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 Key Fob. When the operator presses the KIN ignition button the Key Fob is interrogated by the Radio Frequency Hub (RF-Hub). If the Key Fob 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 Key Fob to confirm that the Key Fob is located inside the vehicle.
• Once located, the Key Fob 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 'Key Fob 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 sensor 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 FOB NOT DETECTED OR LOW BATTERY 

If the Key Fob battery has a low battery level or there is interference of the signal from the Key Fob (examples are the Key Fob 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 Key Fob authentication:

• Press the front of the Key Fob on the center of the Engine Start/Stop button perpendicular to the surface of the button.
• Hold the Key Fob for two seconds after while pressing the Engine Start/Stop button with it to complete authentication of the Key Fob.
• 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 Key Fob or an interference scenario.