Vehicle Theft Alarm

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 Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) is factory-installed optional equipment in this vehicle. The VTA is available in different configurations and versions. One configuration is designed for vehicles manufactured for sale in domestic markets; while, another configuration is designed for vehicles manufactured for sale in export markets. In addition, the VTA for export markets is available in two versions: base and premium.

Each of these systems provide perimeter vehicle protection by monitoring the vehicle doors, the liftgate and the status of the ignition switch (IGnition Node Module/IGNM or Keyless Ignition Node/KIN). In vehicles manufactured for some markets the VTA also monitors the hood. If unauthorized vehicle access, intrusion or tampering is detected with any of these systems, the vehicle horn is pulsed as an audible deterrent and certain exterior lamps are flashed as a visual deterrent.

The export premium version of the VTA system is only available in vehicles manufactured for sale in certain markets where it is required equipment. The export premium version of the VTA provides the same perimeter protection features as the base version, but adds interior vehicle intrusion and vehicle anti-tilt protection. The export premium VTA also replaces the pulsing horn feature of the base version with an alarm siren module providing the audible deterrent, while retaining the flashing exterior lamps as the visual deterrent.

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

Alarm Siren Module - An alarm siren module is located on the engine compartment side of the Front End Module (FEM) carrier between the right front lamp unit housing and the cooling module. The alarm siren is used only in vehicles built for sale in certain export markets where it is required equipment. Refer to SIREN, DESCRIPTION .
Body Control Module - The Body Control Module (BCM) is concealed within the instrument panel outboard of the steering column. The BCM is both a Local Interface Network (LIN) bus master node and a gateway to the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), DESCRIPTION .
Door Ajar Switches - A door ajar switch is integral to the door latch mechanism of each front and rear door. Refer to LATCH, LIFTGATE, REMOVAL .
Hood Ajar Switch - A hood ajar switch is integral to the hood latch assembly of vehicles manufactured for certain export markets. Refer to SWITCH, HOOD AJAR, 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 driver. Refer to DESCRIPTION .
Keyless Ignition Node or Ignition Node Module - The KIN or IGNM is located in the instrument panel just inboard of the upper steering column opening. Refer to MODULE, KEYLESS IGNITION NODE (KIN), DESCRIPTION .
Liftgate Ajar Switch - A liftgate ajar switch is integral to the latch for the liftgate in the vehicle. Refer to LATCH, LIFTGATE, REMOVAL .
Radio Frequency Hub - The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) is located on the under the headliner near the liftgate. Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION .
Ultrasonic And Anti-tilt Module - In vehicles equipped with the premium VTA, an Ultrasonic and Anti-tilt Module (UAM) is located on and concealed above the overhead console trim cover on the headliner near the center of the upper windshield opening. Refer to MODULE, ULTRASONIC AND ANTI-TILT, DESCRIPTION .