Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Involvement

Electronic Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
The Vehicle Theft Deterrent's logic is contained within the Electronic Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). The IPC will read an R-Code from the Passlock Lock Cylinder within a certain timing window. If the R-Code is correct and within the timed window, the IPC will BYPASS Theft and will transmit it's coded password to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). There are two ways the IPC may enter a Theft mode; a bad timing cycle, or a bad R-Code.

If the R-Code is not read within the window, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent will go into a SHORT TAMPER MODE during which the it will not allow the car to operate for four (4) seconds and the telltale will flash. After three (3) consecutive failed timings, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) will go into it's LONG TAMPER MODE. In this mode, the telltale will flash and the fuel injectors will be shut off for approximately (10) minutes as described above. Please note, before ANY TAMER MODE, the vehicle may start; however the car will quickly stall. If the IPC receives the wrong R-Code, the VTD will immediately go into it's LONG TAMPER MODE in which the vehicle's fuel injection will be locked-out for ten (10) minutes

The Theft SYSTEM Telltale will flash while the VTD is in ANY TAMPER MODE. The IPC continually checks the operation during the operation of the vehicle. If the theft system Telltale lights continuously during vehicle operation, refer to the Vehicle Theft Deterrent's System Diagnosis located in Testing and Inspection. Testing and Inspection