key transponder microchip is located within each key or Finger Operated Button with Integrated Key (FOBIK). Refer to KEY, TRANSPONDER, 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 .
Keyless Ignition Node - The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the upper steering column opening. Refer to MODULE, KEYLESS IGNITION NODE (KIN), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Body Control Module - The Body Control Module (BCM) is concealed within the instrument panel outboard of the steering column. The BCM is both a LIN bus master node and a gateway to the CAN data bus. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Ajar Switches - An ajar switch is integral to the latch mechanism of each front door, rear door and the liftgate. In vehicles manufactured for certain markets where it is required or if equipped with the optional remote start system, a hood ajar switch is integral to the hood latch mechanism. Each switch is hard wired to and monitored by the BCM for door closure status.
Instrument Panel Cluster - The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) contains the integral security indicator and is located in the instrument panel above the steering column and directly in front of the driver. Refer to DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .

The VTA is designed to provide either active or passive perimeter protection of the vehicle by monitoring the vehicle doors and the liftgate. In vehicles built for certain markets where it is required equipment, the perimeter protection also includes monitoring of the hood. If the VTA system detects any attempt to compromise a monitored vehicle system or feature, the vehicle horn is pulsed as an audible deterrent and certain exterior lamps are flashed as a visual deterrent.

The BCM includes the logic and control circuits for the base versions of the VTA. Each of the ajar switches provides hard wired inputs to the BCM, while the BCM provides control outputs to the vehicle horns and lighting systems. If the VTA is armed and a FOBIK is left inside the vehicle, VTA will disable engine start for the FOBIK that has been left in the vehicle until the vehicle has successfully been disarmed.

Hard wired circuitry connects the various VTA system components to each other through 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 and to the vehicle electrical system through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. 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.

However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the VTA system or the electronic controls and communication between modules and devices that provide some features of the VTA system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the VTA system or the electronic controls and communication related to VTA system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.