Anti-Theft System: Description

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.

Optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is designed for entire vehicle theft protection. System monitors doors, hood, trunk key cylinder and ignition switch for unauthorized operation. If vehicle is locked by manually pushing down the door lock mechanism, alarm will not arm. When system is triggered, horn will sound, and headlights, parking lights, taillights and VTSS indicator light 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) system transmitter. For additional information on RKE system, see REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS - NEON article.

Vehicles with VTSS are also 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), sentry transponder keys, VTSS indicator LED and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). SKIM is located on steering column, next to ignition switch. Transponder is located in ignition key. See Fig 1 . 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 shutdown until correct key is used.

Fig 1: Identifying Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) Components

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.