Refer to

Pass Key III Module

When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, 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 its unique value, which is received by the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module . The VTD (Pass Key® III) Module then compares this value to a value stored in memory (learned key code). If the value is correct the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module sends the enable password via the class 2 serial data circuit to the PCM.

The ignition switch must be in RUN. The VTD (Pass Key® III) Module cannot have a current DTC B1327.

The VTD (Pass Key® III) Module is unable to measure the ignition key transponder value for one second. This may be due to a damaged or missing transponder pellet, a non Pass Key® III key, or a damaged exciter. If the conditions occur after the engine is running, setting the DTC may take up to 30 seconds. See Important below.

Important: If the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module is unable to measure the ignition key transponder value for 30 consecutive seconds, after the vehicle has started, the module will enter a fail enable state. The vehicle will not stall or stop running. If the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module is in a fail enable state when the ignition is turned to OFF, it will remain fail enabled until the next time the vehicle is started. If the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module is fail enabled the Pass Key® III system is NOT active and the vehicle will start. The module WILL send its enable password even if a transponder value is not received. The VTD (Pass Key® III) Module will remain fail enabled until it measures a valid key transponder value.

1. The VTD (Pass Key® III) Module sends a class 2 message containing a disable password to the PCM.
2. The vehicle will not start.
3. The VTD (Pass Key® III) Module sends a class 2 message to the instrument cluster to illuminate the SECURITY indicator on steady.

The VTD clears the current status of the DTC when it senses a key code from the exciter. If the code is not from a learned key, a DTC B2960 will be set.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

2. The key must be a Pass Key® III transponder key with an operating transponder for the system to work.

3. The only method to confirm whether the transponder in the key or the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module is malfunctioning is to try a alternative component in the system. The vehicle was delivered with four keys.

4. It is unlikely that more than one key will be defective. If all keys do not work, the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module must be malfunctioning.

5. If the vehicle has a malfunctioning VTD (Pass Key® III) Module that malfunctioned during an ignition cycle, the system will be "fail enabled" and the vehicle will start for all keys. In this case the code B3055 will remain set and be current for all keys.

7. If a new key must be tried, it must have the proper mechanical cut and the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module must "learn" the transponder value.

8. If only one key was available for the vehicle and the replacement key does not work, the VTD (Pass Key® III) Module must be malfunctioning.