Vehicle Theft Alarm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Durango. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) is factory-installed optional equipment on this vehicle. This system provides perimeter vehicle protection by monitoring the vehicle doors, the liftgate and the status of the ignition switch (Keyless Ignition Node/KIN). In vehicles manufactured for some markets the VTA also monitors the hood. If unauthorized vehicle use or tampering is detected, the system responds by pulsing the vehicle horn as an audible deterrent and flashing certain exterior lamps as a visual deterrent.

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

Body Control Module - The Body Control Module (BCM) is located on the right cowl side inner (kick) panel within the passenger compartment, where it is concealed behind the cowl side trim panel. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL, DESCRIPTION .
Door Ajar Switches - A door ajar switch is integral to the door latch mechanism of each front and rear door. Refer to LATCH, REMOVAL .
Hood Ajar Switch - A hood ajar switch is integral to the hood latch assembly of vehicles manufactured for certain export markets.
Keyless Ignition Node - The KIN is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the upper steering column opening. Refer to MODULE, KEYLESS IGNITION NODE, DESCRIPTION .
Liftgate Ajar Switch - A liftgate ajar switch is integral to the latch for the liftgate in the vehicle. Refer to LATCH, REMOVAL .
Radio Frequency Hub Module - The Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) is located on the left quarter inner panel between the rear wheel house and the D-pillar where it is concealed behind the interior trim. Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION .
Security Indicator - The security indicator is integral to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) located in the instrument panel above the steering column opening, directly in front of the driver. Refer to DESCRIPTION .

The BCM and the RFHM each contain a microcontroller and programming that allow them to communicate with each other and other electronic modules in the vehicle using the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. In addition the KIN and the RFHM communicate with each other using a dedicated Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. Refer to COMMUNICATION, DESCRIPTION .

Hard wired circuitry connects the various VTA system 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 and to the vehicle electrical system 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 the appropriate wiring information. 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.