Antitheft - Immobilizer System Service Information: Overview

NO: TSB-03-00-006
DATE: April, 2003
MODEL: See Below

This bulletin supersedes TSB-99-00-003REV, which should be discarded. Original information is revised and new information concerning Immobilizer Key Registration password is added.

New and/or revised information is marked by -->.

PURPOSE

This bulletin contains additional PDI procedures and service information concerning the new "Anti-theft engine immobilizer with security keys" feature on certain 2000 model year Mitsubishi vehicles.

BULLETIN CONTENTS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
PROCEDURES:
A. Additional Immobilizer PDI Procedures and Sales Department Functions
B. Immobilizer Override Procedure
C. Immobilizer Ignition Key Registration
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION

AFFECTED VEHICLES

2000 Diamante
2000 Eclipse
2000 Galant
2000 Montero Sport

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The "Anti-theft engine immobilizer with security keys" is designed to significantly reduce the possibility of car theft. The system immobilizes the vehicle if an invalid start is attempted. A valid start can only be accomplished (subject to certain conditions) by using a key "registered" to the ignition switch lock.

System Summary

The immobilizer system consists of the ignition key, the key ring antenna, the immobilizer-ECU, and the ECM or PCM . The ignition key has a built-in transponder. The key ring antenna is installed on the steering lock key cylinder. The immobilizer-ECU will hold up to 8 uniquely coded transponder keys at any given time. Only the registered ignition key(s) permit the engine to start, therefore, the engine can never be started with a forged key or by connecting the ignition wiring directly. The system is significantly safe and reliable against theft. To activate the immobilizer system, the driver has only to turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the requirements for starting the engine are not satisfied, the vehicle will be immobilized (the immobilizer disables the MFI and ignition system), and the "SECURITY" indicator light (if equipped) will flash for thirty seconds. If the ignition key is lost or another ignition key is added, the encrypted code can be registered or erased by using scan tool MB991496. In addition, on some models, if the transponder key is lost, the override function can temporarily mobilize the engine.

NOTE:
In an emergency situation where all keys to a vehicle are lost, some vehicles may be started using a key cut from a non-transponder key blank. For Immobilizer Override procedures (for starting a vehicle with a non-transponder key), refer to SECTION B, Immobilizer Override Procedures elsewhere in this bulletin.

IMPORTANT!
The Immobilizer Override feature is NOT available on 2000 model year Montero Sport ES or LS vehicles unless the vehicle is equipped with the FACTORY-INSTALLED keyless-entry/security system. Montero Sport vehicles with dealer-installed, non-factory equipment keyless-entry/security systems will not have the Immobilizer Override function. If the keys for a Montero Sport vehicle without the Immobilizer Override function are lost, the vehicle will have to be towed to a Mitsubishi dealer so new keys can be cut and registered. All other 2000 model year Diamante, Eclipse, and Galant vehicles, whether or not equipped with keyless-entry/security systems, have the Immobilizer Override function.

Three keys are provided with each vehicle. Two of these keys are master keys and the third is a valet key. The master keys fit all locks, whereas the valet key fits all locks except for the glove box and trunk. The immobilizer system allows up to 8 different key ID codes to be registered; a customer can possess up to 8 keys for a vehicle. If a customer requests extra keys, all existing keys must be re-registered along with registration of the new keys. New keys can be cut from a transponder key blank available from MMSA Parts (refer to the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin).

If all keys are lost, new immobilizer keys can be cut using the key code and a transponder key blank.

All new keys must be registered in the same way as you would register an additional key (refer to SECTION C, Immobilizer Ignition Key Registration Procedures elsewhere in this bulletin).

PROCEDURES

PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

PDI procedures for the "Anti-theft engine immobilizer with security keys" feature are part of normal PDI procedures and are covered by the normal PDI reimbursement.

Override procedures, key cutting/key registration, and towing as a result of lost keys are NOT warranty covered Items.