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.
Engine Cranking Diagnostic Mode
The engine cranking diagnostic mode is a powertrain control module (PCM) strategy which is separate from the normal operating strategy. It allows the engine to crank in a similar fashion as a conventional vehicle with the fuel disabled. When in this mode, the PCM commands the transaxle control module (TCM) to spin the generator which cranks the engine with the speed between 900 and 1,200 RPM. To activate the engine cranking diagnostic mode the gear selector must be in the PARK position, the traction battery state of charge must be greater than 45%, and the ignition must be cycled to the START position. The engine cranks as long as the traction battery state of charge stays greater than 35%. The hazard indicator (red triangle) flashing once per second indicates the vehicle is in the engine cranking diagnostic mode. In this mode the throttle plates can be moved from closed to open or open to closed position. After moving the throttle plate position twice, function may be disabled and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2111 may set. To carry out this function again, clear the DTCs and enter this mode again. Refer to the DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING for complete operation procedure to move the throttle plate position. This mode is helpful whenever the engine must be cranked but not started. Carry out the following sequence to activate this mode:
- apply the parking brake
- place the gear selector in the PARK position
- ignition in the OFF position
- ignition in the ON position with the engine OFF
- within 5 seconds of the ignition in the ON position, fully apply the accelerator pedal and hold for 10 seconds
- within 5 seconds release the accelerator pedal, shift the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position and fully apply the accelerator pedal
- hold the accelerator pedal fully applied for 10 seconds
- release the accelerator pedal and shift the gear selector to the PARK position
If the sequence is correctly executed the hazard indicator (red triangle) flashes once per second when the gear selector is shifted to the PARK position. The engine may be cranked by cycling the ignition to the START position. If the ignition stays in the START position for 15 seconds or longer, the PCM may set the DTC P2535. The PCM exits the engine cranking diagnostic mode when the traction battery state of charge drops below 35%, the gear selector is shifted to any gear other than PARK, or when the ignition is turned to the OFF or ACC position.
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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.