Push-Button Start System
The START/STOP button (ignition switch) is used to control the ON, OFF and START ignition modes.
The RFA module sends 2 voltage signals to the push-button ignition switch to monitor requests to turn the ignition on, off or to start the vehicle. When the button is pressed, the voltage signals are routed to ground indicating a request to change the ignition state. Changing the ignition state from the OFF mode works in conjunction with the PATS. A programmed key is required to change the ignition from OFF to ON. For additional PATS information, Refer to: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - System Operation and Component Description .
The RFA module provides voltage to the same circuits a conventional ignition switch does by using additional relays to achieve 2 of the 3 standard ignition states (ON and START). Unlike a conventional ignition switch system, the push-button start system does not have an ACC mode. The RFA module only utilizes the OFF, ON and START modes.
Refer to the following table for information about achieving the various ignition states.
| Ignition Entry Condition | Desired Ignition Mode | Action To Take |
|---|---|---|
| Off | ON (engine off) | Press the START/STOP button without applying the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission). |
| Any ignition mode | START | Apply and hold the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission) and then press the START/STOP button. |
| On (engine off) | OFF | Press the START/STOP button. |
| On (engine running) | OFF | Press and hold the START/STOP button. |
The RFA module must recognize a programmed key before it changes the ignition state from OFF.
OFF
The RFA module controls the relays providing voltage to the vehicle electrical systems. When the ignition is in the ON mode, a single press and release of the START/STOP button changes the ignition to the OFF mode. No programmed key is required to change the ignition to the OFF mode when the vehicle is running.
If the vehicle is in motion, a momentary press of the START/STOP button does not shut the vehicle off. If the vehicle is moving, the START/STOP button must be pressed and held for longer than one second to turn the ignition off.
ON
The RFA module must recognize a programmed key before it changes the ignition state out of OFF. When the START/STOP button is pressed when the ignition is off, the RFA module checks the vehicle for a programmed key as part of the PATS function. If no programmed key is detected, the ignition remains off. For additional PATS information, Refer to: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - System Operation and Component Description .
When the ignition is in the ON mode, the RFA module activates the smart keyless entry relays to provide voltage to the vehicle electrical systems.
When the vehicle enters ON mode, multiple indicators in the IPC prove out and the IPC displays the gear selection (automatic transmission) and the vehicle mileage.
START
When the clutch is fully applied (manual transmission) or the brake pedal is applied (automatic transmission) when the START/STOP button is pressed, the vehicle temporarily goes into the START mode until the vehicle starts (so long as a programmed key is detected within the vehicle).
In addition to activating the smart keyless entry relays, the RFA module provides voltage through a separate circuit to the PCM to start the vehicle. This circuit is only used for vehicle starting.
FCDIM Messages
The FCDIM can display messages to indicate a potential concern with the push-button start system. The following FCDIM messages pertaining to the push-button start system are:
- TO START PRESS BRAKE - Momentarily displays when the START/STOP button is pressed without the brake pedal applied (automatic transmission).
- TO START SELECT N OR P - Displays when attempting to start the vehicle and the transmission is not in NEUTRAL or PARK (automatic transmission).
- TO START PRESS CLUTCH - Momentarily displays when the START/STOP button is pressed without the clutch pedal fully applied (manual transmission).
- VEHICLE NOT IN PARK SELECT P - Displays when the START/STOP button is pressed to turn off the vehicle with the transmission in any position other than PARK (automatic transmission).
- KEY NOT DETECTED - Displays when the RFA module searches for a passive key inside the vehicle and no programmed key is detected. Refer to: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - System Operation and Component Description .