Alarm Module: Description and Operation
Intrusion Transceiver Module:
An Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) is part of the export premium version of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) in the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). The export premium version of the VTA is only available in vehicles built for certain export markets, where the additional features offered by this system are required. The ITM is located in the passenger compartment, on the lower surface of the headliner near the center of the vehicle. This component is designed to provide interior motion detection, and serve as an interface between the Body Control Module (BCM) and the alarm siren module.
Intrusion Transceiver Module:
The ITM is concealed beneath a molded plastic trim cover that approximates the size and shape of a typical dome lamp housing. Rather than a lens, the ITM features three sets of louvered openings. Each of the louvered openings is covered on the inside by a single molded black plastic sight shield that extends the length of the center rib for appearance. The module is secured to a molded plastic mounting bracket above the headliner. Besides the ITM, the trim cover also conceals two plastic pins integral to the mounting bracket that are used to secure the bracket to the headliner with two stamped nuts that are installed from below. An adhesive-backed foam pad is installed above the ITM bracket between the headliner and the roof panel to provide additional headliner stabilization and support for the ITM mounting. Two small notch-like service holes on the rear edge of the trim cover afford access to the two integral rear latches of the ITM for service removal.
Concealed within the housing is the electronic circuitry of the ITM which includes a microprocessor, and an ultrasonic receive transducer. A molded plastic connector containing six terminal pins that is soldered to a small circuit board and extends through a clearance hole in the left front corner of the ITM housing, and an ultrasonic transmit transducer housing extends from the center of the right side of the ITM housing. Both the transmit transducer on the right side of the module and the receive transducer on the ITM circuit board are aimed through two small round holes in the sight shield of the trim cover. The ITM is connected to the vehicle electrical system by a wire harness that is integral to the headliner.
The ITM unit cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The microprocessor in the Intrusion Transceiver Module (ITM) contains the motion sensor logic circuits and controls all of the features of the export premium version of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA). The ITM uses On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well as with a diagnostic scan tool using the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. This method of communication is used by the ITM to communicate with the Body Control Module (BCM) and for diagnosis and testing through the 16-way data link connector located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel. The ITM also communicates with the alarm siren module over a dedicated serial bus circuit.
The ITM microprocessor continuously monitors inputs from its on-board motion sensor circuitry as well as inputs from the BCM and the alarm siren module. The on-board ITM motion sensor circuitry transmits ultrasonic signals into the vehicle cabin through a transmit transducer, then listens to the returning signals as they bounce off of objects in the vehicle interior. If an object is moving in the interior, a detection circuit in the ITM senses this movement through the modulation of the returning ultrasonic signals that occurs due to the Doppler effect. The motion detect function of the ITM can be disabled by depressing the "Lock" button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter three times within fifteen seconds, while the VTA is arming (security indicator is still flashing rapidly). The ITM will signal the alarm siren module to provide a single siren "chirp" as an audible confirmation that the motion sensor function has been disabled.
If movement is detected, the ITM sends an electronic message to the BCM over the PCI data bus to flash the exterior lighting and sends an electronic message to the alarm siren module over a dedicated serial bus line to sound the siren. When the BCM detects a breach in the perimeter protection through a door, tailgate, flip-up glass, or hood ajar switch input, it sends an electronic message to the ITM and the ITM sends an electronic message to the BCM over the PCI data bus to flash the exterior lighting and sends an electronic message to the alarm siren module over a dedicated serial bus line to sound the siren. The ITM also monitors inputs from the alarm siren module for siren battery or siren input/output circuit tamper alerts, and for siren battery condition alerts, then sets an active or stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any monitored system faults it detects. An active fault only remains for the current ignition switch cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be stored in memory by the ITM. If a fault does not recur for fifty ignition cycles, the ITM will automatically erase the stored DTC.
The ITM is connected to the vehicle electrical system through the overhead wire harness. The ITM receives battery current through a fuse in the Junction Block (JB), and receives ground through the body wire harness from a ground screw located at the base of the left D-pillar behind the quarter trim panel. These connections allow the ITM to remain operational, regardless of the ignition switch position. The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ITM may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the ITM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from the ITM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the ITM, the PCI data bus, and the electronic message inputs to and outputs from the ITM requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool.