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Security System...
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:27 pm
by 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
Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:53 pm
by 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..
Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:41 pm
by 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?
Re: Security System...
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 12:42 pm
by 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!
Re: Security System...
Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:36 pm
by 00ssei
I had that a couple of time also, its the cold weather.
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:54 am
by 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.

Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:19 am
by 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.

Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:23 am
by 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.

Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:20 am
by dissmn8
Ahh...I see it now. How long have you been receiving this error message without replacing this item?
Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:22 am
by harofreak00
Years? Like the post says, it only happens in really cold weather for me. I don't mind it that much I guess.
Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:13 pm
by Archon
Anyone have this show up with a new battery?
Re: Security System...
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:17 pm
by bonnevillain
never had it in cold weather or with my new battery
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:59 pm
by 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
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:32 pm
by harofreak00
withcolt wrote: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.
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:32 pm
by 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.
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:35 pm
by harofreak00
My battery is brand new as of about a year ago, I still see it only on the really cold days.
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:44 pm
by 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.
Re: Security System...
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:27 pm
by Archon
OK...so much for that theory.
