Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Cadillac DTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The theft deterrent module (TDM) sends the pre-release password to the engine control module (ECM) via the serial data circuit. The ECM then sends a challenge to the TDM. Both the ECM and TDM perform a calculation on this challenge. If the calculated response from the TDM equals the calculation performed by the ECM, the ECM will allow vehicle starting.