Circuit/System Description

When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent module (TDM). The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory. This stored value is the learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM will send the prerelease password via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM). If the transponder value does not match the learned key code or a transponder value is not received, the TDM will send the start disable password to the ECM.