Starting System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) that disables the engine from cranking and starting if an unprogrammed Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) key is used or an invalid Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ID is received. Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). If there is a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) concern that cause the engine to be disabled, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) displays "STARTING SYSTEM FAULT" in the message center. Anti-Theft Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) .

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 Transmission Range (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. Once the starter motor begins to crank, the ignition switch may be released to the RUN position.

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.

If cumulative crank time exceeds 60 seconds within 60 minutes, the starter will be inhibited for 15 minutes and the PCM sets a DTC. Refer to the Owner's Literature for more information.