Power Locks: Description and Operation
GENERAL INFORMATIONPower door locks are optional factory-installed equipment on this model. Power windows are included on vehicles equipped with the power door lock option. The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system with illuminated entry is available on vehicles equipped with power door locks.
POWER LOCK SYSTEM
Two different power lock systems are offered on this model. One system is used on vehicles that are not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), and a different system is used on models that are equipped with the VTSS option.
Both power lock systems allow all of the doors to be locked or unlocked electrically by operating the switch on either front door trim panel. Both power lock systems operate on non-switched battery current supplied through a fuse in the fuseblock module so that the systems remain functional, regardless of the ignition switch position. Both power lock systems include the power lock switches on each front door trim panel, and the power lock motors inside each door.
The only visible difference between the two power lock systems lies in the location of the system control circuitry and logic, as well as the power lock and unlock relays. Models without the VTSS option have their power lock system control components integral to the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module. Models with the VTSS option have their power lock system control components integral to the Central Timer Module (CTM). However, the CTM based power lock system offers several additional features that are not available with the power lock and RKE module-based system. See Power Lock and Remote Keyless Entry Module, and see Central Timer Module.
Following are general descriptions of the major components in the two power lock systems. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the power lock system.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM
Two different Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems are offered on this model. One system is used on vehicles that are not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), and a different system is used on models that are equipped with the VTSS option.
Both RKE systems are radio frequency systems that allow the use of a remote battery-powered radio transmitter to control the power lock system. Both RKE systems include an illuminated entry feature, which turns on the courtesy lamps for a timed interval (about 30 seconds), when the power door locks are unlocked using the RKE transmitter. ON both RKE systems, the power locks and illuminated entry can be operated by depressing the Lock or Unlock buttons of the RKE transmitter. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional VTSS, the RKE transmitter also arms and disarms the factory-installed vehicle theft alarm.
The only visible difference between the two RKE systems lies in the location of the system control circuitry and logic, the RKE receiver, and the illuminated entry system relay. Models without the VTSS option have their RKE system control components and receiver integral to the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module. Models with the VTSS option have their RKE system control components and receiver integral to the Central Timer Module (CTM). However, the CTM-based RKE system offers several additional features that are not available with the power lock and RKE module-based system. See Power Lock and Remote Keyless Entry Module, and see Central Timer Module for more information.
Following are general descriptions of the major components in both RKE systems. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the RKE system.
POWER LOCK AND REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE
The power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module is used on models that are not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). This module is mounted on the inboard side of the left center instrument panel support. The module contains the RKE receiver and the RKE system program logic. The relays for the power door locks, the RKE system, and the illuminated entry system are also integral to this module.
The RKE receiver has a memory function to retain the vehicle access code of at least one, but no more than two transmitters. The RKE receiver is designed to retain the transmitter codes in memory, even if the battery is disconnected.
This RKE system includes an illuminated entry feature, which turns on the courtesy lamps for a timed interval (about 35 seconds), when the power locks are unlocked using the RKE transmitter. This power lock system includes a delay lock feature. With the delay lock feature, if a side or rear door is still open when a lock request is received by the power lock module, the module will automatically cycle all of the power lock motors to lock five seconds after the doors are closed.
The power lock and RKE module receives inputs from the ignition switch, the power door lock switches, and both the side and rear cargo door jamb switches. It also receives the radio signal input from the RKE transmitter. In response to those inputs, it is programmed to control outputs to the power lock motors and the courtesy lamp circuits.
The power lock and remote keyless entry module cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE
A Central Timer Module (CTM) is used on this vehicle when it is equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). In addition to serving as the security system module, the CTM combines the functions of a chime/buzzer module, an intermittent wipe module, an illuminated entry module, and a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module in a single unit.
The CTM is also able to control and integrate many of the additional electronic functions and features included on models with this option. The CTM contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.
The CCD data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities.
The CTM controls features and functions of the power lock, illuminated entry, and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems. The CTM receives hard wired inputs from the power lock switches, CCD message inputs from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Airbag Control Module (ACM), and coded radio frequency inputs from the RKE transmitters. In response to those and many other inputs, the internal programming of the CTM sends the proper outputs to control the power lock motors, the headlamp and horn relays, and the courtesy lamps.
The RKE receiver within the CTM has a memory function to retain the vehicle access codes of at least one, but no more than four RKE transmitters. The receiver is designed to retain the transmitter codes in memory, even if the battery is disconnected.
Some of the features and functions of the power lock, illuminated entry and RKE systems made possible because of the communication of the CTM on the CCD data bus network include:
- A door lock inhibit feature which prevents the power lock system from being energized with a power door lock switch if the key is in the ignition and/or the headlamps are ON. However, the locks can still be operated manually, with a key, or energized with the RKE transmitter.
- A delay lock feature. With the delay lock feature, if a side or rear door is still open when a lock request is received by the CTM, the module will automatically cycle all of the power lock motors to lock five seconds after the doors are closed.
- A central locking feature. Central locking allows all of the doors on the vehicle to be locked when a key is used in either front door lock cylinder to lock either front door. Similarly, central locking will also unlock all of the doors on the vehicle when the key is rapidly cycled twice to the unlock position in either front door lock cylinder. This feature uses inputs from the two door lock cylinder switches, which are components of the VTSS.
- An enhanced accident response feature will unlock all doors, then prevent the power door lock system from locking the doors for a predetermined time interval, after receiving a CCD message from the ACM indicating a frontal impact of the vehicle requiring airbag deployment. This feature will also turn on the courtesy lamps ten seconds after receiving the ACM deployment message, if the CCD vehicle speed message from the PCM indicates that the vehicle is not moving. Of course, these responses are dependent upon functional battery power and wiring circuitry following the impact.
- Rolling door locks is a programmable feature of the power lock system. This feature will automatically lock all of the doors and the liftgate after the vehicle reaches a speed of about 24 km/h (15 mph) or greater. This feature will also lock the doors if a door is opened, then closed again, at any speed above 24 km/h (15 mph).
- A programmable feature of the RKE system is the enabling or disabling of the horn chirp following activation of the RKE Lock function. This feature can be enabled or disabled and, if enabled, the horn chirp duration (20 or 40 milliseconds) can be selected.
The CTM is mounted under the instrument panel, to the inboard side of the left center instrument panel support.
The programmable features of the CTM can be enabled or disabled using the DRB III scan tool as described in the proper Diagnostic Procedures. For diagnosis of the CTM or the CCD data bus, a DRB III scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended. The CTM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
POWER LOCK SWITCH
The power locks can be controlled by a two-way switch mounted in a bezel on the mirror flag bezel trim of each front door. The power lock switch controls the battery feeds to the lock and unlock sense inputs of the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module or the Central Timer Module (CTM). The relays that are integral to the power lock and RKE module or the CTM then direct the correct battery and ground feeds to the power lock motors.
The power lock switches cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the switches must be replaced.
POWER LOCK MOTOR
In the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems, the door latch lock mechanisms can be actuated by a reversible electric motor. A power lock motor module is secured to the bottom of the door latch mounted within each front door. A power lock motor is integral to the latches used on dual side or rear doors. A separate power lock motor with a connecting link is used to actuate the latch in the sliding side or single rear door.
The power lock motor direction is controlled by the battery and ground feeds from the power lock and unlock relays. The power lock and unlock relays are integral to the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module, or the Central Timer Module (CTM).
The power door lock motors cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced. On dual side or rear doors the entire door latch unit must be replaced. The front door, sliding side door, and single rear door power lock motors are serviced separately.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter for either RKE system is equipped with two buttons, labeled Lock and Unlock. It is also equipped with a key ring and is designed to serve as a key fob. The operating range of the transmitter radio signal is up to 7 meters (23 feet) from the RKE receiver.
Each transmitter has a different vehicle access code, which must be programmed into the memory of the RKE receiver in the vehicle in order to operate the RKE system.
The transmitter operates on two Duracell DL2016, Panasonic CR2016 (or equivalent) batteries. Typical battery life is from one to two years. The RKE transmitter cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY RECEIVER
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver is a radio frequency unit that is integral to the power lock and RKE module or to the Central Timer Module (CTM). The RKE receiver has a memory function to retain the vehicle access codes of the RKE transmitters, even if the battery is disconnected. The power lock and RKE module can store two transmitter vehicle access codes, the CTM can store up to four.
The RKE receiver is energized by one of two radio frequency inputs from the RKE transmitter, Unlock or Lock. The programming of the power lock and RKE module or the CTM responds to these RKE inputs, as well as many other inputs, by sending the proper control outputs to the power lock motors, the courtesy lamp circuit, and (with the CTM-based RKE system only) the horn relay.
The RKE receiver is only serviced as a unit with the power lock and RKE module or the CTM and, if faulty or damaged, the module unit must be replaced.
HORN RELAY
The horn relay is a component of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system only on vehicles equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). The horn relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The terminal designations and functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay terminal orientation (or footprint) is different, current capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The horn relay is a electromechanical device that switches battery current to the born when the horn switch or the Central Timer Module (CTM) grounds the relay coil.
The horn relay is located in the relay and fuse block, which is located on the driver side end of the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. If a problem is encountered with a continuously sounding horn, it can usually be quickly resolved by removing the horn relay from the relay and fuse block until further diagnosis is completed.
The horn relay cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.