Operating Modes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 RAM 3500 HD and 2015 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Following are paragraphs that briefly describe the operation of each of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) operating modes.

Enabling - The Body Control Module (BCM) (also known as the Common Body Controller/CBC) must have the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) function electronically enabled in order for the VTA to perform as designed. The logic within the BCM keeps its VTA function dormant until it is enabled using a diagnostic scan tool. The VTA function of the BCM is enabled on vehicles equipped with the VTA option at the factory, but a service replacement BCM must be VTA-enabled by the dealer using a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
Arming - Passive arming of the VTA occurs when the vehicle is exited with the key or FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK), the status of the ignition switch (also known as the Keyless Ignition Node/KIN or IGnition Node Module/IGNM) is Off, 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 status of the ignition switch must be Off when the RKE transmitter Lock button is depressed. The power lock switch will not function if the headlamps are turned On with the driver side front door open.
Pre-arming of the VTA is initiated 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 headlamps are turned On with the driver side front door open. When the VTA is pre-armed, the arming sequence is delayed until all of the doors have been closed. The VTA will remain in pre-armed mode for up to 16 seconds after all doors have been closed.

Once the VTA begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the Instrument Cluster (IC) (also known as the Common Instrument Cluster/CIC) will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds. This indicates that VTA arming is in progress. If the ignition switch status transitions to On, if a door is unlocked or opened by any means or if the RKE Panic button (if equipped) is depressed during the 16 second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the arming process will abort. Once the arming sequence is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTA is armed.
Disarming - Passive disarming of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) occurs when a valid Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) key or FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) is sensed or when the ignition switch (also known as the Keyless Ignition Node/KIN or IGnition Node Module/IGNM) status transitions to On. Active disarming of the VTA occurs when the vehicle is unlocked by depressing the Unlock button of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Once the alarm has been activated, either disarming method will also deactivate the alarm. Depressing the Panic button (if equipped) on the RKE transmitter will not disarm the VTA.
Alarm - The Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) alarm output provides both visual and audible outputs; however, the time intervals of these outputs may vary by the requirements of the market for which the vehicle is manufactured. In all cases, the visual output will be a flashing On and Off of the exterior lamps, while the audible output will be a pulsing of the horn. The inputs that will trigger the alarm include a change in the status of the ignition switch (also known as the Keyless Ignition Node/KIN or IGnition Node Module/IGNM) or the door ajar switches.
Power-Up Mode - When the armed Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) senses that the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its power-up mode. In the power-up mode the armed alarm system remains armed following a battery failure or disconnect. If the VTA was armed prior to a battery disconnect or failure, the technician or vehicle operator will have to actively or passively disarm the alarm system after the battery is reconnected. The power-up mode will also apply if the battery goes dead while the system is armed, and battery jump-starting is attempted. The VTA will be armed until the technician or vehicle operator has actively or passively disarmed the alarm system. If the VTA is in the disarmed mode prior to a battery disconnect or failure, it will remain disarmed after the battery is reconnected or replaced, or if jump-starting is attempted.
Tamper Alert - The Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) tamper alert feature will pulse the horn three times upon VTA disarming if the alarm was triggered and has since timed out, or if the battery has been disconnected and reconnected. This feature alerts the vehicle operator that the VTA alarm was activated while the vehicle was unattended.