Module, Keyless Ignition Node (Kin): Operation

The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) replaces the conventional key and ignition switch with a momentary button press and a wireless electronic FOBIK. When the operator presses the KIN ignition button the FOBIK is interrogated by the Radio Frequency Hub (RF-Hub). If the FOBIK is recognized as belonging to the vehicle and in the vehicle interior, the system allows the ignition state of the vehicle to be changed by the vehicle operator between the LOCK  , ACCESSORY  , RUN  , and START  ignition states. This causes changes in the ignition status signals on the vehicles Controller Area Network-Chassis (CAN-C) data bus and hardwired outputs controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM) which is the starting system master. Keyless GO control is indiscernible from legacy conventional control using a rotational switch and key. The K-line and the Engine Start/Stop Button hardwire signals are used in conjunction to determine the Engine Start/Stop button states.

KIN Function 

• When the KIN is pressed, the RF-Hub receives a "request to start" signal.
• The RF-Hub module then uses the Low Frequency (LF) antennas to communicate with the FOBIK to confirm that the FOBIK is located inside the vehicle.
• Once located, the FOBIK response is evaluated by the RF-Hub to determine if the person pushing on the KIN button is in fact the owner. This process completes 'FOBIK authentication'.
• The RF-Hub needs to verify the brake pedal position for starting. When the brake is applied, the brake active sense signal is generated sent by the BCM over the CAN bus.
• Once successfully completed, the RF-Hub sends the ignition switch position to the BCM to perform the requested function.

KIN illumination 

• The KIN receives K-Line communication from the RF-Hub to illuminate the ignition position Light Emitting Diodes (LED) associated with the current ignition position.
• The RF-Hub controls dimming based on the following bus messages from the BCM:
  • Sun senor daylight data from the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) module
  • Instrument panel illumination which is controlled by thumb wheel next to the headlamp switch

KEY FOBIK NOT DETECTED OR LOW BATTERY 

If the FOBIK battery has a low battery level or there is interference of the signal from the FOBIK (examples are the FOBIK is placed next to or in close Proximity of electronic badges, cell phones, metal objects) which prevents the RF-Hub and KIN from performing the normal RF based Keyless Go authentication, the KIN module has a backup means to perform the FOBIK authentication:

• Press the front of the FOBIK on the center of the Engine Start/Stop button perpendicular to the surface of the button.
• Hold the FOBIK for two seconds after while pressing the Engine Start/Stop button with it to complete authentication of the FOBIK.
• The back up KIN (START) process includes:
  • Pressing the Engine Start/Stop button once transitions the ignition state to ACCESSORY  (ACC).
  • Pressing the Engine Start/Stop button again transitions the ignition state to RUN. 
  • Pressing the Engine Start/Stop button again transitions the ignition state to OFF. 
  • Pressing the Engine Start/Stop button once with brake applied transitions the ignition state to START. 

This is required so as not to strand a customer due to a low power battery issue in the FOBIK or an interference scenario.