Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Arming

Passive arming of the Vehicle Theft Security System (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 using the power lock switch. The power lock switch will not function if the key is in the ignition switch or the headlamps are on with the driver's door open. The VTSS will not arm if either front door or the liftgate are locked using the key in the lock cylinder.

Active arming of the VTSS occurs when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is used to lock the vehicle, even if the doors and/or the liftgate are open when the RKE transmitter Lock button is depressed. However, the VTSS arming will not be complete until all the doors and the liftgate are closed.

Following successful passive or active VTSS arming, the VTSS set lamp on the top of the instrument panel will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds after the illuminated entry system times out. This indicates that VTSS arming is in progress. If the light stays on steadily during the arming, it indicates that the hood switch is closed (the hood is open). The VTSS will still arm if the hood is open, but the engine compartment will not be protected. Once the 15 second arming function is complete, the set lamp will flash at a slower rate to indicate that the VTSS is armed.