LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 2015 >> Explorer Sport >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Starter >> Starting System >> Description And Operation >> Starting System - With Intelligent Access (IA) >> Notes
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Starting System - With Intelligent Access (IA): Notes

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 20 meters (65.62 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 

System Diagram 

GFD35483Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Network Message Chart 

Module Network Input Messages RFA 

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
Remote start command TPM module via LIN Provides the RFA module with the IA key command for a remote start.

Module Network Input Messages BCM 

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
RKE data (With Intelligent Access) RFA module Provide the BCM with the correct IA key data. Provides a request to the BCM for starting per customer remote start request.

Module 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 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) - With Intelligent Access (IA) .

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

Under normal operation, during a start event, the start/stop switch is pressed in combination with the brake pedal, the RFA module, PCM and BCM receives a request to start the engine.

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 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) threshold is reached, a set crank time is exceeded or the stop/start button is pressed indicating an engine shutdown.

Remote Start 

Under normal operation, 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 enables the engine to be started from up to 20 meters (65.62 feet) away and is activated by pressing the lock button on the IA key, 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. 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 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 switched 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.