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Steering Column Switches




Steering Column Switches

The steering column switches consist of the following components:

- Multifunction switch

- Steering column control switch

- Start/Stop switch

The steering column switches receive driver inputs and send signals to various components. The multifunction switch controls the windshield wipers, turn signal, headlamp low/high beam and headlamp flash-to-pass. The adjustable steering column is controlled by an electrical motor that is activated by the steering column control switch mounted on the LH side of the lower steering column shroud. The vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, a push button, momentary type, start/stop switch is used in place of a lock cylinder operated ignition switch.

Push Button Start System Ignition States

The push button start system has 4 ignition modes:

- OFF

- ACC

- RUN

- START

The start/stop switch is used in conjunction with the Intelligent Access (IA) key and brake pedal to achieve the different ignition modes as indicated in the table below. For additional information on the IA (Intelligent Access) key, refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.

Push Button Start Ignition Modes






Accessory (ACC) Mode

To achieve ACC mode, press the start/stop switch for less than one second without applying the brake pedal. When the vehicle is in accessory mode, the message center in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) will briefly display PRESS BRAKE TO START, then display ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE. When the vehicle is in ACC mode, electrical accessories such as the audio system and power windows will operate. Pressing the start/stop switch a second time without the brake applied will turn the ignition off. Pressing the start/stop switch a second time with the brake applied will start the engine.

If the ignition is left in the ACC mode, the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module will change the ignition state to OFF after 60 minutes have passed in order to avoid draining the battery.

RUN (ON) Mode

To achieve RUN mode, press and hold the start/stop switch for at least one second without applying the brake pedal. While in RUN mode, multiple indicators in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) will prove out (just like a vehicle equipped with an ignition key cylinder), the indicator in the start/stop switch will illuminate and the message center will display the vehicle mileage and current transmission gear selection. All circuits that are powered in ACC mode will be powered in RUN mode. It is important to note that the engine cannot be immediately started from RUN mode. The engine can only be started from the OFF and ACC modes.

If the ignition remains in the RUN mode with the engine off for more than 30 minutes, the Body Control Module (BCM) changes the ignition mode to OFF to avoid draining the battery. The ignition does not turn OFF if a battery charger or scan tool is connected to the vehicle.

Starting the Engine (START)

To start the engine, apply the brake pedal while pressing the start/stop switch. The vehicle can only be started from the OFF and ACC modes. The engine cannot be started immediately from RUN mode. To start the engine from RUN mode, press the start/stop switch once to transition to OFF mode, then apply the brake pedal while pressing the start/stop switch.

OFF Mode

From the RUN or ACC mode, momentarily pressing and releasing the start/stop switch will place the vehicle in OFF mode. If the engine is running and the vehicle is in motion, a momentary press of the start/stop switch will not shut OFF the engine. If the vehicle is moving, the start/stop switch must be pressed and held for longer than 1 second or pressed 3 times within 2 seconds to achieve OFF mode.