Dodge Durango (HB). Manual - part 592

OPERATION

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM

The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) is used on this model to control and integrate many of the func-
tions and features included in the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). In the VTSS, the EMIC receives inputs
indicating the status of the door ajar switches, the liftgate ajar switch and the ignition switch. The EMIC will process
the information from all of these inputs, internally control the security indicator as appropriate, and send electronic
messages to the Front Control Module (FCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The FCM internally
controls the output to the hazard warning lamps and sends a control output to energize or de-energize the horn
relay as appropriate.

Following are paragraphs describing the operation of each of the VTSS features.

ENABLING

The EMIC must have the VTSS function electronically enabled in order for the VTSS to perform as designed. The
logic in the EMIC keeps its VTSS function dormant until it is enabled using a diagnostic scan tool. The VTSS func-
tion of the EMIC is enabled on vehicles equipped with the VTSS option at the factory, but a service replacement
EMIC must be VTSS-enabled by the dealer using a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.

ARMING

Passive arming of the VTSS occurs when the vehicle is exited with the key removed from the ignition switch, the
headlamps are turned off, and the doors are locked while they are open using the power lock switch. Active arming
occurs when the “Lock” button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is depressed to lock the vehicle. For
active arming to occur, the doors must be closed and the ignition switch must be in the Off position when the RKE
transmitter “Lock” button is depressed. The power lock switch will not function if the key is in the ignition switch or
the headlamps are turned on with the driver side front door open.

Pre-arming of the VTSS is initiated when a door or the liftgate is open when the vehicle is locked using a power
door lock switch or when the RKE transmitter “Lock” button is depressed. Pre-arming will not occur if the key is in
the ignition switch or the headlamps are turned on with the driver side front door open. When the VTSS is pre-
armed, the arming sequence is delayed until all of the doors and the liftgate have been closed. The VTSS will
remain in “Pre-Armed” mode until after all doors and the liftgate have been closed, or until the interior lighting load
shed threshold is surpassed (about eight minutes).

Once the VTSS begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the instrument cluster will
flash rapidly for about seventeen seconds. This indicates that VTSS arming is in progress. If the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, a door or the liftgate is opened, a door or the liftgate is unlocked by any means, or the
RKE “Panic” button is depressed during the seventeen second arming process, the security indicator will stop flash-
ing and the arming process will abort. Once the seventeen second arming sequence is successfully completed, the
security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTSS is armed.

DISARMING

Since this model is not equipped with lock cylinder switches, passive disarming of the VTSS is only possible if the
vehicle is equipped with the optional Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). On vehicles with SKIS, turning the
ignition switch to the On position using a valid SKIS key will passively disarm VTSS. Active disarming of the VTSS
occurs when the vehicle is unlocked by depressing the “Unlock” button of the RKE transmitter. Once the alarm has
been activated, either disarming method will also deactivate the alarm. Depressing the “Panic” button on the RKE
transmitter will not disarm the VTSS.

POWER-UP MODE

When the armed VTSS senses that the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its power-up
mode. In the power-up mode the alarm system remains armed following a battery failure or disconnect. If the VTSS
was armed prior to a battery disconnect or failure, the technician or vehicle operator will have to actively or pas-
sively disarm the alarm system after the battery is reconnected. The power-up mode will also apply if the battery
goes dead while the system is armed, and battery jump-starting is attempted. The VTSS will be armed until the
technician or vehicle operator has actively or passively disarmed the alarm system. If the VTSS is in the disarmed

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - SERVICE INFORMATION

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mode prior to a battery disconnect or failure, it will remain disarmed after the battery is reconnected or replaced, or
if jump-starting is attempted.

TAMPER ALERT

The VTSS tamper alert feature will sound the horn three times upon disarming, if the alarm was triggered and has
since timed-out (about eighteen minutes) or if the battery has been disconnected and reconnected. This feature
alerts the vehicle operator that the VTSS alarm was activated while the vehicle was unattended.

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is designed to provide passive protection against unauthorized vehicle
use by disabling the engine after about two seconds of running, whenever any method other than a valid Sentry Key
is used to start the vehicle. The SKIS is considered a passive protection system because it is always active when
the ignition system is energized and does not require any customer intervention. The SKIS uses Radio Frequency
(RF) communication to obtain confirmation that the key in the ignition switch is a valid key for operating the vehicle.
The microprocessor-based SKIS hardware and software also uses electronic messages to communicate with other
electronic modules in the vehicle over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).

Pre-programmed Sentry Key transponders are provided with the vehicle from the factory. Each Sentry Key REmote
Entry Module (SKREEM) will recognize a maximum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer would like additional keys
other than those provided with the vehicle, they may be purchased from any authorized dealer. These additional
keys must be programmed to the SKREEM in the vehicle in order for the system to recognize them as valid keys.
This can be done by the dealer using a diagnostic scan tool or, if Customer Learn programming is an available
SKIS feature in the market where the vehicle was purchased, the customer can program the additional keys, as
long as at least two valid Sentry Keys are already available. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
RITY - STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING).

The SKREEM performs a self-test of the SKIS each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position, and will
store fault information in the form of a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) if a system malfunction is detected. The SKIS
can be diagnosed, and any stored DTC can be retrieved using a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental
restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, occupant classification sys-
tem, 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 supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

The hard wired Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) components and circuits may be diagnosed and tested using
conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, 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 may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC), the Front Control Module (FCM), the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, or the
electronic message inputs used to provide the electronic features of the VTSS. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the EMIC, the FCM, the CAN data bus, and the electronic message inputs for the
VTSS requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. See the “Vehicle Theft Security System” menu item on the scan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

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VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - SERVICE INFORMATION

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

The hard wired Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) components and circuits may be diagnosed and tested using
conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, 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 may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the Sentry Key REmote
Entry Module (SKREEM), the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, or the electronic message inputs used to provide the electronic fea-
tures of the SKIS. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the SKREEM, the EMIC, the PCM,
the CAN data bus, and the electronic message inputs for the SKIS requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

SECURITY INDICATOR FAILS
TO LIGHT DURING BULB
TEST

1. Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
faulty.

1. Perform the instrument cluster actuator
test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - ACTUATOR TEST)..

2. Fuse faulty.

2. Check the SKREEM fused B(+) fuse and
the fused ignition switch output (run-start)
fuse in the Junction Block (JB). Replace
fuses, if required.

3. Ground path faulty.

3. Check for continuity to ground at the
connector for the SKREEM. Repair wiring, if
required.

4. Battery feed faulty.

4. Check for battery voltage at the
connector for the SKREEM. Repair wiring, if
required.

5. Ignition feed faulty.

5. Check for battery voltage at the
connector for the SKREEM with the ignition
switch in the On position. Repair wiring, if
required.

SECURITY INDICATOR
FLASHES FOLLOWING BULB
TEST

1. Invalid key in ignition switch
lock cylinder.

1. Replace the key with a known valid key.

2. Key-related fault.

2. Use a diagnostic scan tool and the
appropriate diagnostic information for further
diagnosis.

SECURITY INDICATOR
LIGHTS SOLID FOLLOWING
BULB TEST

1. SKIS system malfunction/
fault detected.

1. Use a diagnostic scan tool and the
appropriate diagnostic information for further
diagnosis.

2. SKIS system inoperative.

2. Use a diagnostic scan tool and the
appropriate diagnostic information for further
diagnosis.

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - SERVICE INFORMATION

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STANDARD PROCEDURE

SKIS INITIALIZATION

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) must be initialized following a Sentry Key REmote Entry Module
(SKREEM) replacement. SKIS initialization requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Initialization will also require
that you have access to the unique four-digit PIN code that was assigned to the original SKREEM. The PIN code
must be used to enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKREEM. This PIN number may be obtained from the
vehicle owner, from the original vehicle invoice, or from the DaimlerChrysler Customer Center. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES - STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKREEM PROGRAMMING).

NOTE: If a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is replaced on a vehicle equipped with the Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer System (SKIS), the unique Secret Key data must be transferred from the Sentry Key REmote Entry
Module (SKREEM) to the new PCM using the PCM replacement procedure. This procedure also requires the
use of a diagnostic scan tool and the unique four-digit PIN code to enter the Secured Access Mode in the
SKREEM. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information for the proper PCM replacement procedures.

SENTRY KEY TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING

All Sentry Keys included with the vehicle are pre-programmed to work with the Sentry Key Immobilizer System
(SKIS) when it is shipped from the factory. The Sentry Key REmote Entry Module (SKREEM) can be programmed
to recognize up to a total of eight Sentry Keys. When programming a blank Sentry Key transponder, the key must
first be cut to match the ignition switch lock cylinder in the vehicle for which it will be used. Once the additional or
new key has been cut, the SKREEM must be programmed to recognize it as a valid key. There are two possible
methods to program the SKREEM to recognize a new or additional valid key, the Secured Access Method and the
Customer Learn Method. Following are the details of these two programming methods.

SECURED ACCESS METHOD

The Secured Access method applies to all vehicles. This method requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. This
method will also require that you have access to the unique four-digit PIN code that was assigned to the original
SKREEM. The PIN code must be used to enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKREEM. This PIN number may
be obtained from the vehicle owner, from the original vehicle invoice, or from the DaimlerChrysler Customer Center.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information for the proper Secured Access method programming procedures.

CUSTOMER LEARN METHOD

The Customer Learn feature is only available on domestic vehicles, or those vehicles which have a U.S. country
code designator. This programming method also requires access to at least two valid Sentry Keys. If two valid Sen-
try Keys are not available, or if the vehicle does not have a U.S. country code designator, the Secured Access
Method must be used to program new or additional valid keys to the SKREEM. The Customer Learn programming
method procedures are as follows:

1. Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that are to be programmed as valid keys for the vehicle. Cut the blank key(s) to

match the ignition switch lock cylinder mechanical key codes.

2. Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the On position.

3. After the ignition switch has been in the On position for longer than three seconds, but no more than fifteen

seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to the Off position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in the ignition switch
lock cylinder with the second valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to the On position. The second
valid Sentry Key must be inserted in the lock cylinder within fifteen seconds of removing the first valid key.

4. About ten seconds after the completion of Step 3, the security indicator in the instrument cluster will start to flash

to indicate that the system has entered the Customer Learn programming mode.

5. Within sixty seconds of entering the Customer Learn programming mode, turn the ignition switch to the Off posi-

tion, replace the valid Sentry Key with a blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition switch back to the
On position.

6. About ten seconds after the completion of Step 5, the security indicator will stop flashing, stay on solid for three

seconds, then turn off to indicate that the blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed. The SKIS will
immediately exit the Customer Learn programming mode. After the ignition is cycled the vehicle may be started
using the newly programmed valid Sentry Key.

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VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - SERVICE INFORMATION

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