Component Description

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - with Intelligent Access (IA)

Component Description

Passive Start Antennas

There are 3 passive start antennas. The passive start antennas are hardwired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and when activated by the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module they transmit a low frequency signal that activates an IA (Intelligent Access) key.

Interior Passive Start Antenna Ranges

NOTE:Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) no-start if the IA (Intelligent Access) key is within a few inches of the charger and the NO KEY DETECTED message is displayed in the message center. If a concern is observed, move the IA (Intelligent Access) key away from the charger and attempt to start the vehicle.

There are 3 passive start antennas that are used solely for the purpose of starting the vehicle. When activated, each antenna sends out a low frequency signal with an approximate range of 1 m (3 ft). A programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key must be in range of 1 of the 3 antennas for PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) to operate.
If an IA (Intelligent Access) key is placed in the far outside edges of the interior, like above a sun visor or in a door map pocket, the vehicle might experience a no-start. If the IA (Intelligent Access) key is located in one of these areas and there is a no-start condition, move the IA (Intelligent Access) key out of the area and attempt to start the vehicle. If the key is outside the range of a passive start antenna, NO KEY DETECTED is displayed in the message center.

Backup Transceiver

The backup transceiver is used as a backup device. If the vehicle fails to start conventionally, an IA (Intelligent Access) key can be placed in the backup slot to allow the vehicle to start. The backup transceiver is located next to the slot and activates any IA (Intelligent Access) key that is placed in the slot. The transceiver is wired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and when activated it sends out a signal to activate an IA (Intelligent Access) key. Once the key is activated, it sends a signal back to the transceiver which is then sent to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module.

Intelligent Access (IA) Key




The IA (Intelligent Access) key incorporates both the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) and the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter functions in a single device. The IA (Intelligent Access) key must be located inside the vehicle for engine starting and on the outside for IA (Intelligent Access) features. During key programming procedures, the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter of an IA (Intelligent Access) key are both programmed into the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module accepts programming of up to 4 IA (Intelligent Access) keys. REFER to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment or REFER to Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys for the key programming procedures.
The IA (Intelligent Access) key receives the low frequency signals from the passive start antennas. When the IA (Intelligent Access) key is activated by one of the low frequency signals, it sends out a high frequency signal that is received by the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module. The IA (Intelligent Access) key also contains a key blade that is used to enter the vehicle as a backup.

Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) Module

The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module has a dedicated power and ground. It communicates all IA (Intelligent Access) and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) information to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module through a dedicated single circuit network. The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module is a receiving antenna that receives the high frequency signals from an IA (Intelligent Access) key. It also receives the signals from a RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) command.

Start-Stop Switch

The start/stop switch is a momentary contact switch that is hardwired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, BCM (Body Control Module), and the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). When the switch is pressed, it signals the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, BCM (Body Control Module), and the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) that there is a request to either switch the ignition on or start the engine. The start/stop switch is connected to both the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and BCM (Body Control Module) as a backup in case of a failure. If there is a circuit failure to either module from the start/stop switch, the modules communicate the start/stop switch request to each other over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
If the vehicle is running and moving at a speed greater than 8 km/h (5 mph), the engine can be shut down by pressing the start/stop switch 3 times within 2 seconds.

Remote Function Actuator (RFA)

The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module is responsible for obtaining the IA (Intelligent Access) key data. It uses the passive start antennas and the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module to receive the IA (Intelligent Access) key data. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives direct input from the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module over a dedicated single wire network and is hardwired to the passive start antennas. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module communicates the IA (Intelligent Access) key data with the BCM (Body Control Module) over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
The IA (Intelligent Access) keys are programmed to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, and the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module contains a unique ID that is checked by the BCM (Body Control Module).
If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module is replaced, at least two keys must be programmed to it and a parameter reset with the BCM (Body Control Module) must be performed to enable PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System).

Body Control Module (BCM)

The BCM (Body Control Module) is responsible for checking the identifications from both the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). It also controls the ignition states and determines if the engine should be started or turned off depending upon input from the start/stop and brake switches and if a programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key is inside the vehicle. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module sends a MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) message to the BCM (Body Control Module) indicating if a programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key is inside the vehicle.
If the BCM (Body Control Module) is replaced, the two parameter reset procedures must be performed to enable PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System). The two parameter reset procedures are between the BCM (Body Control Module) and RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, and the BCM (Body Control Module) and PCM (Powertrain Control Module).