Circuit/System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

After a loss of battery power has been restored, the theft deterrent module (TDM) will perform a check on the stored vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN is CORRECT, the TDM will run the VIN Timer for a programmable length of time, typically 10 minutes. The TDM will send a message via the serial data circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the SECURITY indicator. After the VIN Timer has timed out, the security indicator will turn OFF. If the VIN is INCORRECT, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the engine control module (ECM), via the serial data circuit. The immobilizer system considers this to be a tamper and will not allow the vehicle to start. The TDM will send a message via the serial data circuit to the IPC to flash the SECURITY indicator.