The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system functions are provided by the theft deterrent module (TDM). When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains a unique value, which is received by the TDM. The theft deterrent control module then compares this value to a value stored in memory, learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge. If the calculations match, the TDM sends the fuel continue password via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM). If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the PCM via the serial data circuit. The components of the VTD system are as follows:

The theft deterrent module (TDM) uses the following inputs: battery voltage, ignition switched voltage, and ground circuit. The TDM uses the following outputs: password exchange with the engine control module (ECM), fuel continue/disable via the serial data circuit.

When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains a unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent control module. The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory, learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge. The TDM then performs one of the following functions:

On some vehicles, if the vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system is unable to read the ignition key transponder value after the vehicle has started, the VTD system will consider itself malfunctioning. The VTD system will enter a fail enable state and will command the security indicator to illuminate. When the VTD system is in a fail enable state, the vehicle will NOT stall or stop running. If the VTD system is in a fail enable state when the ignition is switched OFF, the VTD system will remain fail enable until it is able to read a learned ignition key transponder value. When the VTD system is in a fail enable state, the VTD system is NOT active and the vehicle will start. This feature is NOT available on all GM vehicle lines.

The engine control module (ECM) verifies that the password received from the theft deterrent module (TDM) via the serial data circuit is correct. The ECM can learn only one fuel continue password. If the fuel continue password is correct, the ECM enables the starting and fuel delivery systems.

The ECM disables the starting and fuel delivery systems if any of the following conditions occur:

On some vehicles, if the ECM is unable to communicate with the immobilizer system after the vehicle has started, the ECM will consider the VTD system to be malfunctioning. The ECM will enter a fail enable state and will command the security indicator to illuminate. When the ECM is in a fail enable state, the vehicle will NOT stall or stop running. If the ECM is in a fail enable state when the ignition is switched OFF, the ECM will remain fail enable until communications with the VTD system has been restored. When the ECM is in a fail enable state, the VTD system is NOT active and the vehicle will start. This feature is NOT available on all GM vehicle lines.

The ignition key for PASS-Key III+ equipped vehicles is a typical looking ignition key with a transponder located in the plastic head of the key. The transponder value is fixed and unable to be changed. The immobilizer system uses the ignition key transponder value to determine if a valid ignition key is being used to start the vehicle. There are approximately 3 trillion possible transponder values. There are no visible electrical contacts. The keys may be identified by the + symbol stamped into the steel shank of the key. Immobilizer systems use the following types of ignition keys:

Master Keys

Master keys have a black plastic head for full access operation of the vehicle. Master keys may perform the following functions:

Valet Keys

Important: Valet keys are NOT standard equipment on all GM vehicle lines.

Valet keys have a gray plastic head and are for restricted operation of the vehicle. Valet keys may perform the following functions:

The ignition lock cylinder performs all of the functions of a lock cylinder on a non PASS-Key III+ equipped vehicle. The ignition lock cylinder for vehicles with PASS-Key III+ may be located on the steering column or on the instrument panel. In either location, the exciter coils surround the ignition lock cylinder such that they are very close to the head of the key which contains the transponder pellet.

If an ignition lock cylinder is replaced, the new ignition lock cylinder must be coded to match the mechanical coding of the PASS-Key III+ keys. When replacing an ignition lock cylinder, and new PASS-Key III+ keys are required, the new keys must be learned by the theft deterrent module (TDM). Refer to Replacing Keys.

The theft deterrent module (TDM) can command the body control module (BCM) to illuminate the security indicator only when the ignition key is in the ON position. If the engine control module (ECM) loses communication with the TDM, the BCM will also detect the loss of communication and will illuminate the security indicator. The security indicator can indicate both malfunctions, indicator ON steady and tamper, indicator flashing. A flashing indicator indicates unauthorized operation.