How do I reset the security system once the batteries go flat?

40

Asked by AussieBen Aug 01, 2016 at 03:15 AM about the Dodge RAM 3500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi Guys, i need some help.  i am in Australia and I have a Ram 3500
Laramie 2012.  the batteries in the vehicle went flat last week and so I
changed them over and put two brand new ones in.  however, the security
system has cut in and now i have no power to the dash and the fob key is
stuck i the ignition. can you please help and give me an idea of how to
reset the system to allow me to start the vehicle.  any assistance would be
greatly appreciated.

4 Answers

188,355

Arming Passive arming of the VTSS occurs when the vehicle is exited with the key removed from the ignition switch, the headlamps are turned OFF, and the doors are locked while they are open using the power lock switch, or locked after they are closed by turning either front door lock cylinder to the lock position using the key. The power lock switch will not function if the key is in the ignition switch or the head- lamps are turned on with the driver side front door open. The VTSS will not arm if the doors are locked using the mechanical lock button. Active arming of the VTSS occurs when the "Lock" button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is depressed to lock the vehicle. For active arming to occur, the doors must be closed and the ignition switch must be in the OFF position when the RKE transmitter "Lock" button is depressed. However, once the VTSS arming process has been completed, the ignition switch can be turned to the Accessory position without triggering the alarm. Once the VTSS begins passive or active arming, the security indicator lamp in the overhead console will flash rapidly for about fifteen seconds. This indicates that the VTSS arming is in progress. Turning a key in the ignition switch, opening a door, or unlocking a door by any means during the fifteen second arming process will cause the VTSS indicator to stop flashing and the arming process to abort. Once the fifteen second arming function is successfully completed, the indicator will flash at a slower rate, indicating that the VTSS is armed. Disarming Passive disarming of the VTSS occurs when the vehicle is unlocked using the key to unlock either front door. Active disarming of the VTSS occurs when the vehicle is unlocked by depressing the "Unlock" button of the RKE transmitter. Once the alarm has been activated (horn pulsing, headlamps flashing, and the engine no-run feature), either disarming method will also deactivate the alarm. Depressing the "Panic" button on the RKE transmitter will not disarm the VTSS. Power-UP Mode When the armed VTSS senses that the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its power-up mode. In the power-up mode the alarm system remains armed following a battery failure or disconnect. If the VTSS was armed prior to a battery disconnect or failure, the technician or vehicle operator will have to actively or passively disarm the alarm system after the battery is reconnected. The power-up mode will also apply if the battery goes dead while the system is armed, and battery jump-starting is attempted. The engine no-run feature will prevent the engine from starting until the alarm system has been actively or passively disarmed. The VTSS will be armed until the technician or vehicle operator has actively or passively disarmed the alarm system. If the VTSS is in the disarmed mode prior to a battery disconnect or failure, it will remain disarmed after the battery is reconnected or replaced, or if jump- starting is attempted. Tamper Alert The VTSS tamper alert feature will sound the horn three times upon disarming, if the alarm was triggered and has since timed-out (about 15 minutes ). This feature alerts the vehicle operator that the VTSS alarm was activated while the vehicle was unattended. VTSS INDICATOR The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indicator consists of a red Light-Emitting Diode (LED) located on the electronic circuit board of the Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) within the overhead console. The LED extends through a hole in the CMTC lens located near the forward end of the overhead console housing near the windshield. The VTSS indicator cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire CMTC unit must be replaced. (Refer to OVERHEAD CONSOLE/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - DESCRIPTION). The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indicator gives a visible indication of the VTSS arming status. One side of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in the VTSS indicator is connected to battery current through a fused B(+) circuit and a fuse in the Junction Block (JB) , so the indicator remains functional regardless of the ignition switch position. The other side of the LED is hard wired to the Central Timer Module (CTM), which controls the operation of the VTSS indicator by pulling this side of the LED circuit to ground. When the VTSS arming is in progress, the CTM will flash the LED rapidly ON and OFF for about fifteen seconds . When the VTSS has been successfully armed, the CTM will flash the LED ON and OFF continually at a much slower rate until the VTSS has been disarmed. The VTSS indicator can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. RKE/VTSS Only the highline and premium CTM'S have provision for RKE and VTSS. The VTSS system monitors the jamb swathes and ignition switch to detect unauthorized entry. One the system is armed, any one of these inputs an cause the system to initiate an alarm. When in alarm, the low beam headlamps and horn will pulse for about 3 minutes . If the engine is started, it will immediately stall. If the triggering condition remains, the headlamps will pulse for an additional 15 minutes , but the engine cannot be made to run until the system is disarmed. If the triggering condition is restored, the system will reset and return to the armed state.If the system has rearmed itself, it will sound three horn chirps as a tamper alert when the system is disarmed. The CTM will store the last four causes of a VTSS alarm. The causes an be retrieved by the DRB III. The VTSS system an be disarmed by unlocking the doors with the RKE transmitter or with a door key at either door. A VTSS indicator in the overhead console will blink rapidly during system arming, slowly when armed and remain ON to indicate a system fault. The RKE system is programmed by the DRB III. The system will store up to four key fob codes. Using the DRB III, it is possible to program one code without deleting the others. All stored key fob codes an be erased and reprogrammed to prevent unauthorized entry with lost or stolen key fobs.

12 people found this helpful.
40

Thanks Joemom, now that the no-run feature is activated and the VTSS was armed at the time the batteries went flat, I cant seem to passively or actively disarm the alarm system. Is there a way to disconnect the fuse that supplies power to the VTSS to restart it?

4 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2001 Dodge diesel 3500 drive and now alarm system is acting weird it keeps on trying to walk I just want to disable it if I unplug the harness from each lock in the door will that do it

4 people found this helpful.

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