Part 2 of 2
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM (SKIS)The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is an immobilizer system designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. The system consists of a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), ignition key(s) equipped with a transponder chip and engine controller. When the ignition switch is turned ON, the SKIM interrogates the ignition key. If the ignition key is "Valid" the SKIM sends a CCD Bus message to the engine controller indicating the presence of a valid ignition key. Upon receiving a "Valid" key signal the PCM will allow the engine to continue to operate.
SKIS Operation
When ignition power is supplied to the SKIM, the SKIM performs an internal self-test. After the self- testis completed, the SKIM energizes the antenna (this activates the transponder chip) and sends a challenge to the transponder chip. The transponder chip responds to the challenge by generating an encrypted response message using the following:
Secret Key - This an electronically stored value (identification number) that is unique to each SKIS. The secret key is stored in the SKIM, PCM and all ignition key transponders.
Challenge - This is a random number that is generated by the SKIM at each ignition key cycle.
The secret key and challenge are plugged into an algorithm that produces the encrypted response message. The transponder uses the crypto algorithm to receive, decode and respond to the message sent by SKIM. After responding to the coded message, the transponder sends a transponder I.D. message to the SKIM. The SKIM compares the transponder I.D. to the available valid key codes in SKIM memory (8 key maximum). After validating the key the SKIM sends a CCD Bus message called a "Seed Request" to the PCM then waits for a controller response. If the PCM does not respond, the SKIM will send the seed request again. After three failed attempts the SKIM will stop sending the seed request and store a trouble code. If the PCM sends a seed response, the SKIM sends a valid/invalid key message to the PCM. This is an encrypted message that is generated using the following:
VIN - Vehicle Identification Number
Seed - This is a random number that is generated by the PCM at each ignition key cycle.
The VIN and seed are plugged into a rolling code algorithm that encrypts the "valid/invalid key" message. The PCM uses the rolling code algorithm to receive, decode and respond to the valid/invalid key message sent by SKIM. After sending the valid/invalid key message the SKIM waits 3.5 seconds for a PCM status message from the PCM. If the PCM does not respond with a valid key message to the SKIM, a fault is detected and trouble code stored.
The SKIS incorporates a warning lamp located in the instrument cluster. The lamp is actuated when the SKIM sends a CCD Bus message to the instrument cluster requesting the lamp ON. The SKIM will request lamp operation for the following:
- bulb check at ignition ON
- to alert the vehicle operator to a SKIS malfunction
For all faults except transponder faults and VIN mismatch, the lamp remains ON steady. In the event of a transponder fault the light flashes at the rate of 1 Hz (once per second). If a fault is present the lamp will remain ON or flashing for the complete ignition cycle. If a fault is stored in SKIM memory which prevents the system from operating properly, the PCM will allow the engine to start and run (for 2 seconds) up to six times. After the sixth attempt, the PCM disables the starter relay until the fault is corrected.
For additional information on the SKIS, refer to the appropriate "Powertrain Diagnostic Information".
VEHICLE COMMUNICATION
The Chrysler Collision Detection multiplex system (CCD bus) consists of a twisted pair of wires. These wires run from one module to another. They receive and deliver coded information between the modules. The information is coded to identify the message, as well as the importance of the message. When there are multiple messages trying to access the CCD bus at one time, the code determines the message that has higher priority and is then allowed to access the bus first.
The two wires of the twisted pair that make up the CCD multiplex system are called "bus+" (bus plus) and "bus-" (bus minus) respectively. Each wire has a measurable voltage level of roughly 2.5 volts. In order to maintain the 2.5 volts on each line and provide a means of transportation for the coded messages, there is a "voltage divider network." This network consists of the Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) that supplies both bias and termination and the PCM that provides a second termination. Bias is the part of the voltage divider network that places both bus (+) and bus (-) at 2.5 volts. Termination in the circuitry is required to complete the voltage divider network and it also provides some electromagnetic protection for the bus.
NOTE: COMMUNICATION OVER THE BUS IS ESSENTIAL TO THE PROPER OPERATION OF SOME VEHICLE SYSTEMS, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEMS AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE DRB. PROBLEMS WITH THE OPERATION OF THE BUS OR DRB MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM, REFER TO THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS.
CCD Bus Failure Messages
Short to Battery - Either or both of the bus wires are shorted to the battery potential, or a specific ground may be open.
Short to 5 Volts - Either or both of the bus wires are shorted to a 5-Volt potential.
Short to Ground - Either or both of the bus wires are shorted to ground.
Bus (+) and Bus (-) Shorted Together - The two bus wires are shorted together.
Bus (+) Open - The bus (+) wire has lost connection with termination and/or bias.
Bus (-) Open - The bus (-) wire has lost connection with termination and/or bias.
Bus Bias Level Too Low - Either or both of the bus wire potentials are significantly below their normal 2.5 volts.
Bus Bias Level Too High - Either or both of the bus wire potentials are significantly above their normal 2.5 volts.
No Termination - The bus system has lost connection with all of its terminators. The Instrument Cluster (MIC) and Powertrain Control Module Supply Termination (PCM).
No Bus Bias - The bus system has lost connection with all modules that provide bias. The Instrument Cluster (MIC) provides the CCD bus bias.
Not Receiving Bus Messages Correctly - The DRB cannot communicate over the bus and does not know why.