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Pinpoint Test L: The Engine Does Not Start




Anti-Theft - With Intelligent Access (IA)

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test L: The Engine Does Not Start

Normal Operation

During each vehicle start sequence, when the start/stop switch is pressed, the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) activates all 3 passive start antennas, which send out a low frequency signal. If an Intelligent Access (IA) key is within range of an passive start antenna, the low frequency signal activates the IA key. When the IA key is activated it sends a high frequency signal to the Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module. The RFR module communicates with the RFA module. If the RFA module determines that a programmed IA key is in the vehicle, it interacts with the PCM to start the vehicle.

If the vehicle has a failure of any passive start antenna, the battery in the IA key, or the RFR module, the vehicle can experience a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) no-start. However, in the event of one of these failures, the IA key can be placed in the backup slot (located in the center console) to allow the vehicle to start. The backup transceiver is located next to the backup slot and activates an IA key if it is placed in the slot. The backup transceiver is hardwired to the RFA module and when it is activated, sends out a low frequency signal. If a programmed IA key is in the backup slot when the backup transceiver is activated, it activates the IA key and the identification code is sent back to the RFA module through the backup transceiver.

Once the RFA module determines that a programmed IA key is inside the vehicle and receives a request to start the engine, it turns the ignition ON and communicates with the PCM over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). Once the ignition mode is turned ON, both the RFA module and PCM check the parameters against what has been programmed into them. If there is a programmed IA key inside the vehicle and the parameters are correct, then the RFA module and PCM enable the starter relay and fuel injectors.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Starting system concern
- Driveability concern
- PATS concern

PINPOINT TEST L: THE VEHICLE DOES NOT START

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L1 CHECK FOR ANY MESSAGES IN THE MESSAGE CENTER

- Check the message center while pressing the start/stop switch.
- Is NO KEY DETECTED displayed in the message center?

Yes
GO to Pinpoint Test O. Pinpoint Test O: NO KEY DETECTED Is Displayed In The Message Center

No
GO to L2.

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L2 CHECK THE IPC OPERATION

- Observe the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) operation while pressing the START/STOP switch.
- Do some of the indicators in the IPC illuminate?

Yes
GO to L3.

No
GO to L4.

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L3 CHECK FOR RFA MODULE DTCs

- Retrieve the RFA module continuous DTCs.
- Are any RFA module DTCs present?

Yes
REFER to DTC Charts. Anti-Theft - Without Intelligent Access (IA)

No
The no-start condition is not PATS-related. REFER to Starting System Testing and Inspection to diagnose the cause of the no-start condition.

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L4 CHECK FOR COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCAN TOOL

- Refer to Inspection and Verification in Module Communications Network Testing and Inspection, and follow the procedure to establish a session with the vehicle.
- Does the scan tool establish communication with the vehicle?

Yes
REFER to Steering Column Switches Testing and Inspection to diagnose no power in RUN.

No
REFER to Module Communications Network Testing and Inspection to diagnose no communication with the RFA module or the PCM.

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