B0996 – Vehicle Electronic Control Unit VIN Check Error

B0996 Possible Symptoms

Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

B0996 Possible Causes

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Set Up Procedure,Faulty Theft Deterrent Module (TDM),Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) harness is open or shorted,Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) circuit poor electrical connection

B0996 Description

After battery power has been restored following a loss of power, the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) will perform a check on the stored Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the VIN is CORRECT, the TDM will run the VIN Timer for a programmable length of time, typically 10 minutes. The TDM will send a message via the serial data circuit to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) to illuminate the SECURITY indicator. After the VIN Timer has timed out, the security indicator will turn OFF. If the VIN is INCORRECT, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the Engine Control Module (ECM), via the serial data circuit. The immobiliser system considers this to be an indication of tampering and will not allow the vehicle to start. The TDM will send a message via the serial data circuit to the IPC to flash the SECURITY indicator.