Operation - Vehicle Theft Security System: Arming

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, or locked after they are closed by turning the driver side door lock cylinder to the lock position using the key. 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. The VTSS will not arm if the doors are locked using the mechanical lock button. Active arming of the VTSS 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.

Pre-arming of the VTSS is initiated when a door is open when the vehicle is locked using a power door lock switch or a key in the driver side door lock cylinder (passive), or when the RKE transmitter "Lock" button is depressed (active). 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.

Once the VTSS begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for about seventeen seconds. This indicates that the 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 seventeen second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the arming process will abort. Once the seventeen second arming sequence is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTSS is armed.