Principles Of Operation

Steering Column Switches

Principles of Operation

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is controlled by the ignition lock cylinder with a key. When the ignition lock cylinder is turned, a mechanical connection positions the ignition switch to the selected position. The available ignition switch positions are:

- OFF

- ACC

- ON

- START

The ignition switch supplies battery voltage to the Central Junction Box (CJB) which then distributes this voltage to multiple circuits and modules throughout the vehicle, based on ignition switch position.

Push Button Start System

The Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module applies battery voltage to the same circuits that a conventional ignition switch uses to achieve 3 of the 4 standard ignition states (OFF, ON and START). Unlike a conventional ignition switch system, this push button start system does not have a driver accessible ACC mode. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module automatically cycles through the ACC mode when the driver cycles the vehicle to the ON mode. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives input from the following:

- Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (manual transaxle)

- Cruise control deactivator switch (automatic transaxle)

- Intelligent Access (IA) key (wireless input)

- Park detect switch (automatic transaxle)

- Start/stop switch

The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module uses input from the IA (Intelligent Access) key to authorize use of the vehicle. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module uses input from the start/stop switch, the park detect switch (automatic transaxle), the cruise control deactivator switch (automatic transaxle) and/or the CPP (Clutch Pedal Position) switch (manual transaxle) to transition between ignition modes.

Intelligent Access (IA) Key

To achieve any ignition state other than OFF, the IA (Intelligent Access) key must be present inside the vehicle. The driver need not perform any actions with the IA (Intelligent Access) key to operate the push button start system. It is sufficient that the IA (Intelligent Access) key is located inside the vehicle when the start/stop switch is pressed. Pressing the start/stop switch triggers radio frequency communication between the IA (Intelligent Access) key and the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module.

Backup Antenna

If the battery inside the IA (Intelligent Access) key is weak, if the IA (Intelligent Access) key is damaged or if excessive ambient Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) prevents communication between the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and the IA (Intelligent Access) key, the backup antenna located on the RH side of the steering column (where a conventional ignition lock cylinder would be located) provides a secondary means for the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module to validate the IA (Intelligent Access) key and authorize use of the vehicle. The backup antenna uses passive radio frequency identification to exchange signals with the IA (Intelligent Access) key, similar to the way a typical encoded Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) key and transceiver operate. For additional information on the IA (Intelligent Access) key and backup antenna, refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.

Push Button Start System Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM) Messages

The FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) provides instruction for operating the push button start system. The FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) can also display warnings that could indicate a potential issue with the push button start system. The following FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) messages pertain to the push button start system:

- TO START PRESS BRAKE- Momentarily displays when the start/stop switch is pressed without the brake pedal being applied (vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle).

- TO START PRESS CLUTCH- Momentarily displays when the start/stop switch is pressed without the clutch pedal being applied (vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle).

- TO START SELECT N OR P- Displays when attempting to start the vehicle and the transaxle is not in NEUTRAL or PARK (vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle).

- VEHICLE NOT IN PARK SELECT P- Displays when the start/stop switch is pressed to shut off the engine with the transaxle selector lever in any position other than PARK (vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle).

- KEY OUTSIDE CAR- Whenever a door is opened and then closed while the engine is running, the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module searches for the IA (Intelligent Access) key. This message displays if the key is not detected by the module.

- KEY NOT DETECTED- Displays if the IA (Intelligent Access) key is not detected by the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module when attempting to enter ON mode or attempting to start the vehicle. If this message is observed with the IA (Intelligent Access) key located inside the vehicle, go to Antitheft and Alarm Systems to diagnose the IA (Intelligent Access) key.

Remote Function Actuator (RFA) Module Programming

If it is necessary to replace the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, the replacement module must be programmed. Carry out the following scan tool functions if an RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module is installed new:

NOTE: All of the following scan tool functions must be completed before the vehicle will start.

- Programmable Module Installation (PMI)- This process configures the new module with specific vehicle information. Refer to Programmable Module Installation (PMI) in Information Bus Programmable Module Installation (PMI).

- PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) Parameter Reset- This process initiates an exchange of information between the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and the PCM specific to the anti-theft/engine immobilizer feature. Carry out a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) parameter reset when either the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module or the PCM is installed new. For additional information, refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset-Intelligent Access (IA) in Antitheft and Alarm Systems Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset.

- IA (Intelligent Access) Key Programming- This process programs the IA (Intelligent Access) keys to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module. If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module is installed new, 2 IA (Intelligent Access) keys will have to be programmed before the vehicle will start. For additional information, refer to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment-Intelligent Access (IA) in Antitheft and Alarm Systems Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment.

Multifunction Switches

The multifunction switches control the various components (high beam headlamps, flash-to-pass, turn signal, trip computer display and windshield wiper/washer) by grounding certain Body Control Module (BCM) or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) circuits. When the BCM (Body Control Module) or IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) detects the ground signal, voltage is sent to activate the appropriate component. The BCM (Body Control Module) controls the high beam headlamps, flash-to-pass, turn signals and windshield wipers/washers. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) controls the trip computer display.

For multifunction switch concerns, refer to one of the following systems:

- For high beam headlamps, flash-to-pass and turn signal concerns, refer to Lighting and Horns.

- For wiper and washer concerns, refer to Wiper and Washer Systems.

- For trip computer concerns, refer to Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.