General Information

The Theft Deterrent System on this vehicle is comprised of two separate systems, the Personal Automotive Security System (PASS-Key(R) II) and the Universal Theft Deterrent (UTD) System. These systems are described and diagnosed separately within this section.

The Personal Automotive Security System (PASS-Key(R) II) is designed to help prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless a key with a specific electrical resistance is used in the ignition switch. The components of the system are the ignition key, steering column (ignition) lock cylinder, instrument cluster (SECURITY indicator), PASS-Key(R) II theft deterrent module, Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch, starter enable relay, and Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The UTD system is designed to provide a warning in the event of forced entry through the doors. When a forced entry is attempted, the alarm warning system is activated, causing the horns to sound intermittently and the exterior lights to flash in unison for approximately 3 minutes. The components of the system are the door jamb switches, door lock cylinder switches, door tamper switches (Buick), instrument cluster (SECURITY indicator), Lamp Control Module (LCM), Rear Compartment Lid Tamper Switch, and Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module.

The yellow SECURITY indicator in the instrument cluster is controlled by both the PASS-Key(R) II system and the UTD system.
^ PASS-Key(R) II system, the PASS-Key(R) II theft deterrent module controls the indicator only when the ignition switch is ON.
^ UTD system, the RFA module controls the indicator only when the ignition switch is OFF.
^ If the engine cranks, but does not start. The PASS-Key(R) II system is not causing the problem.
^ The UTD system does not affect engine starting.