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.
2003 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 L5-2.7L DSL TurboFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS)
The Security System Module (SSM) is located under the driver's seat. The SSM communicates with the DRBIII over the K-line. If equipped the Vehicle Theft Security System will monitor the following:
- door jamb switches
- hood ajar switch
- ignition switch - interior of the vehicle for movement
- longitudinal and transverse movement of the vehicle
- rear defogger grids for glass breakage
- trailer connector
To arm the system the hood and all of the doors must be closed when the vehicle is locked with the RKE transmitter or with the use of the key in the driver door. If the key is used, it must be held in the lock position for 2 seconds. When the system is first activated, the hazard lamps will flash 3 times. Also with the system armed, the Towing/Intrusion Sensor On/Off Switch indicator will flash to indicate an armed system. To disarm the system use the RKE or the driver door lock cylinder. Unlocking and opening one of the other doors with the system armed will trip the vehicle theft security system.
Interior monitoring is done by the use of an Intrusion Sensor located in the front headliner and with one or two sensors in the ceiling of the cargo area depending on how the vehicle is equipped. Monitoring of the interior of the vehicle will begin after the system has been armed for 30 seconds. The on/off switch located on the instrument panel can be used to turn off this feature with the ignition switch in either the Locked/Off or ACC position. The vehicle tow-monitoring feature can also be switched off using this switch. Re-locking the vehicle a second time will reactivate these features.
If a trailer is connected to the vehicle when the system is armed, the SSM will sense a resistance change on the turn signal circuits if the trailer harness becomes disconnected and will trip the alarm.
Tripping the vehicle theft security system will cause the hazard lamps to flash and the siren to sound at 30-second intervals. The siren is equipped with it's own self-contained battery. In the event the vehicle's battery power is disconnected the siren will continue to sound on it's own.
- door jamb switches
- hood ajar switch
- ignition switch - interior of the vehicle for movement
- longitudinal and transverse movement of the vehicle
- rear defogger grids for glass breakage
- trailer connector
To arm the system the hood and all of the doors must be closed when the vehicle is locked with the RKE transmitter or with the use of the key in the driver door. If the key is used, it must be held in the lock position for 2 seconds. When the system is first activated, the hazard lamps will flash 3 times. Also with the system armed, the Towing/Intrusion Sensor On/Off Switch indicator will flash to indicate an armed system. To disarm the system use the RKE or the driver door lock cylinder. Unlocking and opening one of the other doors with the system armed will trip the vehicle theft security system.
Interior monitoring is done by the use of an Intrusion Sensor located in the front headliner and with one or two sensors in the ceiling of the cargo area depending on how the vehicle is equipped. Monitoring of the interior of the vehicle will begin after the system has been armed for 30 seconds. The on/off switch located on the instrument panel can be used to turn off this feature with the ignition switch in either the Locked/Off or ACC position. The vehicle tow-monitoring feature can also be switched off using this switch. Re-locking the vehicle a second time will reactivate these features.
If a trailer is connected to the vehicle when the system is armed, the SSM will sense a resistance change on the turn signal circuits if the trailer harness becomes disconnected and will trip the alarm.
Tripping the vehicle theft security system will cause the hazard lamps to flash and the siren to sound at 30-second intervals. The siren is equipped with it's own self-contained battery. In the event the vehicle's battery power is disconnected the siren will continue to sound on it's own.
Factory Service Tools
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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.