GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent alarm system.


Object Number: 871820  Size: A2

Your vehicle may have a red light located on top of the instrument panel, toward the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, that will flash slowly when the system is armed.

The theft-deterrent alarm system needs to be activated through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See "CONTENT THEFT" under "Customization Menu Items" in DIC Vehicle Personalization . While armed, the doors will not unlock with the power door lock switch. The remote alarm will sound if someone tampers with the trunk or enters the vehicle without using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or key to unlock the doors. The horn will sound and the headlamps will flash for up to two minutes. The system will also cut off the fuel supply, preventing the vehicle from being driven.

Arming with the Power Lock Switch

The vehicle's content theft-deterrent alarm system can be activated when the key is removed from the ignition and the power door lock switch of either the driver's or front passenger's door is used to lock the vehicle. The door needs to be in the open position when pressing the power door lock switch. The system will not arm if the door is closed when the power door lock switch is pressed. This system can be activated through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See "CONTENT THEFT" under "Customization Menu Items" in DIC Vehicle Personalization .

When the doors are locked using the power door lock switch of either front door, the red light, if your vehicle has one, will start flashing at a fast rate, indicating that the system is arming. After all the doors are locked there will be a time delay and then the red light, if your vehicle has one, will begin to flash at a very slow rate, indicating the system is armed.

Arming with the RKE Transmitter

The alarm system will arm when the RKE transmitter is used to lock the doors after the key is removed from the ignition. The red light, if your vehicle has one, will come on to indicate that the system is arming. After all doors are closed and locked, and after a time delay, the red light, if your vehicle has one, will begin flashing at a very slow rate to show the system is armed.

Arming Confirmation

Your vehicle may have a red light located on top of the instrument panel, towards the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, that will flash slowly to confirm when the system is armed.

Disarming with the RKE Transmitter

The alarm system will disarm when the RKE transmitter is used to unlock the doors. The red light, if your vehicle has one, will go out to show that the system is disarmed.

Disarming with Your Key

The alarm system will disarm when the key is used to unlock the doors. The red light, if your vehicle has one, will stop flashing when the system is disarmed. If you would like the key to disarm the alarm system, see "CONTENT THEFT" under DIC Vehicle Personalization for more information.