Anti-Theft

Component Location

Overview

PATS deters the vehicle from theft by preventing the ignition from turning on and the engine from starting unless a programmed IA key is detected in the vehicle. PATS does not disable an already running engine.

System Operation

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

 PCM Network Input Messages

  BCM Network Input Messages

  RFA Module Network Input Messages

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

The PATS function is controlled by the BCM and the RFA module.

When the start/stop switch is pressed, the RFA module initiates the key initialization sequence by activating the 3 interior passive start antennas. Each passive start antenna transmits a low frequency signal approximately 1 m (3 ft) radius of each antenna. If an IA key is within range of the 3 interior passive start antennas, the IA key activates.

When the IA key activates, it sends the PATS identification code to the TPM module via a high frequency signal. The TPM module interprets the high frequency signal from the IA key and sends the information to the RFA module over a dedicated network. If the RFA module determines that a programmed IA key is inside the vehicle, it communicates this information to the BCM and the ignition transitions out of OFF.

If the vehicle has a failure of any passive start antenna, the battery in the IA key, or the TPM module, the vehicle can experience a PATS no-start. However, in the event of one of these failures, the IA key can be placed in the backup transceiver slot to allow the vehicle to start. The backup transceiver activates an IA key (if placed in the slot) when the start/stop switch is pressed.

When the ignition transitions out of OFF and the modules initialize, the RFA module, BCM , and the PCM exchange their identifications. If each of the modules receive the correct identification from each other, PATS disables and allows the engine to start. If the PATS prevents the engine from starting, STARTING SYSTEM FAULT displays in the message center and a DTC is stored in one of the 3 modules.

The PATS and the RKE system share the operation of several components including the IA key and the TPM module. If there is a concern with either of these components, the PATS and the RKE system are both affected. REFER to Section 501-14B for information on the RKE and IA features.

NOTE: The IA feature is a programmable parameter and can be enabled/disabled with a scan tool. If the feature is disabled, the IA feature to enter the vehicle and passive starting are inoperative. To start the vehicle, the IA key must be placed in the backup transceiver slot.

The RFA module and the BCM control the ignition modes and, in conjunction with the PCM, control the starting system.

PATS PIDs

In conjunction with DTCs, the PATS PIDs are a useful tool when diagnosing PATS concerns.

  BCM Module PID Chart

  RFA Module PID Chart

NOTE: The RFA module PATS PIDs do not actively display their current state. They only display the correct state when the ignition is turned to the ON mode

Backup Starting

NOTE: There are certain areas within the vehicle where the IA key may not be detected and the message center displays NO KEY DETECTED. If the IA key is in the far outside edges of the interior (such as in a door map pocket or above a sun visor), it may not be detected. Move the IA key to a different location and try to start the vehicle again.

The vehicle can experience a PATS no start if there is a failure of any passive start antenna, the battery in the IA key, or the TPM module. If this occurs, the No Key Detected message displays in the message center when the start/stop switch is pressed.

However, in the event of one of these failures, the IA key can be placed in the backup transceiver slot to allow the vehicle to start. The IA key should be placed in the backup transceiver slot with the buttons facing outwards and the key ring up. If a programmed IA key is in the backup transceiver slot when the backup transceiver activates, the IA key and the identification code is sent to the RFA module. The backup slot is located in floor console storage compartment.

No Key Detected Message

NOTE: Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a PATS no-start if the IA key is within close proximity of the charger. If a concern is observed, move the IA key away from the charger and attempt to start the vehicle.

There are 2 scenarios in which the No Key Detected message displays in the message center.

The first is when the ignition is off, the START/STOP button is pressed and a programmed Intelligent Access (IA) key is not detected inside the vehicle. If a component failure (such as a dead Intelligent Access (IA) key battery) is causing the No Key Detected message to display, the backup starting method can be used.

The second scenario is when the vehicle is running, the driver exits the vehicle with the programmed Intelligent Access (IA) key and closes the door.

The RFA module activates all 3 passive start antennas to search the inside of the vehicle for an Intelligent Access (IA) key any time a door or the luggage compartment lid is opened and then closed with the vehicle running. The Key outside car message displays in the message center and the horn chirps twice when the ignition is on and an Intelligent Access (IA) key is no longer detected inside the vehicle.

This strategy deters the Intelligent Access (IA) key from being separated from an already running vehicle. If the Intelligent Access (IA) key is no longer in the vehicle, the ignition remains on and the vehicle continues to operate. When the START/STOP button is pressed to turn the ignition off, the ignition can be restarted without an Intelligent Access (IA) key present inside the vehicle for approximately 10 seconds. After 10 seconds have elapsed, a programmed Intelligent Access (IA) key must be present to transition the ignition out of off. If the driver door is opened during the 10-second countdown, a programmed Intelligent Access (IA) key is needed to transition the ignition out of off.

Automatic Engine Idle Shutdown

NOTE: To enable/disable the Automatic Engine Idle Shutdown feature, go into Message Center>Settings>Vehicle.

The automatic engine idle shutdown feature monitors the state of the vehicle to determine when the engine is powered with no user interaction for an extended period of time. When this condition is detected, a message displays in the message center to inform the operator a vehicle shutdown is imminent. This includes shutting down the engine and turning the ignition off. When the shutdown occurs, press the brake and START/STOP button to restart the vehicle.

The conditions required to begin the automatic engine idle shutdown feature are:

• engine running
• brake pedal not pressed
• accelerator pedal not pressed
• remote start not active
• transmission in P (park) or N (neutral)
• diagnostic scan tool not connected to the vehicle

Once these conditions are met, a time-out starts. When the time-out period ends and none of the listed conditions changed, the automatic engine idle shutdown event occurs.

Component Description

Intelligent Access (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 and on the outside for IA features. During key programming procedures, the PATS and RKE transmitter of an IA key are both programmed into the RFA module. The RFA module accepts programming of up to 4 IA keys.

The IA key receives the low frequency signals from the passive start antennas. When the IA key is activated by one of the low frequency signals, it sends out a high frequency signal that is received by the TPM module. The IA key also contains a key blade that is used to unlock the driver door in the event of an electrical failure (such as a drained battery).

Backup Transceiver

The backup transceiver is used as a backup device. If the vehicle fails to start conventionally, an IA key can be placed in the backup slot to allow the vehicle to start. The backup transceiver is located next to the slot and activates any IA key that is placed in the slot. The transceiver is wired to the RFA module. When activated, it sends out a signal to activate an IA key. When the key activates, it sends a signal back to the transceiver which is then sent to the RFA module.

Passive Start Antennas

There are 3 passive start antennas. The passive start antennas are wired to the RFA module. When activated by the RFA module, they transmit a low frequency signal that activates an IA key.

NOTE: Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a PATS no-start if the IA key is within a few inches of the charger and the NO KEY DETECTED message displays in the message center. If a concern is observed, move the IA key away from the charger and attempt to start the vehicle.

Interior Passive Start Antenna Ranges

The passive start antennas are used solely for the purpose of starting the vehicle or changing the ignition states. When activated, each antenna sends out a low frequency signal with an approximate range of 1 m (3 ft). A programmed IA key must be in range of 1 of the 3 antennas for PATS to operate.

If an IA key is placed in the far outside edges of the interior, such as above a sun visor or in a door map pocket, the vehicle might experience a no-start condition. If the IA key is located in one of these areas and there is a no-start condition, move the IA key out of the area and attempt to start the vehicle. If the key is outside the range of a passive start antenna when the start/stop switch is pressed, NO KEY DETECTED displays in the message center.