Security System Indicator

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The security indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is arming or is armed. On vehicles equipped with the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS), the security indicator also gives an indication to the vehicle operator of the status of the SKIS. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) circuit board based upon IPC programming, hard wired inputs to the IPC from the various security system components, and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) via the Body Control Module (BCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The security indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will allow this indicator to operate whenever the IPC receives a battery current input on the fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the LED can be illuminated regardless of the ignition switch position. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the IPC transistor. Depending upon the programmed condition the indicator can be illuminated solid, flashed at a slow rate (0.5 Hertz, 12.5 percent duty cycle), or flashed at a fast rate (1 Hertz, 50 percent duty cycle). Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the security indicator illuminates for about two seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the WIN. The IPC will turn ON the security indicator for the following reasons:

VTSS Indication - During the 16 second VTSS arming function, the cluster will flash the security indicator ON and OFF repeatedly at a steady, fast rate to indicate that the VTSS is in the process of arming. Following successful VTSS arming, the cluster flashes the security indicator ON and OFF continuously at a slower rate to indicate that the VTSS is armed. The security indicator continues flashing at the slower rate until the VTSS is disarmed or triggered. If the VTSS has alarmed and rearmed, the IPC will flash the security indicator at a steady, slow rate for about 30 seconds after the VTSS is disarmed.
SKIS Indicator Lamp-On Message - Each time the IPC receives an electronic SKIS indicator lamp-ON message from the WIN, the security indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be flashed ON and OFF, or illuminated solid, as dictated by the WIN message. The indicator remains illuminated solid or continues to flash until the IPC receives a lamp-OFF message from the WIN, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first. For more information on the SKIS and the security indicator control parameters. Refer to OPERATION .
Communication Error - If the IPC receives no lamp-ON or lamp-OFF messages from the WIN for 10 consecutive message cycles, the security indicator is illuminated by the instrument cluster. The indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the cluster until a valid lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message is received from the WIN.

The IPC controls the security indicator whenever the ignition switch is in the OFF position and the VTSS is arming, armed, or alarming. Whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or START positions, the WIN performs a self-test to decide whether the SKIS is in good operating condition and whether a valid key is present in the ignition lock cylinder. The WIN then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the IPC. If the IPC flashes the security indicator upon ignition ON, or turns ON the security indicator solid after the bulb test, it indicates that a SKIS malfunction has occurred or that the SKIS is ineffective.