Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS)

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
This passive system is designed to protect against vehicle theft. The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) module is a logic-controlled device (part of the Body Control Module), that monitors vehicle doors, trunk key cylinder and ignition action for unauthorized operation. The alarm activates by sounding the horn, flashing the headlamps, courtesy and VTSS lamps and providing an engine "no run" feature which is accomplished by the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM).

Passive arming occurs upon normal vehicle exit by turning the ignition off, opening the driver's door, locking the doors with the power lock and closing the driver's door. Manual arming occurs by using the key to lock the doors after closing them.

The VTSS security LED indicator lamp in the instrument cluster will flash quickly for 15 seconds, indicating that arming is in progress. If no monitored switches are activated during this period, the system will arm. After 15 seconds, the LED lamp will continue to flash, but at a slower rate. This indicates that the system is armed. If the deck lid key cylinder switch is not sensed by the system, the LED indicator lamp will remain steadily lit during the arming process, although the system will still arm.

Once the VTSS is armed, the Universal Transmitter garage door opener (if equipped), vanity lights and the decklid release switch in the center console will be disabled. The deck lid can still be opened using the RKE transmitter, key or inside release handle when the VTSS is armed. When the vehicle is disarmed, the systems are restored to normal operation.

If the LED lamp does not illuminate at all upon door closing, it indicates that the system is not arming or the LED lamp is not operational. Refer to the System Self-Tests.

Active arming occurs when the Central Lock Feature or the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter is used to lock the vehicle doors, whether the doors are open or closed. If one or more doors are open, the arming sequence starts only after all doors are closed.

Passive disarming occurs upon normal vehicle entry by unlocking either door with the ignition key or by using the remote transmitter. This disarming also will halt the alarm once it has been activated.

Tamper Alert - A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the alarm had been activated. The tamper alert consists of 3 horn pulses when the vehicle is disarmed. The VTSS indicator lamp will also flash twice quickly to indicate a tamper condition has occurred. If the alarm has since timed-out for at least 3 minutes but not more than 18 minutes the tamper alert will sound. If the trunk lid has been activated, the tamper alert will sound until the VTSS is disarmed.

Manual Override - The system will not arm if the doors are locked manually by pushing the lock knobs. To verify the system, proceed as follows:
1. Open the driver's door,
2. Remove the ignition key (but keep it in hand).
3. Lock the doors with the power lock switch.
4. Close the driver's door.

NOTE: IF THE VTSS INDICATOR LAMP FLASHED, THE SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL AND VERIFIED. IF NOT, THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM.

System initialization is accomplished by communication between the Powertrain Control Module and the Body Control Module using the DRB III.

TRIGGERING THE VTSS
Using the power door switch, ignition key or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will arm the system. Any of the following actions will trigger the system:
1. Opening any door.
2. Removing the deck lid lock cylinder.
3. Turning the ignition switch to the ON position.

CAUTION: The VTSS indicator LED will trigger and engine will continue to run if the vehicle is equipped with SKIS and the proper key is used to start the vehicle. This condition will occur if the VTSS has been triggered.

NOTE: The ignition switch can be turned to the Accessory position without triggering alarm system.

The VTSS activates:
- Sounding of the horn
- Flashing of the interior lamps
- Flashing of the headlamps
- An engine kill feature (SKIM - controlled)

When the alarm is triggered, the system will signal for about 18 minutes. For the first three minutes the horn will sound, then the headlamps and courtesy lamps will continue to flash for another 15 minutes.

SYSTEM SELF-TESTS
NOTE: System self-tests can be entered only with the DRB III.

Upon entering diagnostics, the headlamps, courtesy lamps and VTSS lamp will begin flashing to verify their operation. In addition, the horn will sound twice. Removing the key from the ignition switch will stop the lamps from flashing while keeping the system in diagnostics.

While in diagnostics mode, a horn pulse should occur at each of the following events, which indicate proper operation.

1. Beginning with all doors closed, open, then close each door. The horn will sound when the door ajar switch closed, and then again when the switch opens. There must be a one second delay between closing and opening the switch.
2. Rotate the key in each door lock cylinder to unlock position. The horn will sound as the switch closes, and again when it opens. There must be a one second delay between changing switch states, or the horn will not sound.
3. Cycle the key to the ignition RUN position. A single horn pulse will indicate proper operation of the ignition input. This also will take the module out of the diagnostics mode.

For any of these tests, if the switch does not remain open or closed for at least one second, the horn will only sound once.

The lack of a horn pulse during any operation indicates either:
- A switch failure
- The lack of that input to the body control module
- A failure internal to the module
- A faulty horn system

Check for continuity at the switch. If this is good, check for an open or shorted wire between the switch and the BCM. Also, check if the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been replaced recently.

NOTE: A PCM FROM A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM CANNOT BE USED IN A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM.

If the VTSS indicator lamp comes on after ignition ON and stay on, the CCD bus communication with the PCM possibly has been lost.