Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) Description and Operation: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The vehicle theft deterrent system functions are provided by the theft deterrent control module (VTD). The vehicle theft deterrent system prevents vehicle operation if a valid (learned) transponder PASS-Key® III (PK3) ignition key is not used to start the vehicle. The VTD module has an exciter that is part of the VTD 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 VTD module via the class 2 serial data circuit. The components of the vehicle theft deterrent system are as follows:
- Theft deterrent control module (VTD)
- Powertrain control module (PCM)
- Ignition key (Transponder)
- Ignition lock cylinder
- Security indicator