Sentry Key Immobilizer System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is factory-installed standard equipment on this model. The SKIS provides passive vehicle protection, immobilizing the vehicle by preventing the engine from operating unless a valid electronically encoded key or Frequency Operated Button with Integrated Key (FOBIK) is detected. In vehicles not equipped with the Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system, a valid encoded key or FOBIK must be present within the Ignition Node Module (IGNM) for the engine to continue to operate. In vehicles equipped with the optional PEKG system and Keyless Ignition Node (KIN), the FOBIK must only be present somewhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle for the engine to continue to operate.

The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) is the primary component of the SKIS. It is also the receiver for the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, the Passive Entry (PE) system, the remote start system and the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system on vehicles so equipped. The RFH is located on the inner roof panel reinforcement near the liftgate opening within the passenger compartment, where it is concealed above the headliner trim.

The KIN includes the integral ignition push button. The IGNM includes the ignition rotary FOBIK switch or key cylinder switch. The KIN or the IGNM is located in the instrument panel, just to the right of the steering column. The remainder of the KIN or IGNM including its mounting provisions and electrical connections are concealed within the instrument panel.

The SKIS used in combination with the export premium version of the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) adds a steering shaft lock feature that provides passive protection by preventing the vehicle from being steered unless a valid encoded key or FOBIK is present within the IGNM (without PEKG), or a valid FOBIK is present somewhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle (with PEKG). The export premium version of the VTA is only available in vehicles manufactured for sale in certain markets where it is required equipment.

The SKIS 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 concealed within the instrument panel outboard of the steering column. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), DESCRIPTION .
Instrument Panel Cluster - The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is located in the instrument panel, above the steering column and directly in front of the vehicle operator. Refer to DESCRIPTION .
Keyless Ignition Node or Ignition Node Module - The KIN or IGNM is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the steering column. Refer to MODULE, IGNITION NODE, DESCRIPTION .
Low Frequency Antenna - Vehicles equipped with the optional Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system have several low frequency antenna units strategically placed within the vehicle. Refer to ANTENNA, PASSIVE ENTRY, DESCRIPTION .
Powertrain Control Module - The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located on the inboard side of the battery tray in the left front corner of the engine compartment. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL (PCM), DESCRIPTION .
Radio Frequency Hub - The RFH is located on the upper right D-pillar near the liftgate opening upper header where it is concealed behind the interior trim. Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION .
Key Transponder - A key transponder microchip is located within each key or FOBIK. Refer to KEY, TRANSPONDER, DESCRIPTION .
Shaft Lock Module - A shaft lock module (also known as the Electronic Steering-column Lock/ESL module) is located on the steering column below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment of vehicles built for sale in certain export markets where it is required equipment and equipped with the export premium version of the VTA. Refer to MODULE, SHAFT LOCK, DESCRIPTION .