Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Description and operation

Sentry key immobilizer module

The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) contains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a central processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS programming enables the SKIM to program and retain in memory the codes of at least one, but no more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key transponders. The SKIS programming also enables the SKIM to communicate over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the instrument cluster and/or the DRBIIIt scan tool.

The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded plastic ring formation that is integral to the SKIM housing. When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering column, the antenna ring is oriented around the circumference of the ignition lock cylinder housing.

This antenna ring must be located within eight millimeters (0.31 inches) of the Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communication between the SKIM and the Sentry Key transponder.

For added system security, each SKIM is programmed with a unique "Secret Key" code and a security code (PIN). The SKIM keeps the "Secret Key" code in memory. This "Secret Key" code must be transferred to the PCM memory during the initialization/ programming of the SKIS when the vehicle is manufactured, and each time the PCM is replaced during vehicle service by the dealer technician. The SKIM also transfers the "Secret Key" code to the memory of each of the Sentry Key transponders during new key programming. The security code is used by the assembly plant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the dealer technician to access the system for service. The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through a CCD data bus message from the PCM during initialization.

The SKIM and the PCM both use software that includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures security by preventing an override of the SKIS through the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the PCM. However, the use of this strategy also means that replacement of either the SKIM or the PCM units will require a system initialization procedure to restore system operation.

When the ignition switch is turned to the On or Start positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then listens for a return RF signal from the transponder of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with valid "Secret Key" and transponder identification codes, the SKIM sends a "valid key" message to the PCM over the CCD data bus.

If the SKIM receives an invalid RF signal or no response, it sends "invalid key" messages to the PCM.

The PCM will enable or disable engine operation based upon the status of the SKIM messages.

The SKIM also sends messages to the instrument cluster over the CCD data bus network to control the SKIS indicator lamp. The SKIM sends messages to the instrument cluster to turn the lamp on for about three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the On position as a bulb test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM sends bus messages to keep the lamp off for a duration of about one second. Then the SKIM sends messages to turn the lamp on or off based upon the results of the SKIS self-tests. If the SKIS indicator lamp comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it indicates that the SKIM has detected a system malfunction and/or that the SKIS has become inoperative.

If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the ignition switch is turned to the On position, it sends messages to the instrument cluster to flash the SKIS indicator lamp.

The SKIM can also send messages to the instrument cluster to flash the lamp and to generate a single audible chime tone. These functions serve as an indication to the customer that the SKIS has been placed in its "Customer Learn" programming mode. See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder Programming in this group for more information on the "Customer Learn" programming mode.

For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the PCM, a DRBIIIt scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are required. The SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the unit must be replaced

Sentry key immobilizer transponder

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) uses a transponder that is integral to each of the two ignition keys that are supplied with the vehicle when it is shipped from the factory. The transponder chip is insulated within a nylon mount inserted in the head of the key, and invisible beneath a molded rubber cap (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Sentry Key Immobilizer Transponder

1 - MOLDED CAP
2 - TRANSPONDER
3 - MOLDED CAP REMOVED
4 - SENTRY KEY

Each Sentry Key transponder has a unique transponder identification code programmed into it by the manufacturer. The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) has a unique "Secret Key" code programmed into it by the manufacturer. Each time a new Sentry Key transponder is programmed, the SKIM learns the transponder identification code from the transponder, and the transponder learns the "Secret Key" code from the SKIM. Each of these codes is stored within the transponder and in the nonvolatile memory of the SKIM. Therefore, blank keys for the SKIS must be programmed and their transponder identification codes must be learned by and stored in the SKIM memory, in addition to being cut to match the mechanical coding of the ignition lock cylinder. See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder Programming in this group for more information.

The Sentry Key transponder is within the range of the SKIM transceiver antenna ring when it is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder. When the ignition switch is turned to the Start or On positions, the SKIM transceiver issues a Radio Frequency (RF) signal that excites the transponder chip. The transponder chip responds by issuing an RF signal containing its transponder identification code and the "Secret Key" code. The SKIM transceiver compares the transponder codes with the codes stored in its memory to determine whether a valid key is in the ignition lock cylinder.

The Sentry Key transponder cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

Sentry key immobilizer system indicator lamp

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) indicator lamp gives an indication when the SKIS is faulty or when the vehicle has been immobilized due to the use of an invalid ignition key. The lamp is controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry based upon messages received from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus.

The SKIM sends messages to the instrument cluster to turn the lamp on for about three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the On position as a bulb test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM sends bus messages to keep the lamp off for a duration of about one second. Then the SKIM sends messages to the instrument cluster circuitry to turn the lamp on or off based upon the results of the SKIS self-tests. If the SKIS indicator lamp comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it indicates that the SKIM has detected a system malfunction and/or that the SKIS has become inoperative.

If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the ignition switch is turned to the On position, it sends messages to the instrument cluster to flash the SKIS indicator lamp.

The SKIM can also send messages to the instrument cluster to flash the lamp and to generate a single audible chime tone. These functions serve as an indication to the customer that the SKIS has been placed in its "Customer Learn" programming mode. See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder Programming in this group for more information on the "Customer Learn" programming mode.

The SKIS indicator lamp uses a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. Refer to Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for diagnosis and service of a faulty SKIS indicator lamp. If the SKIS indicator lamp comes on and stays on after the bulb test function, diagnosis of the SKIS should be performed with a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual.