Component Tests and General Diagnostics

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM

The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is divided into two basic subsystems: Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) and Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). Following are the recommended procedures for diagnosis of each of these two subsystems.

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

VEHICLE THEFT ALARM

The hard-wired circuits between components related to the VTA system may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, procedures for proper wire and connector repair, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices, and grounds.

However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the VTA system or the electronic controls or communication between modules and devices that provide some features of the VTA system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the VTA system or the electronic controls and communication related to VTA system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Select the modules that are used with the VTA system and monitor the status of the appropriate components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) procedures.

For Body Control Module DTCs: Testing and Inspection

For Radio Frequency Hub DTCs: Testing and Inspection

For Powertrain Control Module DTCs: Testing and Inspection.

For diagnosing an intermittent false trip of the alarm, using a scan tool select: "BCM", "System Test" and "View Last VTA Trigger Cause Data" The scan tool will display the last four "Triggers" that the Body Control Module has stored. If the alarm will not set, the scan tool can be helpful by showing the status of each component presently. Select "View VTA Enable Data" under "System Tests".

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

The hard-wired circuits between components related to the SKIS may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, procedures for proper wire and connector repair, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices, and grounds.

However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the VTA system or the electronic controls or communication between modules and devices that provide some features of the VTA system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the VTA system or the electronic controls and communication related to VTA system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Select the modules that are used with the VTA system and monitor the status of the appropriate components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) procedures.

For Body Control Module DTCs: Testing and Inspection

For Radio Frequency Hub DTCs: Testing and Inspection

For Powertrain Control Module DTCs: Testing and Inspection.