Vehicle Theft Security: Arming

Passive arming of the VTSS occurs when the vehicle is exited with the key removed from the ignition switch, the headlamps are turned off, and the doors are locked while they are open using the power lock switch. Active arming occurs when the "Lock" button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is depressed to lock the vehicle. For active arming to occur, the doors must be closed and the ignition switch must be in the Off position when the RKE transmitter "Lock" button is depressed. The power lock switch will not function if the key is in the ignition switch or the headlamps are turned on with the driver side front door open.

Pre-arming of the VTSS is initiated when a door or the liftgate is open when the vehicle is locked using a power door lock switch or when the RKE transmitter "Lock" button is depressed. Pre-arming will not occur if the key is in the ignition switch or the headlamps are turned on with the driver side front door open. When the VTSS is pre-armed, the arming sequence is delayed until all of the doors and the liftgate have been closed. The VTSS will remain in "Pre-Armed" mode for up to sixteen seconds after all doors and the liftgate have been closed.

Once the VTSS begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for about seventeen seconds. This indicates that VTSS arming is in progress. If the ignition switch is turned to the On position, a door or the liftgate is opened, a door or the liftgate is unlocked by any means, or the RKE "Panic" button is depressed during the sixteen second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the arming process will abort. Once the sixteen second arming sequence is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTSS is armed.