Description - Sentry Key Immobilizer System

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

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is available as a factory-installed option on this model. Vehicles equipped with this option can be readily identified by a gray molded rubber cap on the head of the ignition key. Models not equipped with SKIS have a black molded rubber cap on the head of the ignition key.

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

Powertrain Control Module - The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located on the right front fender inner shield above the right front wheel house in the engine compartment.
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module - The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) is located on the right side of the steering column near the ignition lock cylinder housing and an integral molded plastic antenna ring circles the ignition lock cylinder like a halo. The SKIM and its antenna are concealed beneath the steering column shrouds.
Sentry Key Transponder - The Sentry Key transponder is molded into the head of the ignition key, and concealed by a gray molded rubber cap.
Security Indicator - The security indicator is located in the Information Center area of the instrument cluster, to the left of center. (Refer to SECURITY INDICATOR ).

Except for the Sentry Key transponders, which rely upon Radio Frequency (RF) communication, hard wired circuitry connects the SKIS components to 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, to the vehicle electrical system and to the SKIS components 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 SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . 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.