Operating Modes

Following are paragraphs that briefly describe the operation of each of the VTA operating modes.

• Enabling  - The BCM must have the VTA function electronically enabled in order for the VTA to perform as designed. The logic in the BCM keeps its VTA function dormant until it is enabled using a diagnostic scan tool. The VTA function of the BCM is enabled on vehicles equipped with the VTA option at the factory, but a service replacement BCM must be VTA-enabled by the dealer using a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
• Arming  - Passive arming of the VTA occurs when the vehicle is exited with all valid FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) units, the status of the ignition switch is Off, the headlamps are turned Off and the doors are locked while they are open using the power lock switch. Active arming occurs when the Lock button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter integral to the FOBIK is depressed to lock the vehicle. For active arming to occur, the doors and the liftgate must be closed and the status of the ignition switch must be Off when the FOBIK RKE transmitter Lock button is depressed. The power lock switch will not arm the system if a valid FOBIK is within the passenger compartment or if the status of the exterior lighting switch is On and the driver side front door is open.

  Pre-arming of the VTA is initiated when a door or the liftgate is open when the vehicle is locked using a power door lock switch or when the RKE transmitter Lock button is depressed. Pre-arming will not occur if a valid FOBIK is within the passenger compartment or the status of the exterior lighting switch is On with the driver side front door open. When the VTA is pre-armed, the arming sequence is delayed until all of the doors and the liftgate have been closed. The VTA will remain in pre-armed mode for up to 16 seconds after all doors and the liftgate have been closed.

  Once the VTA begins the passive or active arming sequence, the security indicator in the IPC will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds. This indicates that VTA arming is in progress. If the status of the ignition switch transitions to On, if a door or the liftgate is unlocked and opened by any means, or if the RKE Panic button (if equipped) is depressed during the 16 second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the arming process will abort. Once the arming sequence is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTA is armed.

  On vehicles equipped with the hood ajar switch, the VTA arming sequence will occur regardless of whether the hood is open or closed, but the under hood area will not be protected unless the hood is closed when the VTA arming sequence begins. Also, if the status of the hood ajar switch changes from open to closed during the 16 second arming process, the security indicator will stop flashing and the VTA arming sequence will abort. Once the arming process is successfully completed, the security indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTA is armed.

• Disarming  - For vehicles built for the North American market, passive disarming of the VTA occurs when the vehicle is unlocked while a valid Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) FOBIK is detected or when the status of the ignition switch transitions to On while a valid FOBIK is detected. Active disarming of the VTA for all markets occurs when the vehicle is unlocked by depressing the Unlock button of the FOBIK RKE transmitter. Once the alarm has been activated, either disarming method will also deactivate the alarm. Depressing the Panic button (if equipped) on the FOBIK RKE transmitter will not  disarm the VTA.
• Alarm  - The VTA alarm output varies by the version of the VTA with which the vehicle is equipped. In all cases, the alarm provides both visual and audible outputs; however, the time intervals of these outputs vary by the requirements of the market for which the vehicle is manufactured. In all cases, the visual output will be a flashing On and Off of the exterior lamps, and the audible output will be a pulsing of the horn. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for details of the alarm output requirements of the specific market for which the vehicle was manufactured. The inputs that will trigger the alarm include the door ajar switches, the liftgate ajar switch and, in vehicles built for certain markets where required, the hood ajar switch.
• Power-Up Mode  - When the armed VTA senses that the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its power-up mode. In the power-up mode the alarm system remains armed following a battery failure or disconnect. If the VTA was armed prior to a battery disconnect or failure, the technician or vehicle operator will have to actively or passively disarm the alarm system after the battery is reconnected. The power-up mode will also apply if the battery goes dead while the system is armed, and battery jump-starting is attempted. The VTA will be armed until the technician or vehicle operator has actively or passively disarmed the alarm system. If the VTA is in the disarmed mode prior to a battery disconnect or failure, it will remain disarmed after the battery is reconnected or replaced, or if jump-starting is attempted.
• Tamper Alert  - The VTA tamper alert feature will pulse the horn three times upon VTA disarming, if the alarm was triggered and has since timed out, or if the battery has been disconnected and reconnected. This feature alerts the vehicle operator that the VTA alarm was activated while the vehicle was unattended.