Silent Key Start (SKS)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Silent Key Start (SKS) is essentially the ability for the customer to get in the vehicle, turn the key to crank, and start the vehicle (it would enter run mode) with the engine OFF.

The transaxle is required to permit the vehicle to operate in a silent start mode. If both the engine coolant and the transaxle fluid temperatures are between 4°C (40°F) and 43°C (110°F) when the driver requests the vehicle to start, the vehicle will enter run mode with the engine off.

The engine will remain off until the driver shifts out of PARK and 1 or more of the following conditions are met:

the vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
the distance traveled is greater than 3 m (10 ft).
the accelerator pedal position is greater than 5 counts, about 1%.

The engine may pull up at any time to facilitate the climate control function or to charge the high voltage battery.