With Intelligent Access (IA)

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - With Intelligent Access (IA)

Principles of Operation

Intelligent Access (IA) Components

Exterior Front Door Handles

The exterior front door handles both contain an Intelligent Access (IA) antenna and a capacitive touch lock and unlock sensor. The antennas and lock/unlock sensors are hardwired to the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module. When a lock or unlock sensor is touched, it signals to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module there is an IA (Intelligent Access) request. When the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives the request it activates the IA (Intelligent Access) antenna in the corresponding door handle. The low frequency signal from the IA (Intelligent Access) antenna activates an IA (Intelligent Access) key.

Liftgate Intelligent Access (IA) Antenna

The liftgate IA (Intelligent Access) antenna is hardwired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and, when activated by the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, it transmits a low frequency signal that activates an IA (Intelligent Access) key.

Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) Module

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) module has a dedicated single circuit network to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and is a receiving antenna that receives the high frequency signals from an IA (Intelligent Access) key and RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) commands. The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module also receives Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) data. The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) data is sent to the Body Control Module (BCM) on the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN).

Intelligent Access (IA) Key

The IA (Intelligent Access) key receives the low frequency signals from the IA (Intelligent Access) antennas. When the IA (Intelligent Access) key is activated by one of the low frequency signals, it sends out a high frequency signal that is received by the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module. The IA (Intelligent Access) key also contains a key blade used to enter the vehicle as a backup.

Power Locks





The BCM (Body Control Module) monitors the door lock control switches. When the BCM (Body Control Module) receives an unlock/lock command from either door lock control switch, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends a message to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module to either lock or unlock the doors.

Driver/Passenger Door Intelligent Access (IA) Feature

NOTE: The IA (Intelligent Access) feature is a programmable parameter and can be enabled/disabled with a scan tool. If the feature is disabled, the Intelligent Access (IA) feature to enter the vehicle and passive starting will be inoperative. To start the vehicle, the IA (Intelligent Access) key has to be placed in the backup slot. for information on enabling/disabling the IA (Intelligent Access) feature.

The driver/passenger door IA (Intelligent Access) feature allows the doors to be locked or unlocked without having to use the door lock cylinder, keyless entry keypad or the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) transmitter. With a programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key within 1 m (3 ft) of either front door handle outside of the door, touch the lock or unlock sensor on the exterior door handle and, depending upon which sensor was touched, the doors either lock or unlock. The IA (Intelligent Access) feature from the driver door only unlocks the driver door (with stepped unlock enabled) and the IA (Intelligent Access) feature from the passenger door unlocks all four doors. The IA (Intelligent Access) feature from either front door locks all four doors.

When the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module detects that a lock or unlock sensor is touched on a front exterior door handle, it activates the low frequency antenna in the corresponding exterior front door handle. The low frequency antenna sends out a signal to the IA (Intelligent Access) key. The low frequency signal activates the IA (Intelligent Access) key and the IA (Intelligent Access) key then sends a high frequency signal back to the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module. The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module interprets the high frequency signal from the IA (Intelligent Access) key and sends the information to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module. If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module determines that it is a programmed key, it either unlocks the driver door, unlocks all 4 doors, or locks all 4 doors.

Liftgate Intelligent Access (IA) Feature

The liftgate IA (Intelligent Access) feature allows the liftgate to be opened without using the interior liftgate open/close switch or an RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) command. With a programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key within 1 m (3 ft) outside of the liftgate, press the exterior liftgate switch, and the liftgate opens. When the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module detects a signal from the exterior liftgate switch, it activates the low frequency antenna in the rear bumper cover. The low frequency antenna sends out a signal to the IA (Intelligent Access) key. The low frequency signal activates the IA (Intelligent Access) key and the IA (Intelligent Access) key then sends a high frequency signal back to the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module. The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module interprets the high frequency signal from the IA (Intelligent Access) key and sends the information to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module. If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module determines that it is a programmed key, it sends a message to the Liftgate/Trunk Module (LTM) over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network). When the LTM (Liftgate/Trunk Module) receives an open request message, it opens the liftgate. For operation of the power liftgate and its components, refer to Doors, Hood and Trunk.

Keyless Entry Keypad

The keyless entry keypad is hardwired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module interprets the inputs from the keyless entry keypad and then controls the associated operation. The keyless entry keypad is illuminated for 5 seconds when any button is pressed and when the courtesy lighting is illuminated or when a valid entry code is received. If a lock all doors code is entered, the illuminated entry feature turns off.

NOTE: The keyless entry keypad does not lock the doors if the driver door is ajar.

The keyless entry keypad supplies a signal to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module when the buttons are pressed. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module then supplies voltage to the appropriate door lock actuator(s) to lock or unlock the doors. The keyless entry keypad also causes the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module to send an MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) message to the DSM (Driver Seat Module) to activate all memory features to the positions associated with the personal entry code entered on the keypad.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module interprets radio frequency signals from the IA (Intelligent Access) key transmitters. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module requests the illuminated entry feature to turn the interior lamps on when an unlock command is received. If a lock command is received, the illuminated entry feature turns off.

The IA (Intelligent Access) key transmitter supplies a signal to the TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module when any button is pressed. The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) module interprets the information from the IA (Intelligent Access) key and then sends a signal to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module over a dedicated single circuit network. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module then supplies voltage to the appropriate door lock actuator(s) to lock or unlock the doors or open/close the liftgate. The IA (Intelligent Access) key can also be used to activate the panic alarm.

The RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) feature also causes the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module to send an MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) message to the Driver Seat Module (DSM) to activate all memory features to the positions associated with the IA (Intelligent Access) key being used.

Remote Start

The factory equipped remote start system is controlled by the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) receives the remote start command from the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network). The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives the remote start command from an IA (Intelligent Access) key is very similar to the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) function. For additional information on the factory equipped remote start system, refer to Starting System.

Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Protection

Field-Effect Transistor (FET) is a type of transistor that, when used with module software, monitors and controls current flow on module outputs. The FET (Field-Effect Transistor) protection strategy prevents module damage in the event of excessive current flow.

The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module utilizes a FET (Field-Effect Transistor) protective circuit strategy for many of its outputs (for example, a headlamp output circuit). Output loads (current level) are monitored for excessive current (typically short circuits) and are shut down (turns off the voltage or ground provided by the module) when a fault event is detected. A short circuit DTC is stored at the fault event and a cumulative counter is started.

When the demand for the output is no longer present, the module resets the FET (Field-Effect Transistor) circuit protection to allow the circuit to function. The next time the driver requests a circuit to activate that has been shut down by a previous short (FET (Field-Effect Transistor) protection) and the circuit is still shorted, the FET (Field-Effect Transistor) protection shuts off the circuit again and the cumulative counter advances.

When the excessive circuit load occurs often enough, the module shuts down the output until a repair procedure is carried out. Each FET (Field-Effect Transistor) protected circuit has 3 predefined levels of short circuit tolerance based on the harmful effect of each circuit fault on the FET (Field-Effect Transistor) and the ability of the FET (Field-Effect Transistor) to withstand it. A module lifetime level of fault events is established based upon the durability of the FET (Field-Effect Transistor). If the total tolerance level is determined to be 600 fault events, the 3 predefined levels would be 200, 400 and 600 fault events.

When each tolerance level is reached, the short circuit DTC that was stored on the first failure cannot be cleared by a command to clear the continuous DTCs. The module does not allow this code to be cleared or the circuit restored to normal operation until a successful self-test proves that the fault has been repaired. After the self-test has successfully completed (no on-demand DTCs present), DTC U1000:00 and the associated DTC (the DTC related to the shorted circuit) automatically clears and the circuit function returns.

When each level is reached, the DTC associated with the short circuit sets along with DTC U1000:00. These DTCs can be cleared using the module on-demand self-test, then the Clear DTC operation on the scan tool (if the on-demand test shows the fault corrected). The module never resets the fault event counter to zero and continues to advance the fault event counter as short circuit fault events occur.

If the number of short circuit fault events reach the third level, then DTCs U1000:00 and U3000:49 set along with the associated short circuit DTC. DTC U3000:49 cannot be cleared and the module must be replaced after the repair.

The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module utilizes FET (Field-Effect Transistor) protected output circuits for the handles, locks, and latches system is the keypad illumination output circuit and the front exterior door handle capacitive touch input circuits.