Security System...

[Mac077]

I had a message on my Info Panel that I have never seen before either there or on here. The message was something like "check security system". I got it this morning and in the afternoon at lunch it did not show up. Any ideas what it was trying to tell me. I know it probably says something in the FSM but I just thought I would throw it out here for those that don't have FSM's (Factory Service Manuals).

Thanks

[silverws6ta]

Thats a 'Cold Weather Trait' as i call it! I am in VA right now on business in my SSEi and its been lower 20's the past couple of mornings and I have had that DIC message -- I think its 'SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM' or something along those lines..

But on a side note, had a full tank of gas and drove from Spartanburg to here on less than a half tank last Thursday -- 30.1 mpg until I hit the escarpment -- but only took $20.50 to fill it it up today @ 1.65 for premium.. Glad I drove it!!! lol..

[Gumball]

Ya, the only time I and others have seen it is when it really cold out.

but your in Fresno, how cold was it that morning?

[Mac077]

Hahahaha...it does freeze here very often. It was probably in the low 30's yesterday morning. So I am assuming that it is nothing to worry about then? Thanks for the info guys!

[00ssei]

I had that a couple of time also, its the cold weather.

[harofreak00]

I get it here as well because of the cold weather.

I actually had a Tech2 hooked up when it happened, I pulled the code.

B2947 Antenna Power Short to Ground

The exciter/receiver they talk about is the security device that reads the PK3 key when you have it in the ignition. In this picture, the part that says "PASS-KEY" on it: http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d61/b ... G_6797.jpg

That piece must not like being cold.

DTC B2947 Antenna Power Short to Ground
Schematic
Refer to Vehicle Theft Deterrent Module (VTD) schematic

Circuit Description
The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) module checks the exciter/receiver supply circuit for a no voltage condition.

Conditions for Running the DTC
The VTD must see the ignition switch input. The VTD can not have a B1327 DTC set as a current DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
If the VTD module senses the supply to the exciter/receiver is 0 V for 1 second, the VTD sets this DTC.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The VTDcontroller module will "fail enable" the VTD system and allow the vehicle to start. The VTD module will illuminate the security indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
The VTD controller module clears the current status of the DTC when it does not sense a 0 V condition on the exciter module supply circuit. The DTC will still be retrieved as current until the ignition switch is cycled. The DTC will become a history DTC at that time.

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

Be sure that the original ignition key issued with the vehicle is used when performing the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Diagnostic System Check.

Make sure the good ground used is separate from the grounds used by the vehicle theft deterrent controller module. Voltage measurement must not interfere with possible isolated module ground.

[dissmn8]

Hey Andrew,

Any chance you can give me an idea of where this "exciter/receiver" is located? Also did you have to replace this part or was it service-able?

I was advised that I needed to take the car into a GM service center to have the ingintion replaced and that this was a "common" failure mode on most GM cars.

[harofreak00]

The exciter is located on the ignition switch. It's that black plastic ring that surrounds the key hole. It's what detects the key.

I have never replaced mine, but I doubt its a serviceable item.

[dissmn8]

Ahh...I see it now. How long have you been receiving this error message without replacing this item?

[harofreak00]

Years? Like the post says, it only happens in really cold weather for me. I don't mind it that much I guess.

[Archon]

Anyone have this show up with a new battery?

[bonnevillain]

never had it in cold weather or with my new battery

[withcolt]

for and easy fix just clean your keys and ignition, dirt and grease build up causes your car to have problems reading your key. putting some rubbing alchohol on your key and putting it in your ignition a few times should help out, just dont soak the key and wipe it off every time you take it out when your cleaning it

[harofreak00]

for and easy fix just clean your keys and ignition, dirt and grease build up causes your car to have problems reading your key. putting some rubbing alchohol on your key and putting it in your ignition a few times should help out, just dont soak the key and wipe it off every time you take it out when your cleaning it

This doesn't apply to 2000+ vehicles like it does the 92-99 key design. The "reader" never even touches the key.

[Archon]

My theory is that it is caused by weakening battery, coupled with all the cold weather effects (lower voltage, harder cranking, etc.) which drops the voltage enough that the exciter doesn't enough voltage. Maybe by whatever design, it is already somewhat voltage starved and is one of the first things to have problems. When the computer sees this intermittent low voltage, it thinks there is a short, and throws that code. Mine just started doing this a bit more recently, and I still have the original battery. That's why I was wondering if anyone gets that warning, and has a new battery. That would toss my theory out the window.

[harofreak00]

My battery is brand new as of about a year ago, I still see it only on the really cold days.

[bonnevillain]

Mine is less than a year old, and i never see it. never saw it with the old battery though, and that one was getting so weak my car wouldn't start.

[Archon]

OK...so much for that theory.