North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

Which component is integral to the Vehicle Anti-Theft System in General Motors vehicles?

1. A combination lock

2. A resistor pellet imbedded in the key

3. A convertible dial

4. A daylock mechanism

The correct answer is: A resistor pellet imbedded in the key

The component that is integral to the Vehicle Anti-Theft System in General Motors vehicles is a resistor pellet imbedded in the key. This design is part of a passive anti-theft system known as a key-based immobilizer. When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition switch, the vehicle's onboard computer reads the resistance value from the pellet. If the resistance matches the programmed value stored in the vehicle's system, the engine will start; if it does not match, the system prevents the engine from starting. This technology helps deter theft by ensuring that only keys that have the correct resistor pellet can start the vehicle. The other options, while they might have applications in other security mechanisms, do not serve the same critical anti-theft function in GM vehicles. A combination lock is typically used in safes and secure entry points, a convertible dial generally refers to locking mechanisms on doors or safes, and a daylock mechanism is not a standard term in automotive security systems. These components do not provide the same level of protection against unauthorized vehicle use as the resistor pellet does.