Principles of Operation - With IA

NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) that disables the engine if an unprogrammed PATS key is used or an invalid PCM ID is received. PATS is controlled by the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module. If there is a PATS concern that cause the engine not to crank, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) displays "STARTING SYSTEM FAULT" in the message center. Refer to ANTI-THEFT - PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) to diagnose a PATS concern.

The Intelligent Access (IA) starting system is electronically controlled by the RFA module which acts as the PATS control function. The RFA receives the following inputs:

Correctly coded ignition key, from the RFA
Transaxle in PARK or NEUTRAL, from the Transmission Range (TR) sensor
Request to start the engine, start/stop switch is pressed
Brake pedal applied input

During a start event, the start/stop switch is pressed in combination with the brake pedal, the RFA module and BCM receives a request to start the engine. The RFA module communicates with the BCM . Once the BCM receives the command from the RFA module, it communicates with the PCM. Once the BCM initializes and communicates with the RFA module and the PCM, it checks the ID of each module and compares it with the module ID stored in its own memory. If the RFA module and PCM IDs match the IDs stored in the BCM , then PATS is enabled.

The PCM recognizes the correct inputs and provides voltage and ground to energize the starter relay coil and close the starter relay contacts. The starter relay contacts close, providing voltage to the starter solenoid, allowing the starter motor to crank the engine. The PCM disengages the starter motor once an engine RPM threshold is reached, a set crank time is exceeded or the stop/start button is pressed indicating an engine shutdown.