Push Button Start Ignition System Overview

The push button start ignition system uses the following components:

• Ignition switch (push button start)
• BCM
• Stoplamp switch
• Front PATS antenna
• Passive key
• RTM
• PCM

The available push button start modes are:

• OFF
• ON
• START

To achieve any ignition mode other than OFF, the passive key must be present inside the vehicle. The driver does not need to perform any actions on or with the passive key to operate the push button start system. Pressing the ignition switch causes the BCM to activate the front PATS antenna. The front PATS antenna then sends out a Radio Frequency (RF) signal to the passive key. The passive key responds by transmitting a Radio Frequency (RF) signal to the RTM. The RTM then sends a CAN message to the BCM that the passive key has responded. Based on the ignition switch and stoplamp switch inputs, the BCM activates the appropriate ignition mode.

Push Button Start System Message Center Messages 

The message center provides instruction for operating the push button start system. These messages pertain to the push button start system:

• Press brake to start - Momentarily displays when the ignition switch is pressed without the brake pedal being applied.
• Key not detected - Displays if the passive key is not detected by the RTM while attempting to start the vehicle or enter ON mode. If this message is observed with the passive key located inside the vehicle, Refer to: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) .