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 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 caused the engine to be disabled, the anti-theft light flashes rapidly in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Refer to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Testing and Inspection 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 module receives the following inputs:

- Correctly coded ignition key from PATS
- Clutch pedal applied input from the Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (vehicles equipped with manual transaxle)
- Transaxle in PARK or NEUTRAL from the Transmission Control Module (TCM) (vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle)
- Request to start the engine, start/stop switch is pushed
- Brake pedal applied input (automatic transaxle)

During a start event, the start/stop button is pushed in combination with either the brake or clutch pedal input. The RFA module receives a request to start the engine. The RFA 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 transaxle have a TR sensor. The TR sensor prevents operation of the starter unless the transaxle is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

Vehicles equipped a manual transaxle have a CPP switch. The CPP switch prevents operation of the starter unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.