Operation-Power Locks

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota and 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The power lock system allows all doors to be locked or unlocked electrically by operating the power lock switch on either front door trim panel. The power locks can also be operated using the RKE transmitter, and on vehicles that are equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) the power locks can also be operated using a key in either front door lock cylinder. If certain features of the power lock system have been electronically enabled, the power locks may also be operated automatically by the Central Timer Module (CTM) based upon various other inputs. Those features and their inputs are:

Automatic Door Lock -If enabled, the CTM will automatically lock the doors when it receives a message from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) indicating that the vehicle speed is about 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour) or greater. The CTM also monitors the door ajar switches, and will not activate the automatic door lock feature until all doors have been closed for at least five seconds. If this feature is enabled and a door is opened after the vehicle is moving at 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour) or greater, the CTM will lock the doors again five seconds after all doors are again closed.
Central Locking -Vehicles equipped with the optional VTSS also have a resistor-multiplexed door cylinder lock switch mounted to the back of the lock cylinder within each front door. The CTM continually monitors the input from these switches to provide the central locking/unlocking feature. The CTM will automatically lock or unlock all doors when either front door is locked or unlocked using a key.
Door Lock Inhibit -The CTM receives inputs from the key-in ignition switch, the headlamp switch, and the door ajar switches. The logic within the CTM allows it to monitor these inputs to provide a door lock inhibit feature. The door lock inhibit feature prevents the power lock system from being energized with a power lock switch input if the driver door is open with the headlamps on or the key still in the ignition switch. However, the locks can still be operated with the manual door lock button or with a key in the door lock cylinder, and the power locks will still operate using the RKE transmitter while the driver door is open with the headlamps on or a key in the ignition.
Enhanced Accident Response -The CTM provides an enhanced accident response feature. This feature uses electronic message inputs received by the CTM from the Airbag Control Module (ACM) to determine when an airbag has been deployed. The CTM also monitors the state of the power lock system and the vehicle speed messages from the PCM in order to provide this feature. If an airbag has been deployed and the vehicle has stopped moving, the CTM will automatically unlock the doors, prevent the doors from being locked, and turn on the courtesy lamps inside the vehicle. Of course, these responses are dependent upon a functional battery and electrical circuitry following the impact.

The power lock system operates on battery current received through a fused B(+) circuit from a fuse in the Junction Block (JB) so that the system remains functional, regardless of the ignition switch position. Also, each power lock switch operates independent of the other and receives ground through a single wire take out of the body wire harness with an eyelet terminal connector that is secured by a ground screw to the lower left B-pillar. The power lock switches direct a resistor multiplexed ground Lock or Unlock request signal to the CTM, and the CTM energizes internal relays to direct the appropriate battery current and ground feeds to the individual power lock motors.