Keyless Entry: Description and Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry module controls the Power Door Locks and the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). It also wakes up the Instrument Cluster to turn on the illuminated entry when it senses a signal from the RKE transmitter. The module communicates with other modules via the PCI bus circuit.

The RKE module monitors the Occupant Restraint Controller messages for the purpose of monitoring the deployment of the airbag. Upon receiving that message along with the verification that the ignition is on and the vehicle speed is zero, it will provide the "enhanced accident response feature". This feature will cause the module to unlock all doors immediately and the instrument cluster to turn the courtesy lamps on when the vehicle reaches 0 MPH.

The RKE module communicates with the Powertrain Control Module to receive vehicle speed information to activate the rolling door lock feature, receive the "okay to lock" message, and receive body style information. Two transmitters are supplied with the vehicle but a total of 4 can be programmed to the module. The horn chirp on vehicle lock command is customer programmable.

To limit the amount of battery drain during storage, the IOD fuse may be removed.

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
When the VTSS is armed, it monitors the status of the ignition switch and ajar switches for the vehicle doors and liftgate. If the alarm is tripped, it will sound the vehicles horn, flash the exterior lamps and the VTSS indicator located in the instrument cluster.

Arming the system is accomplished by locking the doors with the door lock switch following a normal exit sequence of opening the door, pressing the power lock button and closing the door, by using a cylinder lock switch or by pressing the RKE lock button. After all the doors are closed, the VTSS indicator will flash quickly for sixteen seconds indicating the pre-arm process, after which it will flash at a slower rate indicating the system is armed. If during the pre-arm process a door is opened, the ignition is turned to the Run/Start position, or if the RKE module receives an unlock request, the system will automatically be disarmed.

Disarming can be accomplished with a RKE unlock, turning the ignition on with a valid Sentry key or unlocking the vehicle with a cylinder lock switch. All of the switches for the VTSS system can be monitored using the DRBIII(R). The DRBIII(R) is also useful to determine the cause of a customer complaint of the alarm going off with no apparent reason.

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM (EXPORT ONLY)
The VTSS is available in either a base or premium configuration. Both systems will monitor the ignition switch status, ajar switches for the vehicle doors, liftgate and hood. In addition to this the premium system will monitor the interior of the vehicle for movement via an intrusion sensor. When tripped to the alarming state, the exterior lights and VTSS indicator will flash along with cycling of the vehicle horn for the base system while the premium version uses a battery backed siren for the audible alert.

Arming the system is accomplished by locking the doors with the door lock switch following a normal exit sequence of opening the door, pressing the power lock button and closing the door, or by using any cylinder lock switch, or by pressing the RKE lock button. After all the doors are closed, the VTSS indicator will flash quickly for sixteen seconds indicating the pre-arm process, after which it will flash at a slower rate indicating the system is armed. If during the pre-arm process a door is opened, the ignition is turned to the Run/Start position, or if the RKE module receives an unlock request, the system will automatically be disarmed.

If the VTSS indicator stays on steady during prearm, it is an indication of the hood ajar circuit being shorted (hood opened). Defeating the intrusion sensor feature for vehicles so equipped can be done by three additional lock requests within five seconds of each other during the pre-arming process to the RKE module from either the RKE fob or a cylinder lock switch.

Disarming is done by either a RKE unlock or turning the ignition on with a valid Sentry key or from any cylinder lock switch for certain markets. All of the switches for the VTSS system can be monitored using the DRBIII(R). The DRBIII(R) is also useful to determine the cause of a customer complaint of the alarm going off with no apparent reason.

PANIC MODE (IF EQUIPPED)
Upon activation of the panic function the head lamps and park lamps flash in an alternating manner, the horn pulses every second and the courtesy lamps are turned on. The panic mode allows normal night time driving by allowing the headlamps and park lamps to be on steady when the headlamp switch is in the on position Panic mode is activated immediately by pressing the panic button once. It does not disarm the VTSS or unlock the doors. It is canceled by pressing the button a second time, reaching a vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 kph), or after 3 minutes has elapsed in panic mode. Once panic mode has been activated there is a 2 second delay before it will turn off. Once it is cancelled there is a 2 second delay before it can be reactivated. This is to avoid the problem of deactivating and immediate reactivating due to multiple button presses.

POWER DOOR LOCKS

CENTRAL LOCKING (W/VTSS ONLY)
This feature allows the customer to lock/unlock all vehicle doors with the key from the front door or liftgate cylinder lock switch. The customer can choose to program this feature to unlock all doors with one turn of the key or open the driver door only with the first turn of the key and open the other doors with the second turn. Altering the operation of the unlock function via the key cylinder switch from one turn to two turns will also alter the operation of the RKE transmitter from one press to two presses.

ROLLING (AUTOMATIC) DOOR LOCKS
All vehicle doors (including liftgate) are locked automatically once the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 kph) and all doors (including liftgate) are closed. This feature can also be enabled/disabled by the customer.

DOOR LOCK INHIBIT
This feature disables the door lock command from the interior door lock switch whenever the driver door is open and the key is in the ignition. This prevents the driver from locking the keys in the ignition when using the power door locks. This feature is inoperable if the IOD fuse is not installed.