Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 GMC Acadia, 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The theft deterrent module (TDM) sends the prerelease password to the engine control module (ECM) via the serial data circuit. The ECM then sends a challenge to the TDM. Both the ECM and TDM perform a calculation on this challenge. If the calculated response from the TDM equals the calculation performed by the ECM, the ECM will allow vehicle starting.