Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Module, Keyless Ignition Node (Kin): Operation
These are the components that make up the Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) ignition system.
The components are:
- Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)
- 5 Low Frequency (LF) Antennas
- Special Door Handles
- Keyless Ignition Node (KIN)
The ignition system operation begins when an owner approaches the vehicle with a FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) somewhere on their person or belongings, i.e., in their gym bag. When the owner touches the handle to pull the door open, door handle electronics signal the RFH with a "request to open". The RFH uses all of the 5 LF antennas to communicate with the FOB. Once located, the FOB's response is evaluated by the RFH to determine if the person pulling on the door handle is in fact the owner. This process completes 'FOB authentication'.
Once authentication is successfully completed, the RFH requests the Body Control Module (BCM) to unlock the affected door. Once the doors unlock, the owner is then free to continue pulling the door handle in an attempt to enter their vehicle. This process of opening the door without actively using a FOBIK or key is called 'passive entry'. This vehicle when activating the passive entry switch activates the door unlock motor only.
After the vehicle's owner is buckled, he/she pushes the KIN's Start/Stop Button (SBB) while pushing the brake pedal as if braking while coming to a stoplight. (For manual transmission vehicles the clutch pedal is depressed instead of the brake pedal to initiate a start procedure). Before the vehicle is allowed to start, another 'FOB authentication' cycle must be completed. Once successfully completed, the RFH next sends the BCM the ignition switch position, which equates to a 'request to start' command. The process of starting a vehicle without the act of using a bladed key or FOBIK is called 'Keyless Go'.
The passive entry works when the FOBIK can be located outside the vehicle using the LF antennas. Keyless go operates when the RFH can locate the FOBIK inside the vehicle. Please refer to the owner's manual for more information on authentication zones.
After putting the vehicle into park, pushing the KIN's SSB allows the vehicle's engine to be shut off. In an emergency, pressing the SSB continuously for 2 seconds or repeatedly (one hit every 30- 500msec) shuts off the engine.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.