Principles of Operation (How Does it Work?)

The Door Switch Lock Function
When a door lock switch is moved into the lock position or a door lock cylinder is rotated to the lock position, the door lock switch grounds the lock circuit input to the generic electronic module (GEM). The GEM then provides 12 volts to one side of the door lock actuators contained in the door latch unit and simultaneously grounds the other side of the door lock actuators. This completes the door lock actuator circuit, causing the door lock actuators to rotate a cam assembly, which then locks the doors.

The Door Switch Unlock Function
When a door lock switch is moved into the unlock position, the door lock switch grounds the unlock circuit input to the GEM. The GEM then provides 12 volts to the opposite side (relative to locking the door) of the door lock actuator(s) contained in the door latch unit and simultaneously grounds the other side of the door lock actuator(s). This completes the door lock actuator circuit, causing the door lock actuator(s) to rotate a cam assembly in the opposite direction, which then unlocks the door(s). The 12 volts which the GEM provides to the door lock actuator(s) are provided to each door lock actuator from the individual pins on the GEM connector.

The Liftgate/Decklid Release
All vehicles are equipped with an interior liftgate/decklid release switch. The wagon has a liftgate/decklid release switch and a liftgate release switch, exterior. When either switch is pressed, it grounds an input circuit to the GEM. When the GEM senses the ground, it sends 12 volts to cycle the liftgate/decklid latch. The switches will only work when the alarm is disarmed.

Door Lock Cylinder Functions
Both the driver and passenger doors can be locked from either door lock cylinder. When the ignition key is inserted into either door lock and is rotated into the lock position, the linkage moves to rotate a cam in the door latch unit. When the cam in the door latch rotates, it mechanically moves the door latch (in the door in which the key is being used) into the locked position. The other doors are locked electronically.

Computer Operated Locks
Each front door lock actuator contains a bipolar motor that controls the lock and unlock linkage. The lock/unlock lever of both front door interior handles use linkage to actuate the lever lock switch located inside each front door lock actuator. The GEM uses only one electrical input for both lever lock switches. The GEM cannot determine whether the driver or passenger door lever lock switch was actuated. Therefore, actuating the lock feature from either front door lock button will have the same effect of locking all doors.

The door lock control switches for both front doors also use only one input to the GEM.

Both rear passenger doors contain a rear door lock actuator that controls only electric lock or unlock of the door. Actuating the lock/unlock lever at either rear passenger door will have no effect on other doors.

The panic feature of the remote transmitter sounds the vehicle horn when the vehicle is not equipped with anti-theft. If the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft feature, a separate horn sounds for the panic feature.