Operation
OPERATION
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
Upon failure of proper Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) communication to the PCM, the PCM will shut off fuel after two seconds of run time. The engine will not re-crank on the key cycle that the failure occurred, a full key down sequence must be performed for the engine to crank again. After six consecutive fuel shut-offs, the engine will no longer crank on subsequent key cycles. The failure must be corrected and a valid communication process between the SKREEM and the PCM must occur for the engine to crank and start again.
The electronics for the VTSS are part of the Body Control Module (BCM). The system is armed when the vehicle is locked using the:
- Power door lock switches (with any door ajar)
- Remote Keyless Entry integrated key.
- Door Cylinder Lock Switches (RG only).
For vehicles equipped with Sentry Key Remote Entry System (SKREES), the doors do not have to be locked to enable the fuel shut off feature.
After the vehicle is locked and the last door is closed, the set LED indicator in the Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) will flash quickly for 16 seconds, indicating that arming is in progress. If no monitored systems are activated during this period, the system will arm. The LED will extinguish unless the liftgate is open. If the liftgate is open, the LED will flash at a slower rate. This indicates that the system is armed.
RG Only - If fault is detected on the driver key cylinder input, the indicator LED will remain solid during the arming process, although the system will still arm.
If the indicator LED does not illuminate at all upon door closing it indicates that the system is not arming.
Passive disarming occurs upon normal vehicle entry by unlocking either door with the remote transmitter (RG - ignition key or remote transmitter). This disarming will also halt the alarm once it has been activated.
A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the VTSS had been activated. This alert consists of 3 horn pulses when the vehicle is disarmed.
NOTE: The VTSS will not arm by pushing down the door lock mechanism. This will manually override the system.
RG Only - For Door Cylinder Lock Switch Removal and Installation, refer to Power Locks, Door Cylinder Lock Switch.
If the VTSS is triggered, the horn will pulse, headlamps/marker lamps will flash, and the VTSS warning lamp will flash. If BCM determines the threat to be false and the VTSS is not triggered again, the system will shut down and rearm itself after three minutes. If a trigger is still active, the alarm will continue for an additional 15 minutes without the horn. The VTSS monitors the passenger compartment (for RG - Export it also monitors the engine compartment. If a malfunction occurs in the engine compartment, the passenger compartment would still arm and function normally).
NOTE: System will not arm if passenger compartment is not secure.
NOTE: (RG - Export - If hood is not secure during the arming sequence, the lamp will stay lit and not flash. The system will arm with hood not secured and the liftgate open).
ARMING THE VTSS - METHOD A
1. With the key removed from the ignition lock and any door open (excluding liftgate), actuate one of the following:
- Power door lock button to LOCK,
- Key fob LOCK button
- Driver door lock key cylinder to locked position (RG Only).
2. Close all opened doors. Liftgate can remain open.
3. After the last door is closed, an arming time-out period of sixteen seconds will start, then the VTSS will become armed.
ARMING THE VTSS - METHOD B
Actuating the key fob transmitter LOCK button, key locking the front doors with the doors closed and the ignition locked will begin the arming time-out period. If method A, 16 second time-out sequence was in process when method B was actuated, the 16 second time-out will restart from the time of the second actuation.
If the security lamp does not illuminate at all upon final door closure, it indicates that the system is not arming.
The current VTSS status armed or disarmed shall be maintained in memory to prevent battery disconnects from disarming the system.
TRIGGERING THE VTSS
After the VTSS is armed, the following actions will trigger the alarm:
- Opening any door (liftgate - only if opening via liftgate button on key fob).
- Opening the hood (RG - Export)
- Turning the ignition to the RUN position.
NOTE: When the VTSS is ARMED, the interior power door lock switch "UNLOCK" will be disabled until the vehicle is disarmed.
CAUTION: The VTSS indicator LED will trigger and engine will continue to run if the vehicle is equipped with SKREES and the proper key is used to start the vehicle. This condition will occur if the VTSS has been triggered. If valid key is used, VTSS will disarm
SENTRY KEY REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM
The SKREES includes keys from the factory which are pre-programmed. Each SKREEM will recognize a maximum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer would like to own additional keys other than those provided with the vehicle, they can be purchased from any authorized dealer. These keys must be programmed to the SKREEM on the vehicle in order for the system to recognize them as valid keys. This can be done by the dealer with a DRBIII(R) scan tool or by a customer if this feature is available in their market and they have two (2) valid keys already available to them. The SKREES performs a self-test each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and will store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) if a system malfunction is detected. The SKREES can be diagnosed and any stored DTC's can be retrieved using a DRBIII(R) scan tool as described in the appropriate Body Diagnostic Procedures information.