Sentry Key Immobilizer Module; Description; Operation - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

DR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
(2) Tighten bolts. Refer to torque specifications.
(3) Check pin connectors in the PCM and the three
32–way connectors
equipped with NGC) for corrosion or damage. Also,
the pin heights in connectors should all be same.
Repair as necessary before installing connectors.
(4) Install three 32–way connectors (four 38–way
connectors if equipped with NGC).
(5) Install cover over electrical connectors. Cover
snaps onto PCM.
(6) Install negative battery cable.
(7) Use the DRB scan tool to reprogram new PCM
with vehicles original Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) and original vehicle mileage.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE

DESCRIPTION

The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) con-
tains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a cen-
tral processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS
programming enables the SKIM to program and
retain in memory the codes of at least two, but no
more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key
transponders. The SKIS programming also enables
the SKIM to communicate over the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) bus network with the
Powertrain Control
DRBIII scan tool.

OPERATION

The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals
through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded
plastic ring that is integral to the SKIM housing.
When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering
column, the antenna ring is oriented around the igni-
tion lock cylinder housing. This antenna ring must be
located within eight millimeters (0.31 inches) of the
Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communica-
tion between the SKIM and the Sentry Key tran-
sponder.
For added system security, each SKIM is pro-
grammed with a unique "Secret Key" code and a
security code. The SKIM keeps the "Secret Key" code
in memory. The SKIM also sends the "Secret Key"
code to each of the programmed Sentry Key tran-
sponders. The security code is used by the assembly
plant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the
dealer technician to access the system for service.
The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through
a PCI bus message from the PCM during initializa-
tion.
(four 38–way connectors
Module (PCM), and/or
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
The SKIM and the PCM both use software that
includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which
if helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS
disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures secu-
rity by preventing an override of the SKIS through
the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the
PCM. However, the use of this strategy also means
that replacement of either the SKIM or the PCM
units will require a system initialization procedure to
restore system operation.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal
to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then
listens for a return RF signal from the transponder
of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock
cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with
valid "Secret Key" and transponder identification
codes, the SKIM sends a "valid key" message to the
PCM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an
invalid RF signal or no response, it sends "invalid
key" messages to the PCM. The PCM will enable or
disable engine operation based upon the status of the
SKIM messages.
The SKIM also sends messages to the Instrument
Cluster which controls the VTSS indicator LED. The
SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to
turn the LED on for about three seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb
test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM
sends bus messages to keep the LED off for a dura-
tion of about one second. Then the SKIM sends mes-
the
sages to turn the LED on or off based upon the
results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS indicator
LED comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it
indicates that the SKIM has detected a system mal-
function and/or that the SKIS has become inopera-
tive.
If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, it sends
messages to flash the VTSS indicator LED. The
SKIM can also send messages to flash the LED as an
indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in it's "Customer Learn" programming mode.
See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder
Programming in this section for more information on
the "Customer Learn" programming mode.
For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the
PCM, a DRBIII scan tool and the proper Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual are required. The
SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged,
the unit must be replaced.
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