Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC, 5191-5193 [2019-02724]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 34 / Wednesday, February 20, 2019 / Notices
petition is granted and a general
description of the antitheft device is
necessary in order to notify law
enforcement agencies of new vehicle
lines exempted from the parts-marking
requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard.
If Honda decides not to use the
exemption for this line, it must formally
notify the agency. If such a decision is
made, the line must be fully marked
according to the requirements under 49
CFR parts 541.5 and 541.6 (marking of
major component parts and replacement
parts).
NHTSA notes that if Honda wishes in
the future to modify the device on
which this exemption is based, the
company may have to submit a petition
to modify the exemption. Part 543.7(d)
states that a Part 543 exemption applies
only to vehicles that belong to a line
exempted under this part and equipped
with the antitheft device on which the
line’s exemption is based. Further, Part
543.9(c)(2) provides for the submission
of petitions ‘‘to modify an exemption to
permit the use of an antitheft device
similar to but differing from the one
specified in that exemption.’’
The agency wishes to minimize the
administrative burden that Part
543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted
vehicle manufacturers and itself. The
agency did not intend in drafting Part
543 to require the submission of a
modification petition for every change
to the components or design of an
antitheft device. The significance of
many such changes could be de
minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests
that if the manufacturer contemplates
making any changes, the effects of
which might be characterized as de
minimis, it should consult the agency
before preparing and submitting a
petition to modify.
For the foregoing reasons, the agency
hereby grants in full Honda’s petition
for exemption for the Acura TLX vehicle
line from the parts-marking
requirements of 49 CFR part 541,
beginning with the 2020 model year
vehicles.
Issued in Washington, DC, under authority
delegated in 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8.
Raymond R. Posten,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2019–02753 Filed 2–19–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
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17:16 Feb 19, 2019
Jkt 247001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
Petition for Exemption From the
Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
US LLC
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.
AGENCY:
This document grants in full
the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC’s,
(FCA) petition for exemption of the Jeep
Gladiator vehicle line in accordance
with Exemption from Vehicle Theft
Prevention Standard. This petition is
granted because the agency has
determined that the antitheft device to
be placed on the line as standard
equipment is likely to be as effective in
reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Federal
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard. (Theft Prevention Standard).
DATES: The exemption granted by this
notice is effective beginning with 2020
model year (MY).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Carlita Ballard, International Policy,
Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs,
NHTSA, West Building, W43–439, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590. Ms. Ballard’s phone number is
(202) 366–5222. Her fax number is (202)
493–2990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a
petition dated August 21, 2018, FCA
requested an exemption from the partsmarking requirements of the Theft
Prevention Standard for its Jeep
Gladiator vehicle line beginning with
MY 2020. The petition requested an
exemption from parts-marking pursuant
to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from
Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard,
based on the installation of an antitheft
device as standard equipment for the
entire vehicle line.
Under 49 CFR part 543.5(a), a
manufacturer may petition NHTSA to
grant an exemption for one vehicle line
per model year. In its petition, FCA
provided a detailed description and
diagram of the identity, design, and
location of the components of the
antitheft device for its Jeep Gladiator
vehicle line. FCA stated that its MY
2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicle line will be
installed with the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) antitheft
device as standard equipment on the
entire vehicle line. The SKIS will
provide passive vehicle protection by
SUMMARY:
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5191
preventing the engine from operating
unless a valid electronically encoded
key is inside the cabin of the vehicle
and a valid key code is detected in the
ignition system of the vehicle. Key
components of the antitheft device will
include an immobilizer, a Radio
Frequency Hub Module (RFHM), Engine
Control Module (ECM), Body Controller
Module (BCM), a Keyless Ignition Node
(KIN), Transponder Key/FOB with
Integrated Key (FOBIK) and an
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) which
contains the telltale function only.
According to FCA, these components
work collectively to perform the
immobilizer function. FCA will not
provide an audible alert, however, the
vehicle will be equipped with a security
indicator in the instrument panel cluster
that will flash if an invalid transponder
key is detected.
FCA’s submission is considered a
complete petition as required by 49 CFR
543.7 in that it meets the general
requirements contained in 543.5 and the
specific content requirements of 543.6.
In addressing the specific content
requirements of 49 CFR part 543.6, FCA
provided information on the reliability
and durability of the device. FCA
conducted tests based on its own
specified standards (i.e., voltage range
and temperature range) and stated its
belief that the device meets the stringent
performance standards prescribed.
Specifically, FCA stated that its device
must demonstrate a minimum of 95
percent reliability with 90 percent
confidence. In addition to the design
and validation test criteria, FCA stated
that 100% of its systems undergo a
series of three functional tests prior to
being shipped from the supplier to the
vehicle assembly plant for installation
in the vehicles.
FCA stated that the SKIS immobilizer
feature is activated when the
transponder key is removed from the
ignition system (whether the doors are
open or not) and the ignition system is
in the ‘‘OFF’’ position. Specifically,
once the SKIS is activated, only a valid
transponder key that is recognized by
the ignition system will disable it and
allow the vehicle to start and continue
to run. FCA stated that the functions
and features of the SKIS are all integral
to the BCM in this vehicle. The RFHM
contains a Radio Frequency (RF)
transceiver and a microprocessor and it
initiates the ignition process by
communicating with the BCM. The
RFHM and the ECM both use software
that includes a rolling code algorithm
strategy which helps to reduce the
possibility of unauthorized SKIS
disarming. The microprocessor-based
SKIS hardware and software also uses
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 34 / Wednesday, February 20, 2019 / Notices
electronic messages to communicate
with other electronic modules in the
vehicle over the Controller Area
Network (CAN) data bus.
FCA also stated that, the SKIS uses RF
communication with an Advanced
Encryption System (AES) to obtain
confirmation that the transponder key is
a valid FOBIK for operating the vehicle.
The RFHM receives Low Frequency (LF)
and/or RF signals from the Sentry Key
transponder through a tuned RF
antenna. If the response identifies the
FOBIK as valid, communication
between the RFHM, the BCM, and the
ECM proceeds. FCA also stated that for
added security, each RFHM is
programmed with a unique secret key
code that is stored in memory. FCA
stated that once a Sentry Key has been
programmed to a particular vehicle, it
cannot be used on any other vehicle.
FCA stated that, the RFHM is
connected to a Keyless Ignition Node
(KIN) with a START/STOP push button
as an ignition switch. FCA further stated
that when the START/STOP button is
pressed, the RFHM transmits a signal to
the transponder key through LF
antennas to the RFHM. The RFHM then
waits for a RF signal response from the
transponder in the FOBIK. If the
response received identifies the FOBIK
as valid, the communication between
the RFHM, the BCM, and the ECM then
proceeds. If the ECM receives an invalid
key message, or receives no message
from the RFHM over the CAN data bus,
the engine will be disabled.
To avoid any perceived delay when
starting the vehicle with a valid
transponder key and to prevent
unburned fuel from entering the
exhaust, FCA stated that the engine is
permitted to run for no more than two
seconds if an invalid transponder key is
used. Additionally, FCA stated that only
six consecutive invalid vehicle start
attempts will be permitted and all other
attempts will be locked out by
preventing the fuel injectors from firing
and disabling the starter.
FCA stated that its vehicles are also
equipped with a security indicator that
acts as a diagnostic indicator. FCA
stated that if the RFHM detects an
invalid transponder key or if a
transponder key related fault occurs, the
security indicator will flash. If the
RFHM detects a system malfunction or
the SKIS becomes ineffective, the
security indicator will stay on. The SKIS
also performs a self-test each time the
ignition system is turned to the RUN
position and will store fault information
in the form of a diagnostic trouble code
in RFHM memory if a system
malfunction is detected.
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17:16 Feb 19, 2019
Jkt 247001
FCA stated that it expects the Jeep
Gladiator vehicle line to mirror the
lower theft rate results achieved by the
Jeep Wrangler vehicle line when
ignition immobilizer systems were
installed as standard equipment on the
line. FCA stated that it has offered the
SKIS immobilizer device as standard
equipment on all Jeep Wrangler vehicles
since MY 2007. According to FCA, the
average theft rate for Jeep Wrangler
vehicles, based on NHTSA’s theft rate
data for the five model years prior to
(1995–2000), when a vehicle
immobilizer device was not installed as
standard equipment was 2.8264 per one
thousand vehicles produced. This was
significantly lower than the 1990/1991
median theft rate of 3.5826. However,
FCA also indicated that the average theft
rate for the Jeep Wrangler for the five
model years (2007–2014), after
installation of the standard immobilizer
device was 0.5033, which is
significantly lower than the theft rate
without the standard immobilizer
system. The Jeep Wrangler vehicle line
was also granted an exemption from the
parts-marking requirements beginning
with MY 2009 (72 FR 62728, November
6, 2007). FCA further exerts that
NHTSA’s theft rate data for the Jeep
Wrangler indicates that the inclusion of
a standard immobilizer device resulted
in an 82 percent net average reduction
in vehicle thefts. Theft rate data
reported in the Federal Register notices
published by the agency show that the
theft rate for the Jeep Wrangler vehicle
line, using an average of three MYs’ data
(2012–2014) is also 0.3979, which is
significantly lower than the median
theft rate established by the agency.
Based on the evidence submitted by
FCA, the agency believes that the
antitheft device for the Jeep Gladiator
vehicle line is likely to be as effective
in reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Theft
Prevention Standard (49 CFR 41). The
agency concludes that the device will
provide four of the five types of
performance listed in 49 CFR part
543.6(a)(3): Promoting activation;
preventing defeat or circumvention of
the device by unauthorized persons;
preventing operation of the vehicle by
unauthorized entrants; and ensuring the
reliability and durability of the device.
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49
CFR part 543.7(b), the agency grants a
petition for exemption from the partsmarking requirements of part 541, either
in whole or in part, if it determines that,
based upon substantial evidence, the
standard equipment antitheft device is
likely to be as effective in reducing and
deterring motor vehicle theft as
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Sfmt 4703
compliance with the parts-marking
requirements of part 541. The agency
finds that FCA has provided adequate
reasons for its belief that the antitheft
device for the vehicle line is likely to be
as effective in reducing and deterring
motor vehicle theft as compliance with
the parts-marking requirements of the
Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part
541). This conclusion is based on the
information FCA provided about its
device.
The agency notes that 49 CFR part
541, Appendix A–1, identifies those
lines that are exempted from the Theft
Prevention Standard for a given model
year. 49 CFR part 543.7(f) contains
publication requirements incident to the
disposition of all part 543 petitions.
Advanced listing, including the release
of future product nameplates, the
beginning model year for which the
petition is granted and a general
description of the antitheft device is
necessary to notify law enforcement
agencies of new vehicle lines exempted
from the parts marking requirements of
the Theft Prevention Standard. FCA
stated that an official nameplate for the
vehicle has not yet been determined.
If FCA decides not to use the
exemption for this vehicle line, it must
formally notify the agency. If such a
decision is made, the vehicle line must
be fully marked as required by 49 CFR
parts 541.5 and 541.6 (marking of major
component parts and replacement
parts).
NHTSA notes that if FCA wishes in
the future to modify the device on
which this exemption is based, the
company may have to submit a petition
to modify the exemption. 49 CFR part
543.7(d) states that a part 543 exemption
applies only to vehicles that belong to
a line exempted under this part and
equipped with the anti-theft device on
which the line’s exemption is based.
Further, 49 CFR part 543.9(c)(2)
provides for the submission of petitions
‘‘to modify an exemption to permit the
use of an antitheft device similar to but
differing from the one specified in that
exemption.’’
The agency wishes to minimize the
administrative burden that 49 CFR part
543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted
vehicle manufacturers and itself. The
agency did not intend in drafting Part
543 to require the submission of a
modification petition for every change
to the components or design of an
antitheft device. The significance of
many such changes could be de
minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests
that if the manufacturer contemplates
making any changes, the effects of
which might be characterized as de
minimis, it may want to consult the
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 34 / Wednesday, February 20, 2019 / Notices
agency before preparing and submitting
a petition to modify.
For the foregoing reasons, the agency
hereby grants in full FCA’s petition for
exemption for its Jeep Gladiator vehicle
line from the parts-marking
requirements of 49 CFR part 541,
beginning with its MY 2020 Jeep
Gladiator vehicles.
Issued in Washington, DC, under authority
delegated in 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8.
Raymond R. Posten,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2019–02724 Filed 2–19–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
Petition for Exemption From the
Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard; General Motors Corporation
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.
AGENCY:
This document grants in full
the General Motors Corporation’s (GM)
petition for exemption of the Buick
Encore vehicle line in accordance with
Exemption from Vehicle Theft
Prevention Standard. This petition is
granted because the agency has
determined that the antitheft device to
be placed on the line as standard
equipment is likely to be as effective in
reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Federal
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard (Theft Prevention Standard).
DATES: The exemption granted by this
notice is effective beginning with the
2020 model year (MY).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carlita Ballard, Office of International
Policy, Fuel Economy, and Consumer
Standards, NHTSA, West Building,
W43–439, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard’s
phone number is (202) 366–5222. His
fax number is (202) 493–2990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a
petition dated October 11, 2018, GM
requested an exemption from the partsmarking requirements of the Theft
Prevention Standard for its Buick
Encore vehicle line beginning with MY
2020. The petition requested an
exemption from parts-marking pursuant
to 49 CFR 543, Exemption from Vehicle
Theft Prevention Standard, based on the
installation of an antitheft device as
SUMMARY:
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Jkt 247001
standard equipment for the entire
vehicle line.
Under 49 CFR part 543.5(a), a
manufacturer may petition NHTSA to
grant an exemption for one vehicle line
per model year. In its petition, GM
provided a detailed description and
diagram of the identity, design, and
location of the components of the
antitheft device for its Buick Encore
vehicle line. GM stated that its MY 2020
Buick Encore vehicle line will be
installed with the PASS-Key III+
antitheft device as standard equipment
on the entire vehicle line. The PASSKey III+ is a passive, transponder-based,
electronic immobilizer device. The
major components of the antitheft
device are a PASS-Key III+ controller
module, engine control module (ECM),
electronically-coded ignition key, radio
frequency (RF) receiver, immobilizer
exciter module, three low frequency
antennas and a passive antenna module.
GM stated that the device will provide
protection against unauthorized use
(i.e., starting and engine fueling), but
will not provide any visible or audible
indication of unauthorized vehicle entry
(i.e., flashing lights or horn alarm). GM
stated that the PASS-Key III+
immobilizer device is designed to be
active at all times without direct
intervention by the vehicle operator.
GM further stated that activation of the
device occurs immediately after the
ignition has been turned off and the key
has been removed and deactivation of
the antitheft device occurs
automatically when the engine is
started. GM stated that the Buick Encore
vehicle line will be equipped with one
of two ignition versions. Specifically,
the Buick Encore will be equipped with
either a keyed or keyless ignition
version of its PASS-Key III+
immobilizer antitheft device. GM also
stated that the ‘‘keyed’’ ignition version
utilizes a special ignition key and
decoder module and its electrical code
must be sensed and properly decoded
by the controller module before the
vehicle can be operated. GM further
stated that with the ‘‘keyless’’ ignition
version, an electronic key fob performs
normal remote keyless entry functions
and communicates with the vehicle
without direct owner intervention.
Specifically, during operation of the
vehicle, when the owner presses the
engine start/stop switch, the vehicle
transmits a randomly generated
challenge and vehicle identifier within
the passenger compartment of the
vehicle via three low-frequency
antennas, controlled by the passive
antenna module. The electronic key
receives the data and if the vehicle
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5193
identifier matches that of the vehicle,
the electronic key will calculate the
response to the vehicle using the
challenge and secret information shared
between the key and the vehicle. The
electronic key then transmits the
response via a radio frequency channel
to a vehicle mounted receiver,
conveying the information to the PASSKey III+ control module. The PASS-Key
III+ control module compares the
received response with an internally
calculated response. If the values match,
the device will allow the vehicle to
enter functional modes and transmit a
fixed code pre-release password to the
engine controller over the serial data
bus, and enable computation and
communication of a response to any
valid challenge received from the engine
controller. If a valid key is not detected,
the device will not transmit a fixed code
pre-release password to the engine
controller preventing fuel from being
delivered to the engine, enabling
starting.
GM’s submission is considered a
complete petition as required by 49 CFR
543.7, in that it meets the general
requirements contained in 543.5 and the
specific content requirements of 543.6.
In addressing the specific content
requirements of 543.6, GM provided
information on the reliability and
durability of its proposed device. To
ensure reliability and durability of the
device, GM conducted tests based on its
own specified standards. GM provided
a detailed list of the specific tests it used
to validate the integrity, durability and
reliability of the PASS-Key III+ device.
Some of the tests GM conducted were
for high temperature storage, low
temperature storage, thermal shock,
humidity, frost, salt fog, flammability
and others. GM believes that the device
is reliable and durable since the
components must operate as designed
after each test. GM further stated that
the design and assembly processes of
the PASS-Key III+ subsystem and
components are validated for 10 years of
vehicle life and 150,000 miles of
performance.
GM further stated that the PASS-Key
III+ device has been designed to
enhance the functionality and theft
protection provided by its first, second
and third generation PASS-Key, PASSKey II, and PASS-Key III devices. GM
also referenced data provided by the
American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) in support of the
effectiveness of GM’s PASS-Key devices
in reducing and deterring motor vehicle
theft. Specifically, GM stated that data
which provide the basis for GM’s
confidence that the PASS-Key III+
system will be effective in reducing and
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 20, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5191-5193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02724]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft
Prevention Standard; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document grants in full the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US
LLC's, (FCA) petition for exemption of the Jeep Gladiator vehicle line
in accordance with Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard.
This petition is granted because the agency has determined that the
antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is
likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft
as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Federal Motor
Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard. (Theft Prevention Standard).
DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with
2020 model year (MY).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carlita Ballard, International
Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs, NHTSA, West Building, W43-
439, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard's
phone number is (202) 366-5222. Her fax number is (202) 493-2990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a petition dated August 21, 2018, FCA
requested an exemption from the parts-marking requirements of the Theft
Prevention Standard for its Jeep Gladiator vehicle line beginning with
MY 2020. The petition requested an exemption from parts-marking
pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard, based on the installation of an antitheft device as standard
equipment for the entire vehicle line.
Under 49 CFR part 543.5(a), a manufacturer may petition NHTSA to
grant an exemption for one vehicle line per model year. In its
petition, FCA provided a detailed description and diagram of the
identity, design, and location of the components of the antitheft
device for its Jeep Gladiator vehicle line. FCA stated that its MY 2020
Jeep Gladiator vehicle line will be installed with the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) antitheft device as standard equipment on the
entire vehicle line. The SKIS will provide passive vehicle protection
by preventing the engine from operating unless a valid electronically
encoded key is inside the cabin of the vehicle and a valid key code is
detected in the ignition system of the vehicle. Key components of the
antitheft device will include an immobilizer, a Radio Frequency Hub
Module (RFHM), Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Controller Module
(BCM), a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN), Transponder Key/FOB with
Integrated Key (FOBIK) and an Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) which
contains the telltale function only. According to FCA, these components
work collectively to perform the immobilizer function. FCA will not
provide an audible alert, however, the vehicle will be equipped with a
security indicator in the instrument panel cluster that will flash if
an invalid transponder key is detected.
FCA's submission is considered a complete petition as required by
49 CFR 543.7 in that it meets the general requirements contained in
543.5 and the specific content requirements of 543.6.
In addressing the specific content requirements of 49 CFR part
543.6, FCA provided information on the reliability and durability of
the device. FCA conducted tests based on its own specified standards
(i.e., voltage range and temperature range) and stated its belief that
the device meets the stringent performance standards prescribed.
Specifically, FCA stated that its device must demonstrate a minimum of
95 percent reliability with 90 percent confidence. In addition to the
design and validation test criteria, FCA stated that 100% of its
systems undergo a series of three functional tests prior to being
shipped from the supplier to the vehicle assembly plant for
installation in the vehicles.
FCA stated that the SKIS immobilizer feature is activated when the
transponder key is removed from the ignition system (whether the doors
are open or not) and the ignition system is in the ``OFF'' position.
Specifically, once the SKIS is activated, only a valid transponder key
that is recognized by the ignition system will disable it and allow the
vehicle to start and continue to run. FCA stated that the functions and
features of the SKIS are all integral to the BCM in this vehicle. The
RFHM contains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a microprocessor
and it initiates the ignition process by communicating with the BCM.
The RFHM and the ECM both use software that includes a rolling code
algorithm strategy which helps to reduce the possibility of
unauthorized SKIS disarming. The microprocessor-based SKIS hardware and
software also uses
[[Page 5192]]
electronic messages to communicate with other electronic modules in the
vehicle over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.
FCA also stated that, the SKIS uses RF communication with an
Advanced Encryption System (AES) to obtain confirmation that the
transponder key is a valid FOBIK for operating the vehicle. The RFHM
receives Low Frequency (LF) and/or RF signals from the Sentry Key
transponder through a tuned RF antenna. If the response identifies the
FOBIK as valid, communication between the RFHM, the BCM, and the ECM
proceeds. FCA also stated that for added security, each RFHM is
programmed with a unique secret key code that is stored in memory. FCA
stated that once a Sentry Key has been programmed to a particular
vehicle, it cannot be used on any other vehicle.
FCA stated that, the RFHM is connected to a Keyless Ignition Node
(KIN) with a START/STOP push button as an ignition switch. FCA further
stated that when the START/STOP button is pressed, the RFHM transmits a
signal to the transponder key through LF antennas to the RFHM. The RFHM
then waits for a RF signal response from the transponder in the FOBIK.
If the response received identifies the FOBIK as valid, the
communication between the RFHM, the BCM, and the ECM then proceeds. If
the ECM receives an invalid key message, or receives no message from
the RFHM over the CAN data bus, the engine will be disabled.
To avoid any perceived delay when starting the vehicle with a valid
transponder key and to prevent unburned fuel from entering the exhaust,
FCA stated that the engine is permitted to run for no more than two
seconds if an invalid transponder key is used. Additionally, FCA stated
that only six consecutive invalid vehicle start attempts will be
permitted and all other attempts will be locked out by preventing the
fuel injectors from firing and disabling the starter.
FCA stated that its vehicles are also equipped with a security
indicator that acts as a diagnostic indicator. FCA stated that if the
RFHM detects an invalid transponder key or if a transponder key related
fault occurs, the security indicator will flash. If the RFHM detects a
system malfunction or the SKIS becomes ineffective, the security
indicator will stay on. The SKIS also performs a self-test each time
the ignition system is turned to the RUN position and will store fault
information in the form of a diagnostic trouble code in RFHM memory if
a system malfunction is detected.
FCA stated that it expects the Jeep Gladiator vehicle line to
mirror the lower theft rate results achieved by the Jeep Wrangler
vehicle line when ignition immobilizer systems were installed as
standard equipment on the line. FCA stated that it has offered the SKIS
immobilizer device as standard equipment on all Jeep Wrangler vehicles
since MY 2007. According to FCA, the average theft rate for Jeep
Wrangler vehicles, based on NHTSA's theft rate data for the five model
years prior to (1995-2000), when a vehicle immobilizer device was not
installed as standard equipment was 2.8264 per one thousand vehicles
produced. This was significantly lower than the 1990/1991 median theft
rate of 3.5826. However, FCA also indicated that the average theft rate
for the Jeep Wrangler for the five model years (2007-2014), after
installation of the standard immobilizer device was 0.5033, which is
significantly lower than the theft rate without the standard
immobilizer system. The Jeep Wrangler vehicle line was also granted an
exemption from the parts-marking requirements beginning with MY 2009
(72 FR 62728, November 6, 2007). FCA further exerts that NHTSA's theft
rate data for the Jeep Wrangler indicates that the inclusion of a
standard immobilizer device resulted in an 82 percent net average
reduction in vehicle thefts. Theft rate data reported in the Federal
Register notices published by the agency show that the theft rate for
the Jeep Wrangler vehicle line, using an average of three MYs' data
(2012-2014) is also 0.3979, which is significantly lower than the
median theft rate established by the agency.
Based on the evidence submitted by FCA, the agency believes that
the antitheft device for the Jeep Gladiator vehicle line is likely to
be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention
Standard (49 CFR 41). The agency concludes that the device will provide
four of the five types of performance listed in 49 CFR part
543.6(a)(3): Promoting activation; preventing defeat or circumvention
of the device by unauthorized persons; preventing operation of the
vehicle by unauthorized entrants; and ensuring the reliability and
durability of the device.
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR part 543.7(b), the agency
grants a petition for exemption from the parts-marking requirements of
part 541, either in whole or in part, if it determines that, based upon
substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of part 541. The agency
finds that FCA has provided adequate reasons for its belief that the
antitheft device for the vehicle line is likely to be as effective in
reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the
parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR
part 541). This conclusion is based on the information FCA provided
about its device.
The agency notes that 49 CFR part 541, Appendix A-1, identifies
those lines that are exempted from the Theft Prevention Standard for a
given model year. 49 CFR part 543.7(f) contains publication
requirements incident to the disposition of all part 543 petitions.
Advanced listing, including the release of future product nameplates,
the beginning model year for which the petition is granted and a
general description of the antitheft device is necessary to notify law
enforcement agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the parts
marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard. FCA stated that
an official nameplate for the vehicle has not yet been determined.
If FCA decides not to use the exemption for this vehicle line, it
must formally notify the agency. If such a decision is made, the
vehicle line must be fully marked as required by 49 CFR parts 541.5 and
541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts).
NHTSA notes that if FCA wishes in the future to modify the device
on which this exemption is based, the company may have to submit a
petition to modify the exemption. 49 CFR part 543.7(d) states that a
part 543 exemption applies only to vehicles that belong to a line
exempted under this part and equipped with the anti-theft device on
which the line's exemption is based. Further, 49 CFR part 543.9(c)(2)
provides for the submission of petitions ``to modify an exemption to
permit the use of an antitheft device similar to but differing from the
one specified in that exemption.''
The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that 49 CFR
part 543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers and
itself. The agency did not intend in drafting Part 543 to require the
submission of a modification petition for every change to the
components or design of an antitheft device. The significance of many
such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests that if the
manufacturer contemplates making any changes, the effects of which
might be characterized as de minimis, it may want to consult the
[[Page 5193]]
agency before preparing and submitting a petition to modify.
For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full FCA's
petition for exemption for its Jeep Gladiator vehicle line from the
parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR part 541, beginning with its MY
2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles.
Issued in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR
1.95 and 501.8.
Raymond R. Posten,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2019-02724 Filed 2-19-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
