GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Theft Deterrent Diagnostic System Check is an organized approach to identify problems associated with the PASS-Key® III system. This check is the starting point for all PASS-Key® III system complaints, and directs you to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint. Most system complaints are linked to faulty wiring and connectors, and occasionally to components. Understanding the system and using the diagnostics correctly reduces diagnostic time and prevents unnecessary parts replacement.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may result in an intermittent operation of the module with no DTC stored:
       - Any condition which results in the interruption of power to the module
       - Out of range battery or ignition voltage

Specification
The normal module operating voltage is 9.0-16.0 V.

       - Loose or damaged grounds
       - An open or shorted class 2 serial data line
    • If the DTC is a history DTC the problem may be an electrical intermittent or poor connection. Clear all DTCs and perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This action may often cause the malfunction to occur and set a DTC. Perform a thorough inspection of all related wiring and connectors pertaining to the history DTC stored. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters .
    • Exit all scan tool tests before cycling the ignition OFF to ON unless the scan tool instructions direct otherwise.
    • Follow the operating instructions in the scan tool operator's manual. Failure to follow these instruction may result in the following conditions:
       - DTCs may be set.
       - Vehicle systems may malfunction.
       - False DTCs may be set.
       - Scan tool malfunctions may occur.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This step determines if communication can be established with the module.

  2. This step tests for stored module DTCs.

  3. This step determines if communication may be established with the other modules connected to the class 2 serial data line.

  4. This step tests for any open module power fuses.

  5. This step tests the module power circuit.

  6. This step tests the module ground circuit.

  7. Clear all DTCs when the repair is complete.

Theft Deterrent Diagnostic System Check

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Connect a scan tool.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  4. Attempt to establish communication with the PASS-Key® III Theft Deterrent (VTD) module.

Does the scan tool communicate with the module?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Select display VTD module DTC function with the scan tool.

Are any DTCs stored?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) System Check

3

Attempt to establish communications with the other modules connected to the same serial data line, for example, PCM, DIM, IPC.

Does the scan tool communicate with the other modules?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Data Link Communications System Check in Wiring Systems

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  2. Using a digital multimeter (DMM) connected to ground, probe each VTD module fuse.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

10-15 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the VTD module connectors.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  4. Using a DMM connected to ground, probe all module power circuits.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

10-15 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

Using a DMM connected to battery positive voltage (B+), probe all VTD module ground circuits.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

10-15 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Repair the open in the ignition or battery feed to VTD module fuse.
  2. If the fuse is open, repair the short to ground in the circuit.
  3. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

8

Replace the VTD module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Repair the open in the VTD module power circuit.

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Repair the open in the VTD module ground circuit.

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Connect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Clear all the DTCs.

Are all DTCs cleared?

--

Go to Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) System Check

--