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.
Operation When Intelligent Key Is Carried
Models with steering lock unit
- When the push-button ignition switch is pressed, the BCM activates the inside key antenna and transmits the request signal to the Intelligent Key.
- The Intelligent Key receives the request signal and transmits the Intelligent Key ID signal to the BCM.
- BCM receives the Intelligent Key ID signal via remote keyless entry receiver and verifies it with the registered ID.
- BCM transmits the unlock signal to steering lock unit and IPDM E/R if the verification results are OK.
- IPDM E/R turns the steering lock relay ON to supply power source to the steering lock unit.
- The steering lock releases.
- BCM transmits the power supply stop signal to IPDM E/R when detecting that the steering lock is in the unlock condition.
- IPDM E/R turns the steering lock relay OFF to stop power supply to the steering lock unit.
- BCM turns ACC relay ON and transmits the ignition power supply ON signal to IPDM E/R.
- IPDM E/R turns the ignition relay ON to start the ignition power supply.
- BCM detects that the selector lever position and brake pedal operating condition.
- BCM transmits the starter request signal to IPDM E/R and turns the starter relay in IPDM E/R ON if BCM judges that the engine start condition is satisfied.
- IPDM E/R turns the starter control relay ON when receiving the starter request signal.
- Power source is supplied to the starter motor through the starter relay and the starter control relay.CAUTION: If a malfunction is detected in the Intelligent Key system, the "KEY" warning lamp in the combination meter illuminates. At that time, the engine cannot be started.
- When BCM receives feedback signal from ECM indicating that the engine is started, the BCM transmits a stop signal to IPDM E/R and stops cranking by turning OFF the starter motor relay. (If engine start is unsuccessful, cranking stops automatically within 5 seconds.)CAUTION: When the Intelligent Key is carried outside of the vehicle (inside key antenna detection area) while the power supply is in the ACC or ON position, even if the engine start condition* is satisfied, the engine cannot be started.
*: For the engine start condition, refer to "POWER SUPPLY POSITION CHANGE TABLE BY PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH OPERATIONΒ ".
Models without steering lock unit
- When the push-button ignition switch is pressed, the BCM activates the inside key antenna and transmits the request signal to the Intelligent Key.
- The Intelligent Key receives the request signal and transmits the Intelligent Key ID signal to the BCM.
- BCM receives the Intelligent Key ID signal via remote keyless entry receiver and verifies it with the registered ID.
- BCM turns ACC relay ON and transmits the ignition power supply ON signal to IPDM E/R if the verification results are OK.
- IPDM E/R turns the ignition relay ON to start the ignition power supply.
- BCM detects that the selector lever position and brake pedal operating condition.
- BCM transmits the starter request signal to IPDM E/R and turns the starter relay in IPDM E/R ON if BCM judges that the engine start condition is satisfied.
- IPDM E/R turns the starter control relay ON when receiving the starter request signal.
- Power source is supplied to the starter motor through the starter relay and the starter control relay.CAUTION: If a malfunction is detected in the Intelligent Key system, the "KEY" warning lamp in the combination meter illuminates. At that time, the engine cannot be started.
- When BCM receives feedback signal from ECM indicating that the engine is started, the BCM transmits a stop signal to IPDM E/R and stops cranking by turning OFF the starter motor relay. (If engine start is unsuccessful, cranking stops automatically within 5 seconds.)CAUTION: When the Intelligent Key is carried outside of the vehicle (inside key antenna detection area) while the power supply is in the ACC or ON position, even if the engine start condition* is satisfied, the engine cannot be started.
*: For the engine start condition, refer to "POWER SUPPLY POSITION CHANGE TABLE BY PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH OPERATIONΒ ".
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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