Description & Operation: Notes

CAUTION: Large metallic objects, or items such as magnetic pass-keys, may cause vehicle starting problems. These devices do not cause damage to system. Devices may cause intermittent malfunctions if positioned too close to ignition lock cylinder during vehicle start-up. Move objects away from ignition lock cylinder and try to start vehicle.

Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is designed for entire vehicle theft protection. System monitors doors, deck lid lock cylinder and ignition switch for unauthorized operation. When system is triggered, horn will sound, and headlights, parking lights, taillights and sun sensor/VTSS Light Emitting Diode (LED) will flash. After 3 minutes, horn will stop sounding, but lights will continue to flash for another 15 minutes. VTSS will reset after it has been triggered and system has timed out for 18 minutes. When unauthorized entry has occurred, VTSS activates an engine kill feature. Vehicle will not start until VTSS is disarmed using key or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

Some vehicles are equipped with a Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). SKIS is designed to prevent vehicle engine operation. SKIS consists of the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), Body Control Module (BCM), sentry transponder keys, sun sensor/VTSS LED and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). See Fig 1 . SKIM is located on steering column, around the ignition lock cylinder. See Fig 2 . BCM is located behind junction block. See Fig 3 . If an invalid ignition key is used, SKIM will send invalid signal to PCM, causing engine to start and run for 2 seconds, then stop. If vehicle is started with invalid keys 6 times in a row, vehicle will shut down until correct key is used.

Fig 1: Identifying Sentry Key Immobilizer System Components

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Locating Sentry Key Immobilizer Module

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 3: Locating Junction Block

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.