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.
Standard Starting System
When pressing the Keyless Ignition Node (KIN Button):
- A request is sent to Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) over a private Local Interface Network (LIN) bus.
- The RFH receives the request from the KIN and then searches for the valid key by using the Low Frequency (LF) antennas.
- If the RFH detects a valid key and the brake is engaged, the RFH sets the ignition position to START/CRANK.
- The Body Control Module (BCM) turns the Ignition status to START/CRANK.
- The BCM sends a command to turn the vehicle to the CRANK to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
- If conditions are correct to start, the PCM turns on the high side of the PCM starter relay and turns the Crank Hold Signal to true.
- If the BCM is still in crank and the Crank Hold is true, the BCM turns on the low side of the BCM starter relay driver allowing the engine to start cranking.
- Once the engine is started, the PCM deactivates the double start over ride.
- The BCM will then deactivate the starter relay either when the engine starts or the maximum time has been reached for the tip start feature. Maximum time is 10 seconds for gas engines and 25 seconds for diesel engines.
- The RFH changes the ignition position to RUN when the maximum time expires or the PCM indicates that the vehicle is not in (PΒ ) Park or (NΒ ) Neutral.
The engine can be manually shut down by the driver with speeds over 5 miles per hour (mph) in any gear.
For the Ignition Node Module (IGNM) equipped vehicles, when the driver turns the ignition to the start position, the RFH sets the ignition status to START/CRANK. The functionality is the same as KIN equipped vehicles except that it is not wirelessly detected.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
