Anti-Theft - With Intelligent Access (IA)

Anti-Theft - With Intelligent Access (IA)

Principles of Operation

Push Button Start Components

Passive Start Antennas

There are three passive start antennas. The passive start antennas are hardwired to the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module and, when activated by the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module, they transmit a low frequency signal that activates an Intelligent Access (IA) key.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) /Backup Transceiver

The PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) /backup transceiver is used as a backup device. If the vehicle fails to start conventionally, an IA (Intelligent Access) key can be held in close proximity to the transceiver to allow the vehicle to start. The transceiver is wired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and when activated it sends out a signal to activate an IA (Intelligent Access) key. Once the key is activated, it sends a signal back to the transceiver which is then sent to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module.

Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) Module

The Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module is hardwired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and is a receiving antenna that receives the high frequency signals from an IA (Intelligent Access) key. It also receives the signals from an Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) command.

IA (Intelligent Access) Key

The IA (Intelligent Access) receives the low frequency signals from the passive start 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 RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module. The IA (Intelligent Access) key also contains a key blade that is used to enter the vehicle as a backup.

Start/Stop Switch

The start/stop switch is a momentary contact switch that is hardwired to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module. When the switch is pressed, it signals the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module that there is a request to either switch the ignition on or start the engine.

Push Button Start Operation





The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) function is controlled by the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and PCM.

When the start/stop switch is pressed, the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module initiates the key initialization sequence by activating the 3 interior IA (Intelligent Access) passive start antennas. Each passive start antenna transmits a low frequency signal approximately 1 m (3 ft) radius of each antenna. If an IA (Intelligent Access) key is within range of 1 of the 3 interior passive start antennas, the IA (Intelligent Access) key is activated. Once the IA (Intelligent Access) key is activated, it sends the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) identification code to the Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module via a high frequency signal. The RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module interprets the high frequency signal from the IA (Intelligent Access) key and sends the information to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module over a dedicated network. If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module determines that a programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key is inside the vehicle, it allows the ignition to be transitioned out of off. When the ignition is turned on and the PCM initializes, the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and the PCM exchange their IDs over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module receives a valid key code and the correct ID from the PCM, PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) is enabled and allows the engine to start. If PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) disables the engine from starting, the anti-theft indicator in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) flashes rapidly.

PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) and the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system share the operation of several components including the IA (Intelligent Access) key and the RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module. If there is a concern with either of these components, both PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) and the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system are affected. for information on the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) and IA (Intelligent Access) features.

The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module also controls the ignition modes and in conjunction with the PCM controls the starting system. If there is a concern with starting system or the ignition modes, and PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) has been eliminated as the cause, refer to Starting System for a starting system concern or Steering Column for the ignition modes.

Backup Starting

The vehicle can experience a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) no start if there is a failure of any passive start antenna, the battery in the IA (Intelligent Access) key, or the RFR (Remote Functions Receiver) module. However, in the event of one of these failures, the IA (Intelligent Access) key can be placed next to the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) /backup transceiver (located in the steering column) to allow the vehicle to start. If a programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key is near the steering column shroud when the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) /backup transceiver is activated, it activates the IA (Intelligent Access) key and the identification code is sent back to the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module.

Interior Passive Start Antenna Ranges

NOTE: Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) no-start if the IA (Intelligent Access) key is within a few inches of the charger. If a concern is observed, move the IA (Intelligent Access) key away from the charger and attempt to start the vehicle.

There are 3 passive start antennas that are used solely for the purpose of starting the vehicle. They are located in the front of the floor console, in the rear of the floor console, and behind the rear lower seat cushion. When activated, each antenna sends out a low frequency signal with an approximate range of 1 m (3 ft). A programmed IA (Intelligent Access) key must be in range of 1 of the 3 antennas for PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) to operate.

If an IA (Intelligent Access) key is placed in the far outside edges of the interior, like above a sun visor or in a door map pocket, the vehicle might experience a no-start. If the IA (Intelligent Access) key is located in one of these areas and there is a no-start condition, move the IA (Intelligent Access) key out of the area and attempt to start the vehicle. If the key is outside the range of a passive start antenna, KEY NOT DETECTED is displayed in the Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM).

Key Outside Vehicle Message

The KEY OUTSIDE VEHICLE message is displayed in the FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) when the engine has been started or the ignition is in the RUN mode and an IA (Intelligent Access) key is no longer detected inside the vehicle. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module activates all passive start antennas to search the inside of the vehicle for an IA (Intelligent Access) key anytime a door or luggage compartment lid/liftgate is opened and then closed. This strategy prevents the IA (Intelligent Access) key from being separated from an already running vehicle. If an IA (Intelligent Access) key is no longer in the vehicle, the ignition remains in RUN and the engine continues to run. If the start/stop switch is pressed to turn the ignition off, the engine can be re-started without an IA (Intelligent Access) key present inside the vehicle for approximately 10 seconds. After 10 seconds an IA (Intelligent Access) key has to be present to start the engine or transition the ignition out of off. If the driver door is opened during the 10-second countdown, the fast restart feature is disabled, and an IA (Intelligent Access) key is needed to start the engine again.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) PIDs

The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) PIDS are a useful tool when diagnosing a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concerns.