Passkey System

The personal automotive security system (PASS-Key(R)) is standard equipment on the vehicle. The system is designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless an ignition key with a specific electrical resistance is used in the ignition cylinder.

There are 15 different ignition key resistance values. Of the 15 different resistance values, or key codes available, only one will work with each Body Control Module (BCM). Once the key code is programmed into the BCM, the code is stored in non-volatile memory.

The PASS-Key(R) system prevents the engine from starting by controlling the starter relay and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) fuel enable input. If the PCM does not sense the proper fuel enable signal, fuel will not be provided to the engine.

If the wrong resistance value is sensed when the ignition switch is in the ON position, the BCM will not ground the starter relay control circuit and will not provide the fuel enable signal for approximately three minutes. The engine is prevented from starting and discourages a thief from trying key codes or resistance values at random.

If the correct resistance value is sensed when the ignition switch is in the ON position, the BCM will ground the starter relay control circuit and will send a fuel enable signal to the PCM. The engine will start normally.

If the PASS-Key(R) system detects an open or short to ground when the ignition switch is in the ON position, the BCM will default to fail enable mode. Fail enable occurs when the proper key resistance is sensed before the open or short to ground occurs. Fail enable will illuminate the security indicator lamp and allow the operator to start the vehicle until the problem is corrected. There is no VTD protection in fail enable mode. The PASS-Key(R) system includes the following components:
^ Ignition key
^ Ignition cylinder
^ Body Control Module (BCM)
^ Starter relay
^ Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
^ SECURITY indicator