General Information

The Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) system functions are provided by the theft deterrent control module. The VTD system prevents vehicle operation if a valid (learned) transponder PASS-Key III (PK3) ignition key is not used to start the vehicle. The theft deterrent control module has an exciter that is part of the theft deterrent control module as an assembly. The PK3 key has a transponder embedded in the plastic head of the key. The exciter is an antenna which is made up of wire coils which surround the ignition lock cylinder. The PCM enables engine starting when it receives a valid (learned) password from the theft deterrent control module via the class 2 serial data circuit. The components of the VTD system are as follows:
^ Theft deterrent control module
^ Powertrain control module (PCM)
^ Ignition key (Transponder)
^ Ignition lock cylinder
^ Security indicator