SECTION 303-06: Starting System
| 2014 Flex Workshop Manual
|
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
| Procedure revision date: 05/02/2013
|
Starting System - without Push Button Start
Overview
The starter system controls the cranking of the engine. The starter motor is enabled by the starter relay when the relay is activated by the PCM . The PCM receives inputs from the ignition switch, BCM Run/start relay and TR sensor before activating the starter relay to crank the engine.
Remote Start
The remote start feature allows the operator to remotely start the engine from up to 100 meters (328 feet) away and is activated using the IKT . Once started, the engine runs for 10 minutes. The run time can be extended by the operator.
System Operation
Network Message Chart
Network Input Messages BCM
| Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| RKE data | TCM | Provides the BCM with the RKE TIC and the button press requesting a remote start. |
Network Input Messages PCM
| Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Starter crank request | BCM | Provides the PCM with ignition switch and hood input status and a request to crank and start the engine during a remote start event. |
| Remote start request | BCM | Provides the PCM with a request for remote start. |
Starting System
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with PATS that disables the engine from cranking and starting if an unprogrammed PATS key is used or an invalid PCM ID is received. PATS is controlled by the BCM . If there is a PATS concern that disables the engine, the IPC displays "STARTING SYSTEM FAULT" message center. For additional information, refer to PATS , Section 419-01B .
When the ignition is turned to START, the PCM receives the following inputs:
When the PCM receives the correct inputs, voltage and ground is supplied to the starter relay coil. The starter relay coil is energized causing the relay contacts to close providing voltage to the starter solenoid, allowing the starter motor 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 ignition is turned OFF.
Remote Start
When equipped with remote start, a remote start event is initiated when the IKT transmits a remote start request signal to the TPM . The TPM sends a remote start request message to the BCM . The BCM sends a crank request message to the PCM . The factory equipped remote start system does not operate if the ignition is in the RUN/START position or the hood is not closed.
The remote start system allows the operator to start the engine from up to 100 meters (328 feet) away, by pressing a sequence of buttons on the IKT . The remote start system is activated by pressing the lock button on the IKT once to make sure the doors are locked, followed by 2 presses of the remote start button. The 3 button presses must occur within 3 seconds of each other. The BCM acknowledges the remote start request by flashing the exterior lights twice. Once started, the engine runs for 10 minutes (default run time is 10 minutes; the time can be programmed by the customer to 5, 10 or 15 minutes) and the parking lights remain illuminated until the cycle is complete. The remote start duration can also be extended by initiating remote start while the first timer is still running or by initiating a completely independent start cycle when the first cycle has completed. No more than 2 remote start sequences can occur within a one hour period, unless the ignition is set to the RUN/START position between the remote start requests. During the remote start cycle the power windows are inhibited and the radio will not turn on automatically but may be turned on manually from inside the vehicle. If the remote start system fails to start the horn chirps twice.
To transition from remote start mode to drive mode, use a programmed IKT to switch the ignition to the RUN position. If a programmed IKT is not used, the engine shuts off.
To deactivate the remote start system, press the remote start button once. When deactivating the remote start system the parking lights turn off to give a visual indication that the engine and climate control features have turned off. It may be necessary to be closer to the vehicle to deactivate the remote start feature than it was to initiate it due to ground deflections and added noise from the engine running.
Component Description
IKT
The RKE system uses an IKT . The IKT incorporates both the PATS and RKE functions into a single device. The factory installed remote start (if equipped), is controlled by the IKT function and allows the engine to be started from outside the vehicle. The RKE functions control the door lock/unlock features.
Passive Anti-Theft Transceiver
For additional information, refer to Section 419-01B .
BCM
The BCM is the gateway module, translating HS-CAN messages to the MS-CAN . This allows a message to be distributed throughout both networks.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is controlled by the ignition lock cylinder with a key. When the ignition lock cylinder is turned using the key, a mechanical connection positions the ignition switch to the selected position and allows the ignition switch to send voltage to specific components. The ignition switch sends voltage to the BCM and PCM during engine cranking.
PCM
The PCM receives input signals from sensors and other components (switches, relays). Based on this information, the PCM generates output signals to control various relays, solenoids and actuators.
TPM Module
The TPM module is a receiving antenna that receives high frequency signals. When a remote start request is initiated from the IKT the TPM module receives the signal and communicates that remote start request message via the MS-CAN to the BCM to initiate a remote start event.
TR Sensor
The TR sensor is located inside the transaxle and indicates gearshift position to the PCM . The PCM uses that information to enable the starting system to start the engine in PARK or NEUTRAL. For additional information, refer to Section 307-01 .
Starting System - with Push Button Start
Overview
The starter system controls the cranking of the engine. The starter motor is enabled by the starter relay when the relay is activated by the PCM . The PCM receives inputs from the Start/stop switch, BCM , Run/start relay and TR sensor before activating the starter relay to crank the engine
Remote Start
The remote start feature allows the operator to remotely start the engine from up to 100 meters (328 feet) away and is activated using the IA key. Once started, the engine runs for 10 minutes. The run time can be extended by the operator.
System Operation
Network Message Chart
Module Network Input Messages RFA
| Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Remote start command | TPM module via LIN | Provides the RFA with the IA key command for a remote start. |
Network Input Messages BCM
| Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| RKE data (with IA ) | RFA module | Provides the BCM with the correct IA key data. Provides a request to the BCM for starting per customer remote start request. |
Network Input Messages PCM
| Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Starter crank request | BCM | Provides the PCM with ignition, hood input status and a request to crank and start the engine during a remote start event. |
| Remote start request | BCM | Provides the PCM with a request for remote start. |
Starting System
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with PATS that disables the engine from cranking and starting if an unprogrammed PATS key is used or an invalid PCM ID is received. PATS is controlled by the BCM . If there is a PATS concern that disables the engine, the IPC message center displays "STARTING SYSTEM FAULT". For additional information, refer to PATS , Section 419-01C .
The RFA module in conjunction with the BCM controls the ignition modes and in conjunction with the PCM controls the starting system.
During a start event, the start/stop switch is pressed in combination with the brake pedal, the RFA module, PCM and BCM receive a request to start the engine. The PCM requires input voltage from the Run/start relay.
The PCM recognizes the correct inputs from the BCM and TR sensor 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 start/stop button is pressed indicating an engine shutdown request.
Remote Start
When equipped with remote start, a remote start event is initiated by pressing a sequence of buttons on the IA key. The factory equipped remote start system does not operate if the ignition is in the RUN/START position or the hood is not closed.
The remote start system allows the operator to start the engine from up to 100 meters (328 feet) away and is activated by pressing the lock button on the IA key once to make sure the doors are locked, followed by 2 presses of the remote start button. The 3 button presses must occur within 3 seconds of each other. The system acknowledges the start request by flashing the exterior lights twice. Once started, the engine runs for 10 minutes (default run time is 10 minutes; the time can be programmed by the customer to 5, 10 or 15 minutes) and the parking lights remain illuminated until the cycle is complete. The remote start duration can also be extended by initiating remote start while the first timer is still running or by initiating a completely independent start cycle when the first cycle has completed. No more than 2 remote start sequences can occur within a one hour period, unless the ignition is set to the RUN/START position between the remote start requests. During the remote start cycle the power windows are inhibited and the radio will not turn on automatically but may be turned on manually from inside the vehicle. If the remote start system fails to start the horn will chirp twice.
To transition from remote start mode to drive mode, use a programmed IA key to transition to RUN. If a programmed IA key is not used, the engine shuts off.
To deactivate the remote start system, press the remote start button once. When deactivating the remote start system the parking lights turn off to give a visual indication that the engine and climate control features have turned off. It may be necessary to be closer to the vehicle to deactivate the remote start feature than it was to initiate it due to ground deflections and added noise from the engine running.
Component Description
BCM
The BCM is the gateway module, translating HS-CAN messages to the MS-CAN . This allows a message to be distributed throughout both networks.
IA key
The IA key incorporates both the PATS and the RKE transmitter functions in a single device. The IA key must be located inside the vehicle for engine starting. When the IA key is activated it sends out a frequency signal that is received by the TPM module. The IA key also contains a key blade that is used to enter the vehicle as a backup.
Start-Stop Switch
The start/stop switch is a momentary contact switch that is hardwired to the RFA module, BCM , and PCM . When the switch is pressed, it signals the RFA module, BCM and PCM there is a request to either switch the ignition on or start the engine. The start/stop switch is connected to both modules 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 .
RFA module
The RFA module interprets radio frequency signals from the TPM module and IA key transmitters. The RFA module receives input signals from various modules and other components. Based on this information, the RFA module generates an output signal to control various components such as the door locks and the liftgate.
PCM
The PCM receives input signals from sensors and other components (switches, relays). Based on this information, the PCM generates output signals to control various relays, solenoids and actuators.
TPM Module
The TPM module is a receiving antenna that receives high frequency signals. When a remote start request is initiated from the IA key the TPM module receives the signal and communicates the remote start request message to the RFA module. The RFA module transmits the message via the MS-CAN to the BCM to initiate a remote start event.
TR Sensor
The TR sensor is located inside the transaxle and indicates gearshift position to the PCM . The PCM uses that information to enable the starting system to start the engine in PARK or NEUTRAL. For additional information, refer to Section 307-01 .