Ignition Switch System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility and 2022 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The BCM controls the ignition modes, including OFF, ACC, ON and START. This allows some systems to be activated without starting the vehicle.

The BCM provides voltage at all times to the ignition switch. Depending on the ignition switch position, voltage may be routed to one or two of the ignition switch input circuits back to the BCM.

OFF

When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, the switch is open, preventing any voltage signals from reaching the BCM. When the BCM does not detect voltage from any of the ignition mode-designated circuits, the BCM interprets this as the ignition off mode.

The BCM communicates the ignition mode to the other modules by sending an ignition status message over the CAN and does not energize any relays to prevent voltage from being distributed to the various electrical systems.

ACC

When the ignition switch is in the ACC position, the switch routes voltage through the ACC-designated circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets this as the ignition accessory mode.

The BCM communicates the ignition mode to the other modules by sending an ignition status message over the CAN and energizes the accessory designated relays and provides power to some electrical systems.

When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the switch routes voltage through the ACC-designated and ON-designated circuits to the BCM. The BCM interprets this as the ignition on mode.

The BCM communicates the ignition mode to the other modules by sending an ignition status message over the CAN and activates the internal run/start relay, providing ignition power to the various vehicle systems and modules.

START

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, the switch routes voltage through the ON-designated and START-designated circuits to the BCM.

The BCM interprets this as the ignition start mode and communicates the ignition mode to the other modules by sending an ignition status message over the CAN. Additionally, the ignition switch routes voltage to the PCM indicating a request to start the vehicle.

The START-designated circuit is only used for vehicle starting.

Ignition Key Inhibit

The ignition key inhibit feature prevents the ignition lock cylinder from being rotated to the OFF/LOCK position when the vehicle is not in PARK.

The key removal inhibit solenoid receives battery voltage at all times. The ground control circuit for the key removal inhibit solenoid is routed to a park detect switch within the selector lever assembly. The ground is controlled by the BCM.

When the selector lever is in PARK, the park detect switch inside the selector lever assembly is open, preventing the solenoid from actuating. When the selector lever is moved out of PARK, the switch closes and completes the circuit to the BCM.

The BCM controls the ground by means of a Field Effect Transistor (FET). The BCM enables the path to ground when it detects the vehicle is not in PARK based on messages received over the CAN.

When the selector lever is in PARK, the key removal inhibit solenoid deactivates and allows the ignition lock cylinder to be turned to the OFF/LOCK position to remove the key.