Starting System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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-B . If there is a PATS concern that cause the engine to be disabled, the IPC displays "STARTING SYSTEM FAULT" in the message center. REFER to PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) - WITHOUT INTELLIGENT ACCESS

Under normal operation, when the ignition is turned to START, the PCM receives the following inputs:

Ignition switch request to start the engine
Run/start relay voltage
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) is enable message
Correct transmission PARK or Neutral input from the TR sensor

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 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) threshold is reached, a set crank time is exceeded or the ignition is turned OFF.