Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD)

VEHICLE THEFT DETERRENT (VTD) OPERATION
The immobilizer system design prevents vehicle theft by interrupting the engine operation. The immobilizer system prevents the vehicle from starting. The engine operating functions interrupt if the immobilizer system does not recognize the transponder identification code of the ignition key. The immobilizer system and the content theft deterrent system do not interact. The system includes the following components:
- The ignition key
- The column-mounted theft deterrent module with integrated antenna
- The transponder
- The engine control module (ECM)

THEFT DETERRENT MODULE (IMMOBILIZER)
The theft deterrent module mounts to the steering column. The theft deterrent module contains an antenna arranged in a ring around the ignition lock cylinder. The transponder enters the very limited reading range (2-3 cm) of the antenna with the ignition in the RUN position when the transponder key inserts in the ignition lock cylinder. This guarantees that only the key that is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder can have its transponder code audited. This excludes the possibility of interference from other transponder keys in the vicinity. The theft deterrent module makes no determination as to the validity of the transponder key while the theft deterrent module receives the signal from the transponder key. This is done solely by the RCDLR. The RCDLR performs all decision making processes. Therefore, any theft attempt by hot-wiring the theft deterrent module or any wiring harness will not result in a successful bypass of the system. The theft deterrent module cannot be disassembled. Additionally, the theft deterrent module must be serviced as an assembly.

TRANSPONDER
The ignition key head contains the transponder. The transponder emits a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field generated by the coils of the theft deterrent module creating a voltage which is read by the RCDLR through the theft deterrent module. The transponder is a small magnet. Therefore, the transponder does not require battery power. The transponder never requires replacement under normal operating conditions.

The ignition key head contains the transponder. The transponder does not require battery power. The transponder never requires replacement under normal usage. Service the transponder and the ignition key only as an assembly. Reprogram the system with a scan tool when replacing a key.

SECURITY INDICATOR




The security indicator is located in the clock on the top of the instrument panel. The light emitting diode (LED) displays the immobilizer system status. The immobilizer contains the LED driver hardware for direct connection of the LED.