FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Principles Of Operation - With Intelligent Access (IA)




Starting System

Principles of Operation - With Intelligent Access (IA)

NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) that disables the engine if an unprogrammed PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key is used or an invalid PCM ID is received. PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) is controlled by the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module. If there is a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concern that caused the engine to be disabled, the anti-theft light flashes rapidly in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems to diagnose a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concern.

The Intelligent Access (IA) starting system is electronically controlled by the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module which acts as the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) control function. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives the following inputs:

- Correctly coded ignition key from PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System)

- Clutch pedal applied input from the Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (vehicles equipped with manual transmission)

- Transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL from the Transmission Control Module (TCM) (vehicles equipped with automatic transmission)

- Request to start the engine, start/stop switch is pushed

- Brake pedal applied input (automatic transmission)

During a start event, the start/stop button is pushed in combination with either the brake or clutch pedal input. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives a request to start the engine. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module recognizes the correct electronically coded passive key and provides voltage to the starter relay coil and signals the PCM. The PCM recognizes the correct inputs and provides ground to energize the relay coil and close the relay contacts. The starter relay contacts close, providing voltage to the starter solenoid, allowing the starter to crank and start the engine. The PCM disengages the starter once an engine rpm threshold is reached, a set crank time is exceeded or the stop/start button is pressed indicating an engine shutdown request.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission have a TR (Transmission Range) sensor. The TR (Transmission Range) sensor prevents operation of the starter unless the transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

Vehicles equipped a manual transmission have a CPP (Clutch Pedal Position) switch. The CPP (Clutch Pedal Position) switch prevents operation of the starter unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.