Vehicle Theft Alarm

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 Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) is factory-installed optional equipment on this model. This system provides perimeter vehicle protection by monitoring the vehicle doors and the status of the ignition switch (also known as the Keyless Ignition Node/KIN or Ignition Node Module/IGNM). If unauthorized vehicle use or tampering is detected, the system responds by pulsing the vehicle horn as an audible deterrent and flashing certain exterior lamps as a visual deterrent.

The VTA includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere in this service information:

Body Control Module - The Body Control Module (BCM) is located on the upper left corner of the dash panel within the passenger compartment, where it is concealed behind the instrument panel to the left of the steering column and pedal support bracket. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), DESCRIPTION .
Door Ajar Switches - A door ajar switch is integral to the door latch mechanism of each front and rear door. Refer to SWITCH, DOOR AJAR, DESCRIPTION .
Keyless Ignition Node or Ignition Node Module - The KIN on vehicles with Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) or the IGNM on vehicles without PEKG, is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the upper steering column opening. Refer to MODULE, KEYLESS IGNITION NODE (KIN), DESCRIPTION .
Radio Frequency Hub - The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) is located on the cab back panel within the passenger compartment beneath the back glass opening and concealed behind the cab back trim. Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION .
Security Indicator - The security indicator is integral to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) located in the instrument panel above the steering column opening, directly in front of the driver. Refer to DESCRIPTION .

The BCM and the RFH each contain a microcontroller and programming that allow them to communicate with each other and other electronic modules in the vehicle using the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. In addition the KIN and the RFH communicate with each other using a dedicated Local Interface Network data bus. Refer to COMMUNICATION, DESCRIPTION .

Hardwired circuitry connects the various VTA system components to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other and to the vehicle electrical system through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention as well as pin out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.