Anti-theft will not let the car run

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Electrical • Vehicle Theft Security • Description Report a problem with this article

DESCRIPTION

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM

The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is designed to protect against whole vehicle theft. The system monitors vehicle doors, and ignition action for unauthorized operation.
The alarm activates:

• Sounding of the horn
• Flashing of the headlamps/park/tail lamps
• An engine kill feature (with SKIS)

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is designed to provide passive protection against unauthorized vehicle use by disabling the engine, after two (2) seconds of running, whenever an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. The SKIS is active whenever the ignition is on and does not require any customer intervention. The primary components of the system are the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM), Sentry Key (ignition key with a transponder molded into the head), indicator light, Body Control Module (BCM), and the Next Generation Controller (NGC). The SKREEM is mounted on the ignition switch/lock cylinder assembly with the molded, integral antenna mounted around the ignition housing. The indicator light, is located instrument panel switch pod, just to the right of the instrument cluster.
Electrical • Vehicle Theft Security • Operation Report a problem with this article

OPERATION

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM

Upon failure of proper SKREEM communication to the Next Generation Controller (NGC), the NGC will shut off fuel after two seconds of run time. The engine will not re-crank on the key cycle that the failure occurred, a full key down sequence must be performed for the engine to crank again. After six consecutive fuel shut-offs, the engine will no longer crank on subsequent key cycles. The failure must be corrected and a valid communication process between the SKREEM and the NGC must occur for the engine to crank and start again.
The electronics for the VTSS are part of the Body Control Module (BCM). The system is armed when the vehicle is locked using the:

• Power door lock switches (with any door ajar)
• Remote Keyless Entry transmitter.
• Door Cylinder Lock Switches.

For vehicles equipped with SKIS, the doors do not have to be locked to enable the fuel shut off feature.
After the vehicle is locked and the last door is closed, the set LED indicator in the instrument panel switch pod will flash quickly for 16 seconds, indicating that arming is in progress. If no monitored systems are activated during this period, the system will arm and the LED will flash at a .5 Hertz (Hz) rate. If the liftgate is open, the LED will change its flash rate.
This indicates that the system is armed. If fault is detected on the driver key cylinder input, the indicator LED will remain solid during the arming process, although the system will still arm. If the indicator LED does not illuminate at all upon door closing it indicates that the system is not arming.
Passive disarming occurs upon normal vehicle entry by unlocking either door with the ignition key/remote transmitter. This disarming will also halt the alarm once it has been activated.
A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the VTSS had been activated. This alert consists of 3 horn pulses when the vehicle is disarmed.
NOTE: The VTSS will not arm by pushing down the door lock mechanism. This will manually override the system.
For Door Cylinder Lock Switch service, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER LOCKS/DOOR CYLINDER LOCK/UNLOCK SWITCH - REMOVAL).
If the VTSS is triggered, the horn will pulse, headlamps/marker lamps will flash, and the VTSS warning lamp will flash. If BCM determines the threat to be false and the VTSS is not triggered again, the system will shut down and rearm itself after three minutes. If a trigger is still active, the alarm will continue for an additional 15 minutes without the horn. The VTSS monitors the passenger compartment.
NOTE: System will not arm if passenger compartment is not secure.

ARMING THE VTSS - METHOD A

1. With the key removed from the ignition lock and any door open (excluding liftgate), actuate one of the following:

• Power door lock button to LOCK,
• Key fob LOCK button
• Driver door lock key cylinder to locked position.

Close all opened doors. Liftgate can remain open.

After the last door is closed, an arming time-out period of sixteen seconds will start, then the VTSS will become armed.

ARMING THE VTSS - METHOD B

Actuating the key fob transmitter LOCK button, key locking the front doors with the doors closed and the ignition locked will begin the arming time-out period. If method A, 16 second time-out sequence was in process when method B was actuated, the 16 second time-out will restart from the time of the second actuation.
If the security lamp does not illuminate at all upon final door closure, it indicates that the system is not arming.
The current VTSS status armed or disarmed shall be maintained in memory to prevent battery disconnects from disarming the system.

TRIGGERING THE VTSS

After the VTSS is armed, the following actions will trigger the alarm:

• Opening any door (excluding liftgate).
• Turning the ignition to the RUN position.

NOTE: When the VTSS is ARMED, the interior power door lock switch ?UNLOCK? will be disabled until the vehicle is disarmed.
CAUTION: The VTSS indicator LED will trigger and engine will continue to run if the vehicle is equipped with SKIS and the proper key is used to start the vehicle. This condition will occur if the VTSS has been triggered. If valid key is used, VTSS will disarm.

CENTRAL LOCKING/UNLOCKING

This vehicle theft security system feature allows you lock all the doors with the key by using the drivers door lock cylinder.
All vehicle doors and liftgate are locked with the first turn of the key to the LOCK position from the drivers door. A double activation feature of central unlocking requires you to turn the key in the door lock cylinder to the unlock position two times within two seconds to UNLOCK all vehicle doors at once.
The first turn of the key in the door lock cylinder will disarm the system (the driver door cylinder lock switch connected to the back of the driver door lock cylinder) and unlock your drivers door. The second actuation within two seconds will then unlock all doors and the liftgate.

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

The SKIS includes keys from the factory which are pre-programmed. Each SKIM will recognize a maximum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer would like to own additional keys other than those provided with the vehicle, they can be purchased from any authorized dealer. These keys must be programmed to the SKREEM on the vehicle in order for the system to recognize them as valid keys. This can be done by the dealer with a DRB III® scan tool or by a customer if this feature is available in their market and they have two (2) valid keys already available to them. The SKIS performs a self-test each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and will store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) if a system malfunction is detected. The SKIS can be diagnosed and any stored DTC's can be retrieved using a DRB III® scan tool as described in the appropriate Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
With the light being on there is a code stored in the computer that controls anti-theft , Your best bet would be to take your vehicle to the dealer !

see this link
what makes you think its (anti theft)??
all jeeps made with Immobilizer, (VTSS/VTA its called then)
the cluster has lamp that tells you VTSS has imobilized the engine (cuts fuel)
if the immo lamp is on, then see below.
93 was first year, click hack 93-98
http://jeepdied.com/
if not glowing that immo lamp
that means its just a no start.

cranks but will not start has over 50 causes.
covered on same page but is called no start.

ZJ 1995

this is the VTA page 8q in the fsm
The Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) system is an available
option on Grand Cherokee models. This system
is designed to protect against vehicle theft by monitoring
vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition action
for unauthorized operation. When unauthorized operation
is detected, the VTA system responds by sounding
the horn, flashing the headlamps, park and tail
lamps and providing an engine no-run feature. Following
are general descriptions of the features of the
VTA system. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams
for complete circuit descriptions and diagrams

see that lamp below, this tells you what's up.

the lamp glows key on to tell you Im alive and that im ok booting up. but then goes out to start car.
does it?

see this link
what makes you think its (anti theft)??
all jeeps made with Immobilizer, (VTSS/VTA its called then)
the cluster has lamp that tells you VTSS has imobilized the engine (cuts fuel)
if the immo lamp is on, then see below.
93 was first year, click hack 93-98

http://jeepdied.com/





if not glowing that immo lamp
that means its just a no start.

cranks but will not start has over 50 causes.
covered on same page but is called no start.

ZJ 1995

this is the VTA page 8q in the fsm
The Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) system is an available
option on Grand Cherokee models. This system
is designed to protect against vehicle theft by monitoring
vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition action
for unauthorized operation. When unauthorized operation
is detected, the VTA system responds by sounding
the horn, flashing the headlamps, park and tail
lamps and providing an engine no-run feature. Following
are general descriptions of the features of the
VTA system. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams
for complete circuit descriptions and diagrams

see that lamp below, this tells you what's up.

the lamp glows key on to tell you Im alive and that im ok booting up. but then goes out to start car.
does it?

Hi James:
Just keep in mind that the 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee was called "ZJ Series", so they have the same device and systems; in your 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Anti-Theft System is equipped with Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS).

VTSS system monitors vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition. If an attempt is made to enter or operate vehicle without proper disarming of system, vehicle horn will sound, headlights, taillights and parking lights will flash, and engine will be prevented from running.

The following wiring diagram and electronics circuit contains detail schematics of The ZL's Jeep Grand Cherokee Anti-Theft System. HERE you will find interconnection between electronics parts of the system such as body control module, auto headlamp light sensor. VTSS led, driver door module, passenger door module, cylinder lock switch, junction block, power distribution center, and grounding.

Additionally, Is request your email account to send this diagram (big scale) and other details in PDF format where you will learn also how the Vehicle Theft Security System works, removal, installation, testing and troubleshooting procedures.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer. Keep in touch.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

Hi Andrew:
The 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Anti-Theft System is equipped with Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). VTSS system monitors vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition. If an attempt is made to enter or operate vehicle without proper disarming of system, vehicle horn will sound, headlights, taillights and parking lights will flash, and engine will be prevented from running. I have an '93 GC 5.2L V8...

The following wiring diagram and electronics circuit contains detail schematics of The 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Anti-Theft System. Herein you will find interconnection between electronics parts of the system such as body control module, auto headlamp light sensor. VTSS led, driver door module, passenger door module, cylinder lock switch, junction block, power distribution center, and grounding. Herein you will learn also how the Vehicle Theft Security System works, removal, installation, testing and troubleshooting procedures.

Try HERE and also, remember that here can find the Jeep Grand Cherokee Service Repair Manual.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

The 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Anti-Theft System is equipped with Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). VTSS system monitors vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition. If an attempt is made to enter or operate vehicle without proper disarming of system, vehicle horn will sound, headlights, taillights and parking lights will flash, and engine will be prevented from running.

The following wiring diagram and electronics circuit contains detail schematics of The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Anti-Theft System. Herein you will find interconnection between electronics parts of the system such as body control module, auto headlamp light sensor. VTSS led, driver door module, passenger door module, cylinder lock switch, junction block, power distribution center, and grounding. Herein you will learn also how the Vehicle Theft Security System works, removal, installation, testing and troubleshooting procedures.

Try HERE and also, remember that here can find the Jeep Grand Cherokee Service Repair Manual.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

it sounds like one of your door switches is setting off the alarm. Or you hood or trunk switches.

Anti-Theft -Perimeter The perimeter anti-theft system consists of the following:

• door lock cylinder disarm switches
• liftgate lock cylinder disarm switch
• generic electronic module (GEM)
• door open warning lamp switch
• pulse stretcher module (wagon only, is located between the rear license plate housing and bracket)
• keyless entry remote transmitter
• hood switch/bracket assembly

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principles of Operation
Perimeter Anti-theft
The perimeter anti-theft feature provides an audible and visual alarm when unauthorized access to the vehicle is detected. When an intrusion is detected by any door or liftgate ajar switches, or the hood and trunk tamper switches it sends a ground signal to the GEM. When the GEM receives a signal indicating intrusion into the vehicle, the GEM supplies a ground signal to the horn control relay and the park lamps relay. The relay closes, supplying the power which activates the horn and the park lamps. The pulse stretcher module applies to wagons only. Due to the distance between the liftgate disarm switch and the GEM, the disarm switch signal is not present long enough for the GEM to recognize. The pulse stretcher module receives pulse input when switch is turned to unlock. The pulse stretcher module holds the pulse active for about 60ms so the GEM can recognize the signal and disarm the system. The perimeter anti-theft feature does not arm until 20 seconds elapses after locking the vehicle. The perimeter anti-theft device will disarm only when

• unlock is pressed on the keyless entry remote transmitter.
• keyless entry keypad code is entered.
• door, luggage compartment lid or liftgate lock cylinder is turned to unlock.
• ignition switch position changes to run or start.

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the system.

1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical

• Lock cylinder disarm switches
• Hood switch
• Luggage compartment lid switch

• Loose or corroded connections
• Generic electronic module (GEM)
• Circuitry

-----------------------------------------------------------
Door Disarm Switch Removal and Installation

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Remove the door trim panel. For additional information, refer to Section 501-05 .

1. Remove the watershield.

1. Disconnect the latch lever from the door lock cylinder.
   1. Remove the E-clip.
   1. Disconnect the latch lever.

1. NOTE: The door disarm switch can be installed in more than one position. Before removing the switch from the cylinder it may be necessary to mark the position of the switch in relation to the lock cylinder.
   Remove the door disarm switch.
   • Disconnect disarm switch electrical connector.

1. NOTE: The door disarm switch can be installed in more than one position. Use the reference marks applied in the removal procedure to index the new door disarm switch to the lock cylinder.
   

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Anti-Theft System is equipped with Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). VTSS system monitors vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition. If an attempt is made to enter or operate vehicle without proper disarming of system, vehicle horn will sound, headlights, taillights and parking lights will flash, and engine will be prevented from running.

The following wiring diagram and electronics circuit contains detail schematics of The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Anti-Theft System. Herein you will find interconnection between electronics parts of the system such as body control module, auto headlamp light sensor. VTSS led, driver door module, passenger door module, cylinder lock switch, junction block, power distribution center, and grounding. Herein you will learn also how the Vehicle Theft Security System works, removal, installation, testing and troubleshooting procedures.

Try HERE.

Also, remember that here can find the Jeep Grand Cherokee Service & Repair Manual.
Hope help with this.

Here is excerpt from the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Service Manual ... i know you posted under 1997 JGC but this information may be helpful ... by "reset alarm" i believe you meant disarming the alarm?

“Arming
Passive arming of the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) occurs when the vehicle is exited with the key removed from the ignition switch, the headlamps are turned off, and the doors are locked using power lock switch. The power lock switch will not function if the key is in the ignition switch or the headlamps are on with the driver’s door open. The VTSS will not arm if either front door or the liftgate are locked using the key in the lock cylinder.
Active arming of the VTSS occurs when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is used to lock the vehicle, even if the doors and/or the liftgate are open when the RKE transmitter Lock button is depressed. However, the VTSS arming will not be complete until all the doors and the liftgate are closed.
Following successful passive or active VTSS arming, the VTSS set lamp on the top of the instrument panel will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds after the illuminated entry system times out. This indicates that the VTSS arming is in progress. If the light stays on steadily during the arming, it indicates that the hood switch is closed (the hood is open). The VTSS will still arm if the hood is open, but the engine compartment will not be protected. Once the 15 second arming function is complete, the set lamp will flash at a slower rate to indicate that the VTSS is armed. Disarming Passive disarming of the Vehicle Theft Security Sytem (VTSS) occurs when the vehicle is unlocked using the key to unlock either front door or the liftgate. Active disarming of the VTSS occurs when the vehicle is unlocked by depressing the Unlock button of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Once the alarm has been activated (horn sounding, exterior lights flashing, and the the engine no-run feature), either disarming method will also deactivate the alarm. Depressing the Panic button on the RKE transmitter will also disarm the VTSS, but the horm will sound and teh exterior lamps will flash for about three minutes as a part of the Panic feature function. ..." And as an additional note, if you have the courtesy interior lights set at 30 seconds like i do, you have to wait until lights go out (with alarm still sounding) before you can disarm the alarm via passive disarm method... what a pain when you don't have the actual RKE handy... Good Luck!