Sentry Key Immobilizer System: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Jeep Renegade. 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 vehicle. The SKIS provides passive vehicle protection, immobilizing the vehicle by preventing the engine from operating unless a valid electronically encoded key or FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) is detected. In vehicles not equipped with the optional Passive Entry Keyless Go (PEKG) system the valid key must be present in the ignition lock cylinder. In vehicles equipped with the PEKG system, the valid FOBIK must only be present somewhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle for the engine to continue to operate. Vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by the illumination of the security indicator in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) for about three seconds after the status of the ignition transitions to On as a SKIS bulb test.

In vehicles not equipped with the optional PEKG system, the SKIS is integral to the Body Control Module (BCM). In vehicles equipped with the optional PEKG system, the SKIS is integral to the Radio Frequency Hub (RFH).

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

Body Control Module - The BCM is concealed within the instrument panel outboard of the steering column. Refer to MODULE, BODY CONTROL (BCM), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Ignition Switch - The ignition switch is located on the right side of the steering column in vehicles without the optional PEKG system.
Keyless Ignition Node - The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) is located on the right side of the steering column in vehicles with the optional PEKG system.
Low Frequency Antenna - Vehicles equipped with the PEKG system have several low frequency antennas strategically placed within the vehicle.
Powertrain Control Module - The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located in the engine compartment and provides the SKIS engine control logic. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL (PCM), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Radio Frequency Hub - The RFH is located on the upper liftgate opening header where it is concealed above the rear headliner trim. Refer to MODULE, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF HUB), DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Security Indicator - A security indicator is integral to the IPC. Refer to DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Sentry Key Immobilizer Antenna - An antenna ring is located around the circumference of the ignition switch lock cylinder and concealed beneath the steering column shrouds in vehicles without the optional PEKG system. Refer to ANTENNA, SENTRY KEY, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
Sentry Key Transponder - The Sentry Key transponder microchip is located on the circuit board within the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter of each ignition key or within each FOBIK. Refer to KEY, TRANSPONDER, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .

The BCM, the PCM and the RFH 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, in vehicles so equipped, the KIN and the RFH communicate with each other using a Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. Refer to COMMUNICATION, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .

Except for the Sentry Key transponders, which rely upon Radio Frequency (RF) communication, hardwired circuitry connects the various SKIS components to the electrical system of the vehicle. These hardwired 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, to the vehicle electrical system and to the SKIS components 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.