When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent control module. The theft deterrent control module then compares this value to a value stored in memory (learned key code). If the value is correct the theft deterrent control modules sends the fuel enable signal to the powertrain control module (PCM).

The ignition is ON.

If the transponder value from the ignition key does not match the one stored in memory, the theft deterrent control module sets this DTC. This DTC indicates the use of a key with a transponder value that has not been learned by the theft deterrent control module. The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system considers this to be a theft attempt.

Important: If the theft deterrent control module is unable to measure the ignition key transponder value for 30 consecutive seconds, after the vehicle has started, the module will enter a fail enable state. The vehicle will not stall or stop running. If the theft deterrent control module is in a fail enable state when the ignition is turned to OFF, it will remain fail enabled until the next time the vehicle is started. If the theft deterrent control module is fail enabled, the PASS-Key®III system is NOT active and the vehicle will start. The theft deterrent control module WILL send its enable signal even if a transponder value is not received. The theft deterrent control module will remain fail enabled until the module measures a valid key transponder value.

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

2. Verifies the condition for setting DTC B2960 is current.

4. The only method to determine which re-learn procedure to perform.

5. To set this code, a key with a working transponder that is not learned was read by the theft deterrent control module. For that key to operate the vehicle and one or more learned keys are available, perform the Adding Keys procedure.

6. To set this code, a key with a working transponder that is not learned was read by the theft deterrent control module. For that key to operate the vehicle and there is only one key available, a 10 Minute or 30 Minute Re-Learn Procedure must be performed.