Alarm Module: Description and Operation

Smart Key Immobilizer Module Remove/Install:

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) is the primary component of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). The SKIM is located on the right side of the steering column, below the ignition lock cylinder housing and is concealed beneath the steering column shrouds. The molded black plastic housing for the SKIM has an integral molded plastic halo4ike antenna ring that extends from one end. When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering column, the antenna ring is oriented around the circumference of the ignition lock cylinder housing. A single integral connector receptacle containing six terminal pins is located on the opposite end of the SKIM housing from the antenna ring. A stamped metal mounting bracket secured to the SKIM housing has a U-shaped clip formation that is used to secure the unit to the right lower flange of the steering column jacket.

The SKIM cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire SKIM unit must be replaced.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) contains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a microprocessor. The SKIM transmits RF signals to, and receives RF signals from the Sentry Key transponder through a tuned antenna enclosed within the molded plastic antenna ring integral to the SKIM housing. If this antenna ring is not mounted properly around the ignition lock cylinder housing, communication problems between the SKIM and the transponder may arise.

These communication problems will result in Sentry Key transponder-related faults. The SKIM also communicates over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and/or the DRB III scan tool.

The SKIM retains in memory the ID numbers of any Sentry Key transponder that is programmed into it. A maximum of eight Sentry Key transponders can be programmed into the SKIM. For added system security, each SKIM is programmed with a unique Secret Key code. This code is stored in memory, sent over the PCI data bus to the PCM, and is encoded to the transponder of every Sentry Key that is programmed into the SKIM. Therefore, the Secret Key code is a common element that is found in every component of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). Another security code, called a PIN, is used to gain access to the SKIM Secured Access Mode. The Secured Access Mode is required during service to perform the SKIS initialization and Sentry Key transponder programming procedures. The SKIM also stores the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in its memory, which it learns through a PCI data bus message from the PCM during SKIS initialization.

In the event that a SKIM replacement is required, the Secret Key code can be transferred to the new SKIM from the PCM using the DRB III� scan tool and the SKIS initialization procedure. Proper completion of the SKIS initialization will allow the existing Sentry Keys to be programmed into the new SKIM so that new keys will not be required. In the event that the original Secret Key code cannot be recovered, SKIM replacement will also require new Sentry Keys. The DRB III scan tool will alert the technician during the SKIS initialization procedure if new Sentry Keys are required.

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the SKIM transmits an RF signal to the transponder in the ignition key. The SKIM then waits for an RF signal response from the transponder. If the response received identifies the key as valid, the SKIM sends a valid key message to the PCM over the PCI data bus. If the response received identifies the key as invalid, or if no response is received from the key transponder, the SKIM sends an invalid key message to the PCM. The PCM will enable or disable engine operation based upon the status of the SKIM messages. It is important to note that the default condition in the PCM is an invalid key; therefore, if no message is received from the SKIM by the PCM, the engine will be disabled and the vehicle immobilized after two seconds of running.

The SKIM also sends SKIS indicator status messages to the EMIC over the PCI data bus to tell the EMIC how to operate the SKIS indicator. This indicator status message tells the EMIC to turn the indicator ON for about three seconds each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM sends indicator status messages to the EMIC to turn the indicator off, turn the indicator ON, or to flash the indicator ON and OFF. If the SKIS indicator flashes or stays ON solid after the bulb test, it signifies a SKIS fault. If the SKIM detects a system malfunction and/or the SKIS has become inoperative, the SKIS indicator will stay ON solid. If the SKIM detects an invalid key or if a key transponder-related fault exists, the SKIS indicator will flash. If the vehicle is equipped with the Customer Learn transponder programming feature, the SKIM will also send messages to the EMIC to flash the SKIS indicator and to generate a single audible chime tone whenever the Customer Learn programming mode is being utilized. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SENTRY KEY TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING).

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