Principles of Operation

Starting System

Principles of Operation

The starting system is electronically controlled by the PCM. The PCM receives the following inputs:

- Transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, from the digital Transmission Range (TR) sensor (located In the transmission)

- Correctly coded ignition key, from the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), vehicles equipped with PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System)

- Starter motor request, ignition switch in the START position

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, voltage is supplied to the Body Control Module (BCM) internal logic. A starter motor request signal is also sent to the PCM. If the PCM recognizes the correct input signals, it provides the starter relay coil with both voltage and ground. The starter relay contacts close, providing voltage to the starter solenoid, allowing the starter motor to activate. The starter motor continues to crank until the ignition key is released from the START position.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission have a digital TR (Transmission Range) sensor. The digital TR (Transmission Range) sensor prevents operation of the starter motor unless the transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.

Manual transmission equipped vehicles have a CPP (Clutch Pedal Position) switch. The CPP (Clutch Pedal Position) switch prevents operation of the starter motor unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.

Remote Start

NOTE: Diesel engines have a 3 second delay before the engine starts.

Under normal operation, a remote start event is initiated by pressing a sequence of buttons on the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT). The factory equipped remote start system does not operate if the ignition is in the RUN/START position or the hood is not closed.

The remote start system can be enabled or disabled by the customer. When enabled, the customer can set the engine run time for 5, 10 or 15 minutes. For additional information on setting the engine run time, refer to the Owner's Literature or Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.

The remote start system enables the engine to be started from up to 100 meters (328 feet) away and is activated by pressing the lock button on the IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter), to make sure the doors are locked, followed by 2 presses of the remote start button. The 3 button presses must occur within 3 seconds. The system acknowledges the start request by flashing the exterior lights twice. Once started, the engine runs for 10 minutes (default run time is 10 minutes; the time can be programmed by the customer to 5, 10 or 15 minutes) and the parking lights remain illuminated until the cycle is complete. The remote start duration can also be extended by initiating remote start while the first timer is still running or by initiating a completely independent start cycle when the first has completed. No more than 2 remote start sequences can occur within a one hour period, unless the ignition is set to the RUN/START position between the remote start requests. During the remote start cycle the power windows are inhibited and the radio will not turn on automatically but may be switched on manually from inside the vehicle. If the remote start system fails to start the horn will chirp twice.

To transition from remote start mode to drive mode, use a programmed IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) to switch the ignition to the RUN position. If a programmed IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) is not used, the engine shuts off.

To deactivate the remote start system, press the remote start button once. When deactivating the remote start system the parking lights turn off to give a visual indication that the engine and climate control features have turned off. It may be necessary to be closer to the vehicle to deactivate the remote start feature than it was to initiate it due to ground deflections and added noise from the engine running.

When a remote start event is initiated the following vehicle features operate depending on Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) :

- HVAC system automatically operates, dependant on previous HVAC system settings. For additional information on operation of the HVAC during a remote start event, refer to Heating and Air Conditioning.

- Climate controlled seats (if equipped) are activated. For additional information on operation of the climate controlled seats during a remote start event, refer to Seats.

- Heated mirrors (if equipped) are activated. For additional information on operation of the heated mirrors during a remote start event, refer to Mirrors.