Security Alarm System

NOTE: This applies to RTS and RTL (USA model) or EX-L (Canada model).

The security alarm system automatically arms after the doors, hood, and trunk are closed and locked. For the system to arm, the ignition switch must be in the LOCK (0) position, the key must be removed from the ignition switch, and the MICU must receive inputs that the doors, hood, in-bed trunk are closed and locked. The alarm can be disarmed at any time by unlocking the driver's door with the key or pressing the UNLOCK button on the transmitter.

When everything is closed and locked, the only inputs that are grounded, and have 0 V, are the driver's door lock knob switch (LOCK position) input, and the audio unit or audio disc changer security input. In other words, all of the other switches are open, and have about 10 to 12 V, including the key cylinder switches. The security indicator in the gauge control module begins to blink immediately after the vehicle is completely closed and locked, and 15 seconds later, the security system arms and the security indicator blinks for a shorter amount of time than before. If the security indicator does not flash, the system is not arming. A horn sounds, side marker lights, taillights, license plate lights and parking lights flash to confirm the security system is armed if the LOCK button is pressed a second time within 5 seconds.

If one of the switches is misadjusted or shorted internally, or there is a short in to ground in the circuit, the security system will not arm. As long as the control unit continues to receive a ground input (0 V), it senses that the vehicle is not closed and locked, and the system will not arm. A switch that is slightly misadjusted can cause the alarm to sound for no apparent reason. In this case, a significant change in outside air temperature, the vibration of a passing truck, or someone bumping into the vehicle could cause the horn to sound. There is no glass breakage or motion detector feature.

If anything is opened or improperly unlocked after the system is armed, the control unit receives a ground signal from that switch, and the 10-12 V reference drops to 0 V. If the audio unit or CD changer is disconnected, the input loses its ground, and the input voltage goes to 10-12 V. The system sounds the alarm when any of these occur:

A door or the in-bed trunk is forced open
A door is unlocked without using the key or the remote transmitter
The hood is opened
The audio unit or disc changer is disconnected
The remote panic is operated

When the system sounds the alarm, the horns sound and the exterior lights flash for 2 minutes. The alarm can be stopped at any time by unlocking the driver's door with the key or by pressing any button on the transmitter.