Sentry Key Immobilizer System Indicator Lamp Description; Operation - Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual

DR
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) uses
the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indicator
in the instrument cluster to give an indication when
the SKIS is faulty or when the vehicle has been
immobilized due to the use of an invalid key. The
indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster
based upon messages received from the Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM).

OPERATION

The SKIM sends PCI Bus messages to the instru-
ment cluster, to turn on the "Security" indicator for
about 3 seconds when the ignition is turned to the
ON position, as a "Bulb" test. After completion of the
"Bulb" test, the SKIM sends a PCI bus messages to
keep the LED off for 1 second. Then the SKIM sends
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
messages to the instrument cluster to turn the LED
off based upon the results if the SKIS self - test. If
the indicator illuminates and remains illuminated
after the "bulb test", it indicates that the SKIM has
detected a system malfunction and/or the system has
become inoperative. If the SKIM detects a invalid
key when the ignition switch is turned on, it sends a
message to the instrument cluster to flash the "Secu-
rity" indicator.
The SKIM can also send messages to the cluster to
flash the LED and generate a chime. These functions
serve as an indication to the customer that the SKIM
is in the Customer Learn programming mode. See
Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder Pro-
gramming in this group for more information on the
"Customer Learn" programming Mode.
If the VTSS indicator remains on after the "Bulb"
test, the system should be diagnosed using the
DRBIII scan tool and the proper Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures manual.
8Q - 5