The Theft Deterrent System on this vehicle is comprised of two separate systems. The Personal Automotive Security System (PASS-Key® III) provides the vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) function and the BCM provides the Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) function. The PASS-Key® III system operates independently of the CTD system. Vehicle theft protection is provided even if the CTD system is not armed. These systems are described and diagnosed separately within this section. For CTD operation, refer to Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) Circuit Description .

PASS-Key® III System

The PASS-Key® III system is designed to help prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless an ignition key with a specific code is used in the ignition lock cylinder. The components of the system are:

The ignition key for PASS-Key® III equipped vehicles is a typical ignition key using a transponder pellet located in the end of the key. The ignition key transponder value is used in order to determine if a valid ignition key is being used in order to start the vehicle. When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition cylinder and the PASS-Key® III module detects the ignition voltage (the ignition switch is in RUN or START) the module measures the transponder pellet value. The PASS-Key® III module validates this value and performs the following functions:

The PASS-Key® III module can identify up to 10 valid key codes to operate the vehicle.

PASS KEY Indicator

The yellow indicator PASS KEY on the instrument cluster is controlled by the PASS-Key® III system (VTD module). The PASS KEY indicator will be either:

The ignition lock cylinder is located within the PASS-Key® III module. The lock cylinder may locked separately. The ignition lock cylinder also performs all of the functions of a non PASS-Key® III vehicle. When replacing the ignition lock cylinder, refer to PASS-Key® III System Auto Learn Procedure.

The PASS-Key® III module is located within the steering column. The PASS-Key® III module inputs and outputs are the following: