Description And Operation: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Jeep Renegade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH) and the ESL are no longer linked electronically. During servicing, one can be replaced independently of the other.

Steering column locking

Before sending the steering locking request to the ESL, the BCM checks the following parameters:

Ignition status: the transition from "ON" or "ON" with engine running statuses to the "OFF" status must be detected.
Driver side door status: the transition from "driver side door closed" status to "driver side door open" status must be detected.
For versions with automatic transmission only. Automatic transmission status: the transmission must be in Park ("P") status.

If one of the three conditions is not satisfied, the BCM will not send the steering column locking request to the ESL.

If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, the BCM will only check the first two parameters (ignition status and driver side door status). If they are satisfied, the ESL will lock the steering column when the vehicle speed is below a minimum threshold.

The electric steering lock detects the vehicle speed signal from the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module. The acquisition of the speed signal continues even after the ignition switch is turned to "OFF".

Steering column unlocking

When the BCM receives the information that the "Start & Stop" button has been pressed from the RFH, it requests that the RFH carry out key recognition. If the key is identified as a "valid key", the BCM will send a steering column unlocking request to the ESL. If instead the key is identified as an "invalid key" or "missing key", the BCM will not send any steering column unlocking request.