Vehicle Theft Security System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Upon failure of proper Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) communication to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the PCM will shut off fuel after two seconds of run time. The engine will not start on the key cycle that the failure occurred, a full key down sequence must be performed for the engine to crank again. After six consecutive fuel shut-offs, the engine will no longer crank on subsequent key cycles. The failure must be corrected and a valid communication process between the SKIM and the PCM must occur for the engine to crank and start again.

The electronics for the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) are part of the Body Control Module (BCM). The system is armed when the vehicle is locked using the:

Power door lock switches (with any door ajar)
Remote Keyless Entry transmitter.
Door Cylinder Lock Switches.

For vehicles equipped with SKIS, the doors do not have to be locked to enable the fuel shut off feature.

After the vehicle is locked and the last door is closed, the LED indicator in the cluster will flash quickly for 16 seconds, indicating that arming is in progress. If no monitored systems are activated during this period, the system will arm. The LED will extinguish unless the decklid is open. If the decklid is open, the LED will flash at a slower rate. This indicates that the system is armed.

If fault is detected on any key cylinder input, the LED indicator will remain solid during the arming process, although the system will still arm. If the indicator LED does not illuminate at all upon door closing it indicates that the system is not arming.

Passive disarming occurs upon normal vehicle entry by unlocking either door with the ignition key/remote transmitter. This disarming will also halt the alarm once it has been activated.

A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the VTSS had been activated. This alert consists of 3 horn pulses when the vehicle is disarmed.

NOTE: The VTSS will not arm by pushing down the door lock mechanism. This will manually override the system.

For Door Cylinder Lock Switch Removal and Installation, refer to REMOVAL and INSTALLATION .

If the VTSS is triggered, the horn will pulse, headlamps/marker lamps will flash, and the VTSS warning lamp will flash. If the BCM determines the threat to be false and the VTSS is not triggered again, the system will shut down and rearm itself after three minutes. If a trigger is still active, the alarm will continue for an additional 15 minutes without the horn. The VTSS monitoring portion of the system is split into two sections.