Alarm System Transponder: Service and Repair

Three programmed Sentry Key transponders are included with the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) when it is shipped from the factory. The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) can be programmed to recognize up to five additional transponders, for a total of eight Sentry Keys. The following "Customer Learn" programming procedure for the programming of additional transponders requires access to at least two of the valid Sentry Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not available, Sentry Key programming will require the use of a DRB lll scan tool.

Customer Learn Programming
1. Obtain the additional Sentry Key transponder blank(s) that are to be programmed for the vehicle. Cut the additional Sentry Key transponder blanks to match the ignition lock cylinder mechanical key codes.
2. Insert one of the two valid Sentry Key transponders into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. After the ignition switch has been in the ON position for about three seconds, but no more than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to the OFF position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in the ignition lock cylinder with the second valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to the ON position. Both operations must be performed within 15 seconds.
4. About ten seconds after the completion of Step 3, the VTSS indicator LED will start to flash and a single audible chime tone will sound to indicate that the system has entered the "Customer Learn" programming mode.
5. Within about fifty seconds of entering the "Customer Learn" programming mode, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, replace the valid Sentry Key with a blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition switch back to the ON position.
6. About ten seconds after the completion of Step 5, a single audible chime tone will sound and the VTSS indicator LED will stop flashing and stay on solid for about three seconds to indicate that the blank Sentry Key transponder has been successfully programmed. The SKIS will immediately return to normal system operation following exit from the "Customer Learn" programming mode.
7. Go back to Step 2 and repeat this process for each additional Sentry Key transponder blank to be programmed.

If any of the above steps is not completed in the proper sequence, or within the allotted time, the SKIS will automatically exit the "Customer Learn" programming mode. The SKIS will also automatically exit the "Customer Learn" programming mode if it sees a non-blank Sentry Key transponder when it should see a blank, if it has already programmed eight valid Sentry Keys, or if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position for more than about fifty seconds.

Programming Blank Sentry Key Transponders with a DRB III Scan tool
When programming a blank Sentry Key transponder, the key blank must first be cut to match the ignition lock cylinder. It will also be necessary to enter the vehicle's four digit PIN code into the DRB lll scan tool to enter the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module's (SKIM's) secured access mode.

NOTE: Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a particular vehicle, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle.

Insert the blank key into the ignition and turn it to the RUN position. Using the DRB lll scan tool, select "Theft Alarm," then "SKIM," then "Miscellaneous." Select "Program New Key." Enter the four digit PIN code using the DRB lll. When programming is completed, the SKIM will exit secured access mode and display the status of the key. One of five different status messages may be displayed as follows:
- "Programming Successful" is displayed if SKIM Sentry Key programming succeeds.
- "Learned Key in Ignition" is displayed if the key in the ignition has already been programmed into that vehicle's SKIM.
- "8 Keys Already Learned (At The Maximum) Programming Not Done" is displayed if eight keys have already been programmed into the SKIM. In this case, if a new key needs to be added due to a lost or defective key, the "Erase All Keys" function (requires entering secured access mode) has to be performed. Then the customer is seven keys plus the new key MUST be reprogrammed into the SKIM.
- "Programming Not Attempted" is displayed after an "Erase All Keys" function is executed.
- "Programming Key Failed" is displayed if further diagnosis is required.
- To learn additional keys, turn the ignition OFF; remove the learned key, and insert the next new blank key. Turn ignition to the RUN position and reenter the secured access mode function and repeat the "Program New Key" procedure outlined above.