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.
Anti-Theft Systems: Operation
When mechanical key turns the Passlock(tm) lock cylinder, data is created by a rotating magnet turning past a stationary Hall Effect sensor. This data signal is sent to BCM. The BCM determines validity of the data within a preset time window, and then sends a coded password to ECM/PCM, which then allows fuel injectors to operate normally.
If data is not read within the preset time window, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) system will enter short tamper mode. During this short tamper mode, the vehicle will not operate for 4 seconds and SECURITY indicator light will flash. After 3 consecutive failed time window readings, or if incorrect data is read, the VTD system will enter long tamper mode. During the long tamper mode, fuel injectors are shut off for 10 minutes and SECURITY indicator light will flash. Vehicle may crank and temporarily start during tamper modes, but will soon stall due to fuel shut-off.
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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.