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Immobilizer System - Operation/Service/Diagnostics

NUMBER: 08-003-03 REV A

GROUP: Electrical

DATE: April 4, 2003

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-003-03 DATED FEB. 7, 2003 WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDES A REVISED PARTS TABLE AND REVISED REGISTRATION PROCEDURE.

SUBJECT:
Sentry Key - Key Immobilizer Security System

MODELS:
2001 - 2003 (ST) Sebring/Stratus Coupe

DISCUSSION:

The Anti-theft engine immobilizer with security key is designed to significantly reduce the possibility of vehicle theft. The system immobilizes the vehicle if an invalid start is attempted. A valid start can only be accomplished by using a key registered to the vehicles electronic immobilizer system.

The immobilizer system consists of the ignition key(s), key ring antenna, immobilizer ECU and Engine Control Module (ECM) M/T or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) A/T models. The ignition key has a built in transponder. The key ring antenna is installed around the ignition key cylinder. The immobilizer ECU and ECM or PCM are located within the instrument panel. If requirements for starting the engine are not satisfied, the engine will start and stall within a few seconds of the first invalid attempt. After the initial start and stall, the engine will not start since the fuel and ignition systems are disabled.

If keys are lost or additional keys are required, they can be registered using the DRBIII(R) and CH8425 PCMCIA card. The immobilizer ECU can hold up to 8 uniquely coded transponder keys of any master or valet (if applicable) combination. In addition to registering keys, the DRBIII(R) can be used to read DTC's for diagnostics and read the number of keys registered for a given vehicle.

NOTE:
KEYS CAN ONLY BE PROGRAMMED BY USING THE DRBIII(R). THIS FEATURE FOR THE D.A.R.T. IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE.

If a system failure is detected and the immobilizer ECU or an ECM/PCM require replacement, the only requirement is to re-register keys. If the ECM/PCM or ECU is replaced for any reason, the DRBIII(R) may not allow key registration due to the immobilizer ECU not recognizing the encrypted code and password from the ECM/PCM. If this occurs, the following steps are required:

1. Switch the Ignition key to "OFF" and remove it from the ignition cylinder.

2. Remove the DRBIII(R) from the vehicle.

3. Insert the ignition key and switch the ignition to "ON" for a minimum of 30 seconds.

4. Switch the ignition key to 'OFF and connect the DRBIII(R).

5. Boot the DRBIII(R) with the PCMCIA card and follow Registration Procedure listed below.





PARTS REQUIRED

NOTE:
2003 VEHICLES DO NOT USE VALET KEYS.

NOTE:
A BOX OF 10 KEYS CAN BE ORDERED THROUGH THE PENTASTAR SERVICE EQUIPMENT(R) PROGRAM BY CALLING (800) 223-5623.





EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:

NOTE:
FOR 2001 VEHICLES, ALL KEYS MUST BE AVAILABLE BEFORE PROCEEDING.

NOTE:
FOR 2002 OR NEWER VEHICLES, A NEW FEATURE WAS ADDED TO THE DRBIII(R) TO MAKE KEY PROGRAMMING EASIER. INDIVIDUAL KEYS CAN BE PROGRAMMED WITHOUT HAVING THE CUSTOMER'S REMAINING KEYS.

1. Connect the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle and boot (RUN MEMORY CARD PROGRAM) the PCMCIA card.

2. Switch the ignition key to the "ON" position and select SYSTEM SELECT from the main menu.

3. From the SYSTEM SELECT menu, select IMMOBILIZER.

4. From the SELECT FUNCTION menu, select SPECIAL FUNCTION.

5. **From the SPECIAL menu, for 2001 vehicles, select 1. REGISTER ALL KEYS. For 2002-2003 vehicles, select 1. REGISTER ALL KEYS or 2. REGISTER INDIVIDUAL KEYS.**

6. Once selection is made, the DRBIII(R) will prompt for a password. Input 6876 to proceed with key registration.

NOTE:
IF AN INCORRECT PASSWORD IS INPUT 5 TIMES, THE IMMOBILIZER ECU WILL SWITCH TO UNAUTHORIZED OPERATION MODE AND PREVENT KEY REGISTRATION. THE DRBIII(R) WILL INDICATE THIS BY DISPLAYING "CANT EXECUTE FOR 20 MIN. DUE TO WRONG PASSWORD.

7. Follow the remaining prompts on the DRBIII(R) to complete key registration procedures.

NOTE:
IF AN ERROR OCCURS DURING KEY ID REGISTRATION, THE MESSAGE "CANT EXECUTE" WILL BE DISPLAYED. IF THE KEY HAS ALREADY BEEN PROGRAMMED, "KEY ID HAS BEEN REGISTERED" WILL BE DISPLAYED.

8. Once all keys have been registered, press the NO key on the DRBIII(R) to exit the registration menu.

9. Switch the ignition key "OFF" for 10 seconds and then check to make sure each key that was registered will start the vehicle.

10. If all keys start the vehicle, switch the ignition "OFF" and remove the DRBIII(R).

NOTE:
2002 - OR NEWER VEHICLES PROVIDE CUSTOMERS THE CAPABILITY TO PROGRAM THEIR OWN KEYS IF THEY HAVE TWO VALID (PROGRAMMED) KEYS.

The procedures for customer programming are listed in the Owner's Manual and follow for your reference:

1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the ignition to the "ON" position for 5 seconds.

2. Turn the ignition to the "OFF" position and remove the first key.

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition and switch the ignition to the "ON" position within 7 seconds. The Theft-alarm indicator will blink twice to indicate the system is in programming mode. Turn the ignition to the "OFF" position and remove the second key.

4. Insert the cut but non programmed Sentry Key into the ignition and switch the ignition to the "ON" position within 7 seconds of removing the previous key. The theft-alarm indicator will illuminate for about 3 seconds when the registration is completed.

NOTE:
IF AN ERROR OCCURS DURING PROGRAMMING, THE THEFT ALARM INDICATOR WILL FLASH 3 TIMES.

5. Repeat step 4 if you want to register additional keys. Make sure the entire registration process is completed within 30 seconds after the theft-alarm indicator flashes in step 3.

POLICY:
Information Only