Description - Vehicle Theft Security 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 Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is an available factory-installed option on this model. The VTSS is designed to provide perimeter protection against unauthorized use or tampering by monitoring the vehicle doors and the ignition system. If unauthorized use or tampering is detected, the system responds by pulsing the horn and flashing the headlamp high beams.

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

Central Timer Module - The Central Timer Module (CTM) is located on the left cowl side inner panel under the driver side outboard end of the instrument panel. The CTM contains a microprocessor and software that allow it to provide the proper VTSS features and outputs based upon the monitored inputs. The CTM circuitry monitors hard wired switch inputs, as well as message inputs received from other vehicle electronic modules on the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to CENTRAL TIMER MODULE ).
Door Ajar Switch - A door ajar switch is integral to the latch of each door in the vehicle. These switches provide an input to the VTSS indicating whether each door is opened or closed. (Refer to DOOR AJAR SWITCH ).
Door Cylinder Lock Switch - A door cylinder lock switch is located on the back of the driver door lock cylinder. This switch provides an input to the VTSS indicating whether the system should remain armed or be disarmed. (Refer to DOOR CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH ).
Horn Relay - The horn relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment hear the battery. The horn relay is normally activated by the horn switch to control the sounding of the vehicle horn or horns. However, it can also be activated by an output of the CTM to provide an audible indication that unauthorized vehicle use or tampering has been detected. (Refer to HORN RELAY ).
Security Indicator - A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) located in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) is illuminated by an output of the CTM to indicate the status of the VTSS or SKIS. This LED is integral to the instrument cluster. (Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ).

Hard wired circuitry connects many of the VTSS 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, to the vehicle electrical system and to the VTSS 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.