Vehicle Theft Security System: Arming

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup and 2011 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 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 have been closed. The VTSS will remain in pre-armed mode until after all doors have been closed, or until the interior lighting load shed threshold is surpassed (about eight minutes).

Once the VTSS begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds. This indicates that VTSS arming is in progress. If the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, a door is opened, a door is unlocked by any means, or the RKE PANIC button is depressed during the 16 second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the arming process will abort. Once the 16 second arming sequence is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTSS is armed.