Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit Description
The Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) system is incorporated into the Body Control Module (BCM). PCM monitors the state of serial data message from the VTD system to ensure that PCM to BCM communications is established. DTC will set if PCM detects a loss of communication while engine is running.
DTC P1626 can cause a no-start condition or normal operation depending on when the loss of VTD system communication was detected. Engine will continue to start and run if the condition that set DTC occurred after the PCM received a valid VTD password from BCM and already allowed fuel during the ignition cycle. Engine will start and immediately stall if the condition that set DTC occurred before PCM received a valid VTD password. With this condition present, PCM will inhibit fuel delivery and disable starter until a valid VTD password is detected.
DTC will set when VTD system has allowed fuel delivery, PCM detects an incorrect theft deterrent fuel enable signal from VTD system and conditions are present for longer than 2 seconds.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.