Antitheft and Alarm Systems: Description and Operation

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is an available factory-installed option on this model when it is also equipped with the high-line or premium Central Timer Module (CTM). The VTSS is designed to provide perimeter protection against unauthorized use or tampering by monitoring the vehicle doors and the ignition system. If unauthorized vehicle use or tampering is detected, the system responds by pulsing the horn, flashing the headlamps, and preventing the engine from operating.

The VTSS includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere:

Central Timer Module - The high-line or premium Central Timer Module (CTM) is located under the driver side end of the instrument panel, inboard of the instrument panel steering column opening. The high-line or premium CTM contains a microprocessor and software that allow it to provide many electronic functions and features not available with base version of the CTM, including the VTSS. The CTM provides all of the proper VTSS features and outputs based upon the monitored inputs. The CTM circuitry monitors hard wired switch inputs, as well as message inputs received from other vehicle electronic modules over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.

Door Ajar Switch - A door ajar switch is located on the hinge pillar of each front door in the vehicle. These switches provide an input to the VTSS indicating whether the door is opened or closed.

Door Cylinder Lock Switch - A door cylinder lock switch is located on the back of each front door lock cylinder. This switch provides an input to the VTSS indicating whether the system should remain armed or be disarmed.

Horn Relay - The horn relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment near the battery. The horn relay is normally activated by the horn switch to control the sounding of the vehicle horn or horns. However, it can also be activated by an output of the Central Timer Module (CTM) to provide an audible indication that unauthorized vehicle use or tampering has been detected.

Headlamp Relay - The headlamp relay (also known as the security relay) is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment near the battery. The headlamp relay is normally activated by the Central Timer Module (CTM) based upon inputs from the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) panic mode feature. However, it can also be activated by an output of the CTM to flash the headlamp low beams to provide a highly visible indication that unauthorized vehicle use or tampering has been detected.

VTSS Indicator - A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) located on the lower surface of the overhead console near the windshield is illuminated by an output of the Central Timer Module (CTM) to indicate the status of the VTSS. This LED is integral to the electronic circuit board for the Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC).

The engine no-run feature of the VTSS relies upon communication between the high-line or premium CTM and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.

Hard wired circuitry connects many of the VTSS components to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system and to the VTSS components through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

A Central Timer Module (CTM) is used on this model to control and integrate many of the electronic functions and features included in the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). In the VTSS, the CTM receives inputs indicating the status of the door ajar switches, the door cylinder lock switch, and the ignition switch. The programming in the CTM allows it to process the information from all of these inputs and send control outputs to energize or de-energize the horn relay, the headlamp relay and the VTSS indicator. The control of these inputs and outputs are what constitute all of the features of the VTSS. Following is information on the operation of each of the VTSS features. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the VTSS.