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Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) Description Export

Vehicle Immobilizer Module (VIM)

The VIM sends a fuel continue message to the PCM/VCM if the vehicle is started after using either a valid key fob unlock command or the override procedure. The VIM works on a rolling code system and can accept up to 50,000 different codes from the key fob. The VIM also controls the remote keyless entry feature, and the illuminated entry feature, which controls the courtesy and dome lights.

Override Procedure (VIM)

An override code is provided to disable the immobilization function when a key fob, UNLOCK command is not or can not be used to gain entrance to the vehicle or to allow programming of the fobs to the VIM. The override code consists of five digits with values of 1-9. An override code, which varies between different VIMs, is entered into the VIM by the factory and provided on a card with the key fobs. After delivery of the vehicle, the override code can only be altered through the use of a scan tool. The override procedure is entered manually or through the use of a scan tool

Activation of the manual override procedure is accomplished as follows:

  1. Starting with the ignition switch in the off position, cycle the ignition switch on then off, then back on within two seconds. The "SECURITY" lamp flashes twelve times in four seconds.
  2. Immediately following this sequence, the "SECURITY" lamp flashes on for 1.4 seconds, then off for 0.3 seconds. Each on flash is counted as one. After the correct number of flashes to represent the first digit of the override code, press on the brake pedal to enter the digit. The "SECURITY" lamp flashes twelve times in four seconds to acknowledge input of the digit.
  3. Repeat step 2 for the second through fifth digits of the override code.
  4. If the correct override code has been entered the "SECURITY" lamp will come on for ten seconds. This indicates that programming of the key fobs to the VIM is allowed. This also indicates that the immobilization function will be inactive for two minutes. If the Ignition Switch is turned off within the two minutes and then on within twenty seconds of being turned off, the engine will start.
  5. If an incorrect override code has been entered the "SECURITY" lamp will turn off immediately indicating that the VIM has exited the override procedure. After six unsuccessful attempts the VIM is locked for a period of 30 seconds.

Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) Description Domestic

Passlock™ System

The design of the passlock™ system is to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless the passlock™ lock cylinder rotates properly by engaging the correct ignition key. The system is similar in concept to the passkey system. However, the passlock™ eliminates the need for a key mounted resistor pellet. The components of the system are as follows:

    • The ignition lock cylinder
    • The ignition switch
    • The passlock™ sensor
    • The Passlock™ module
    • The security indicator
    • The vehicle/powertrain control module (VCM/PCM)

Ignition Lock Cylinder and Housing

The ignition lock cylinder is located at the upper right side of the steering column. The Passlock™ sensor is in the steering column. The Passlock™ sensor is separate from the key and lock cylinder. The key and the lock cylinder work together in order to determine if the proper ignition key was used to start the vehicle.

In the event of an open Class 2 serial data line between the Passlock™ Module and the VCM/PCM, the vehicle will become fail-enabled if the VCM/PCM has already received the password from the Passlock™ Module for that ignition cycle (the engine is running). In this event, the following conditions occur:

    • The security telltale will be ON continuously.
    • The VCM/PCM will become fail-enabled for future ignition cycles.

If a failure in the Class 2 serial data line occurs before the ignition cycle, when the VCM/PCM is not fail-enabled, the following conditions occur:

    • The VCM/PCM will never receive a valid password in order to enable the fuel injectors.
    • The vehicle will not start.

Ignition Switch

The lock cylinder and the visible key insert portion of the ignition switch are located at the upper right side of the steering column. The electrical switching portion of the assembly is separate from the key and lock cylinder. The electrical switch portion is hidden inside the steering column. The electrical switch portion and the key and lock cylinder synchronize and work in conjunction through the action of the mechanical assembly between the 2 parts.

Passlock™ Sensor

The passlock™ sensor is inside the upper right side of the steering column. The passlock™ sensor contains 2 hall effect sensors. The tamper hall effect sensor is on the top. The security hall effect sensor is under the tamper hall effect sensor. Both of the hall effect sensors monitor the magnet of the lock cylinder through an opening. The tamper hall effect sensor is physically placed on top of the security hall effect sensor. The placement enables the tamper hall effect sensor to engage first if an intruder attempts to bypass the passlock™ sensor by placing a large magnet around that area of the steering column. There is a tamper resistor inside the passlock™ sensor in order to help prevent tamper to the system. Passlock™ equipped vehicles have a selection of 10 different security resistors ranging up to 13K ohms. Install any of the security resistors inside the passlock™sensor in order to generate a unique passlock™ code. All 10 combinations of the passlock™ sensor have the same part number. However, you cannot simply replace the passlock™ sensor and expect the system to operate properly. Always start by performing the Diagnostic System Check first and following the instructions.

Passlock™ Module

The Passlock™ module contains the theft deterrent system logic. The Passlock™ module reads the passlock™ data from the passlock™ sensor. If the passlock™ data is correct, the Passlock™ module will pass theft. The Passlock™ module will then transmit the code password to the VCM/PCM.

During the tamper mode the vehicle may start. The vehicle will quickly stall. If the Passlock™ module receives the wrong passlock™ data, the VTD will immediately go into the tamper mode. The tamper mode will lock-out the vehicle fuel injectors for 10 minutes. The SECURITY indicator will flash while the VTD is in the tamper mode.

If the passlock  sensor sends a correct password to the Passlock  module when the ignition is in the ON position, the Passlock  module will send a fuel enable signal to the VCM/PCM. The VCM/PCM will not disable the fuel due to any Passlock  module message for the remainder of the ignition cycle.

SECURITY Indicator

The SECURITY indicator is on the instrument cluster. If the SECURITY indicator flashes or if the SECURITY indicator lights continuously during the vehicle operation, refer to the system diagnosis.

Vehicle/Powertrain Control Module

The VCM/PCM communicates with the Passlock Module over the Class 2 serial data line. When the Passlock™ Module determines a no start condition, it sends a Class 2 serial data password to the VCM/PCM in order to disable the fuel injection system. If the Passlock™ Module receives the expected voltage from the Passlock™ sensor, the Passlock™ Module sends a Class 2 serial data password to the VCM/PCM in order to enable the fuel injection system. The VCM/PCM then allows the vehicle to start correctly. If the Class 2 serial data password from the Passlock™ Module to the VCM/PCM is not within the Vehicle Security Status Message, the fuel injectors will shut OFF during a start attempt. The SECURITY telltale will be ON STEADY for approximately 10 minutes and then turns OFF. If the VCM/PCM does not receive the same password from the Passlock™ Module as the last learned one, the vehicle will start and quickly stalls due to the Fuel Lockout.

Changing the Passlock™ Components

The design of the passlock™ system is to prevent theft even if the various theft deterrent parts change. The parts that can no longer be changed without the possibility of going into a tamper mode are:

    • The passlock™ sensor
    • The Passlock™ module
    • The VCM/PCM

If you replace any of these parts the vehicle may start and stall for 10 minutes. This is the long tamper mode. If this occurs, the system must go through a long tamper mode cycle. During this time the SECURITY indicator will be flashing for the full 10 minutes and the DTC B3031 will be set. The Passlock™ module and the VCM/PCM require the full 10 minutes in order to complete a learn cycle. The ignition switch must remain in the RUN position until the SECURITY indicator stops flashing. You will need to repeat the cycle if the ignition switch does not remain in the RUN position. When replacing any of the above parts it is recommended to perform one of the following procedures:

    • Seed and Key Procedure. Refer to PASSLOCK Reprogramming Seed and Key
    •  Auto Learn Procedure. Refer to PASSLOCK Reprogramming Auto Learn .