Ignition Switch: Description and Operation

IGNITION SWITCH

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

IGNITION KEY REMINDER TONE ALARM
The ignition key reminder tone alarm will sound. under the following condition, and warn the driver to remove the ignition key.
- The driver's door is opened when the ignition switch is at "LOCK" (OFF) or "ACC" position without removing the ignition key.

However, the light reminder tone alarm will take precedence over this function.

DOOR LOCK PREVENTION FUNCTION
If the key is left in the ignition switch while the driver's door opened or the assistant door opened, all doors are automatically unlocked to prevent locking the ignition key in the vehicle after the door is locked.

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The immobilizer system consists of the ignition key, the immobilizer-ECU, key ring antenna, and the ECM or PCM . The ignition key has a built-in transponder. Only the registered ignition key permits the engine to start, therefore, the engine can never be started by means of a forged key or by connecting the ignition wiring directly. The system is significantly safe and reliable against theft. In addition, the driver has only to turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position to activate the immobilizer system. If the requirements for starting the engine are not satisfied, the engine will be immobilized. If a registered ignition key is lost, all your ignition keys need to be registered again using scan tool MB991958 (MUT-III Sub Assembly) to ensure security. An additional ignition key can be registered as follows (only if no ignition keys are lost):

- Using scan tool MB991958 (MUT-III Sub Assembly).
- By operating two ignition keys that have been already registered.

OPERATION
1. When the ignition switch is turned to "ON" position, the ECM or PCM sends a requirement for the encrypted code to the immobilizer-ECU (at this time, the engine is remobilized).
2. When the immobilizer-ECU receives the requirement from the ECM or PCM , the immobilizer-ECU supplies power to the transponder inside the ignition key via the antenna. The energized transponder sends the encrypted code back to the immobilizer-ECU via the antenna.
3. The immobilizer-ECU judges the encrypted code with its code logic in itself. If they are identical, the immobilizer-ECU sends the encrypted code to the ECM or PCM .
4. If the ECM or PCM can not receive the encrypted code, the engine will be immobilized.

DISPOSITION WHEN REPLACING IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM RELATED PARTS

The replacing immobilizer system related parts is as follows. When the ignition key is re-registered with the MUT-III, the originally registered ignition key registration information will be lost.

NOTE: When the ECM or PCM other than immobilizer system is rewritten, it is not necessary to register the ignition key again.