Ford Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

General

RKE systems use mechanical/electrical door latches individually controlled by the corresponding door control module.

Door control modules send and receive commands between each other and the generic electronic module (GEM) using the controller area network (CAN) bus.

When a key is turned in the door lock cylinder, a lock or unlock signal is sent to the associated door control module. The door control module sends a signal to the GEM. The GEM issues a signal to the remaining door control modules, which in turn command the latches to operate.

RKE is achieved by the transmission of a coded RF signal from a transmitter contained in the vehicle key. The signal is received by the RF receiver located above the headliner in the vicinity of the overhead console. The received signal is passed onto the GEM where it is decoded. If the coded signal is valid, the GEM will issue a command on the CAN bus circuit to operate the door latches or liftgate/luggage compartment lid release.

The signals received by the GEM from the RF antenna or the door control modules is also used to arm and disarm the vehicle security systems, illuminate the interior lights and operate the global closing functions.

Liftgate/Luggage Compartment Lid Latch

The liftgate/luggage compartment lid latch is a mechanical latch with a electric motor to drive the latch release. The liftgate/luggage compartment lid latch has no remote mechanical release facility.

The command to open the liftgate/luggage compartment lid latch is sent by the GEM. However the input command to the GEM can be issued by the exterior liftgate/luggage compartment lid release switch, the interior liftgate/luggage compartment lid release switch or the RF receiver.

When the liftgate/luggage compartment lid is closed, the latch is automatically locked.

Door latch

Door latches have mechanical latch release with electric motor operated locking and double locking function.

When the door latch is locked, the exterior door handle is disengaged from the door latch.

Incorporated within the door latch is a door ajar switch. The door ajar switch monitors the latch position and supplies information to the door control module. This information is sent to the GEM for use in warning systems, locking functions and alarm system.

Central Locking

The central locking system locks all the doors and the liftgate so that they cannot be opened from the outside using the exterior door handles but can still be opened from inside using the interior door handles.

The central locking function is actuated if one of the following conditions is satisfied:

• A key is inserted into a door lock cylinder and turned to the lock position.
• The locking button on the remote transmitter is pressed once.
• The interior door handle is pushed inwards.

If one of the doors is not fully closed when the central locking function is carried out, all the doors are locked and unlocked again.

An automatic re-locking function returns the locking system to its last state of central locking (or double locking) if the following conditions are satisfied:

• The vehicle is unlocked by the remote transmitter.
• Neither a door or the liftgate has been opened within 45 seconds.
• The ignition is not switched ON.

The central locking system also controls the fuel filler door, which prevents it from being opened when the central locking system is in the locked state.

For additional information on the central locking system, refer to the Owner's Handbook.

Double Locking

The double locking system has the same functionality of central locking but also prevents the doors from being opened from inside using the interior door handles.

The double locking function is actuated if one of the following conditions is satisfied:

• A key is inserted into a door lock cylinder and turned to the lock position twice within 3 seconds.
• The locking button on the remote transmitter is pressed twice within 3 seconds.

The turn signal lamps flash to confirm when the vehicle has been double locked.

For additional information on the double locking system, refer to the Owner's Handbook.

Vehicles with Keyless Vehicle System

General

The keyless vehicle system is designed to eliminate the need to use a conventional key.

The basic function of the keyless vehicle system is to allow the operator to gain entry to and operate the vehicle without the need to insert or turn any form of key.

This is achieved through a passive key which contains a low frequency radio receiver, in addition to the normal transponder and radio frequency (RF) transmitter used for remote keyless entry. When this receiver detects a signal, it triggers transmission from the RF subsystem which identifies the passive key to the vehicle.

The keyless vehicle system uses a set of low frequency transmitting antennas in the exterior door handles, behind the rear bumper cover and inside the vehicle itself. These are selectively activated to determine the position of the passive key. In particular, this is used to determine whether a valid passive key is inside or outside the vehicle and therefore whether the vehicle should be locked, unlocked or be prepared to start.

To minimize the risk of scanning during the use of the passive key, the keyless vehicle system is equipped with a rolling code. This means that the code received by the keyless vehicle module changes after each successful operation.

To unlock the vehicle

With a valid passive key within the detection range of the door antennas the vehicle can be unlocked (and opened) by pulling an exterior door handle. Switches in the exterior door handles detect the handle pull and this triggers the passive keyless entry system. The keyless vehicle module sends a low frequency (LF) activation signal to the passive key through the activated exterior door handle antenna. The passive key answers with a radio frequency (RF)-response. If the received response is from a valid passive key, the keyless vehicle module drives the unlatch motors and issues an 'unlock' message to the door control modules through the generic electronic module (GEM).

After 5 days of the vehicle not being used and with no attempt to gain access to the vehicle, the keyless vehicle system will enter a low power mode. This has the effect of reducing the reaction time. In particular there may be a significant delay after pulling the door handle until the door opens. After the vehicle has been opened once, the keyless vehicle module will leave the low power mode and return to the normal operating mode.

To lock the vehicle

To lock the vehicle, all doors must be closed and a passive key coded to the vehicle must be in range of the exterior keyless vehicle antenna before the lock button on the exterior door handle or liftgate/luggage compartment lid is pressed.

If a lock button on the front door handle(s) is pressed and a valid passive key is detected by the corresponding exterior door handle antenna then the keyless vehicle module issues a lock message to the door control modules through the GEM.

Pressing an exterior door handle push button twice within a short period of time is used to request a double locking operation.

Passive locking will only occur if:

• The keyless vehicle system determines that there is a valid passive key in the vehicle exterior operating range
• All the doors are closed
• The gear selector is in the P position (automatic transmission vehicles only).
• The engine is not running.

A successful locking operation will be shown by the turn signal indicators flashing.

Back-up mode

There are several circumstances in which the normal passive entry/start may not be possible:

• Radio frequency transmitter/receiver is jammed due to radio frequency interference.
• Passive key (electronics) broken
• Passive key battery flat
• Vehicle fault

If keyless entry is not possible, the user must use the back-up mechanical key. This must be assembled as the mechanical key blade is stored under a cover on the passive key. Once the mechanical key has been assembled it can be used in the key barrel in the driver door.

If keyless start is not possible, pressing the Start/Stop switch will cause a normal interior scan to take place and when this fails to detect a passive key, the keyless vehicle module will attempt to read the transponder. If this is successful the electronic steering lock is unlocked, the ignition lines set and the mobilization dialog with the GEM starts.

Passive Key

The passive key is designed to be unobtrusive and robust.

The primary function of the passive key is to receive requests from and transmit coded signals to the keyless vehicle module. Concealed within the passive key, is an emergency mechanical key.

The passive key also has standard lock, unlock and liftgate/luggage compartment lid release buttons. Their functionality is similar to the normal RKE function on non-keyless vehicle system equipped vehicles.

Passive keys have to be programmed to the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to: Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Programming (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, General Procedures).

Electronic Steering Column Lock

In the keyless vehicle, the conventional mechanical steering column lock is replaced by a software controlled electronic steering column lock.

The electronic steering column lock is only powered by the keyless vehicle module for steering lock when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is not running.

The electronic steering column lock has a unique identifier code which is learnt by the keyless vehicle module

One of the following conditions must be apparent, for the electronic steering column lock to be unlocked:

• The driver door is opened within 45 seconds after a valid passive key or remote keyless entry has been used to unlock the vehicle.
• The brake pedal in automatic transmission vehicles must be pressed or the clutch pedal in manual transmission vehicles must be pressed. and a valid passive key is detected inside the vehicle.
• The Start/Stop switch is pressed and a valid passive key is detected inside the vehicle.

Pressing the Start/Stop switch causes the following electronic steering column lock unlock sequence to begin:

• The keyless vehicle module powers the electronic steering column lock control electronics
• The keyless vehicle module confirms the electronic steering column lock status and checks that the unique identifier code from the electronic steering column lock matches with the one in the keyless vehicle module memory
• If these are OK, the keyless vehicle module powers the lock motor of the electronic steering column lock and issues the unlock command

One of the following conditions must be apparent, for the electronic steering column lock to be locked:

• The ignition switch position (within the Start/Stop switch) is OFF for more then 45 seconds.
• The engine is indicating zero speed and its mode is stopped.
• The vehicle and wheel speeds are indicating that the vehicle is stationary.

The last two conditions are checked over a period of time to make sure that the steering column is not locked in a transitory stop situation.

Keyless Vehicle Antenna

The keyless vehicle antenna function is to transmit a low frequency (LF) signal to the passive key while it is inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

If at any time the passive key leaves the passenger compartment while the vehicle is unlocked or the ignition switch is in the accessory, run or start positions, the interior keyless vehicle antenna will loose the signal from the passive key and the keyless vehicle module will indicate in the instrument cluster warning display, that no passive key is present within the vehicle.

The vehicle has 4 keyless vehicle antennas installed. They are located in the front and rear of the floor console, behind the rear seat backrest and behind the rear bumper cover.

Liftgate/Luggage Compartment Lid Release Switch

The liftgate/luggage compartment lid release switch is located within the licence plate illumination panel.

When the liftgate/luggage compartment lid release switch is pressed, a challenge is sent to the passive key, if the passive key is valid, a signal triggers the keyless vehicle module to initiate the open command to the central locking/unlocking system.

Exterior Door Handle Keyless Vehicle Antenna and Lock Switch

The exterior door handle keyless vehicle antenna and lock switch is a combined unit that is seen simply as the exterior door handle lock switch.

The function of the lock switch is to send a signal to the keyless vehicle module to indicate the intent to lock the vehicle.

The function of the exterior door handle keyless vehicle antenna is to challenge the passive key within a pre-defined area of the front exterior door handle.

Liftgate/Luggage Compartment Lid Lock Switch

The liftgate/luggage compartment lid lock switch is located within the licence plate illumination panel.

The function of the liftgate/luggage compartment lid lock switch is to send a signal to the keyless vehicle module to indicate the intent to lock the vehicle.

Pressing the liftgate/luggage compartment lid lock switch instructs the keyless vehicle module to central lock the vehicle. This requires that a valid passive key is detected by the keyless vehicle luggage compartment antenna.

Keyless Vehicle Module

The keyless vehicle module is located in the loadspace trim panel area.
For additional information, refer to: Keyless Vehicle Module (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation).

Its function is to interface with the components that comprise the keyless vehicle system. These include:

• Door latches and integral supplementary motors
• Instrument cluster liquid crystal display (LCD)
• Exterior door handle keyless vehicle antenna
• Exterior door lock buttons
• Interior door lock button
• Liftgate/luggage compartment lid release switch
• Liftgate/luggage compartment lid lock switch
• Interior keyless vehicle antennas
• Electronic steering column lock
• Start/Stop switch
• Passive key
• Passive anti-theft system (PATS)

Communication between the component and the keyless vehicle module is predominantly by hard wire as this reduces the delay in communication between components.

The communication between the keyless vehicle module, the instrument cluster and the GEM is carried out through the medium speed controller area network (CAN) bus.

The communication between the keyless vehicle module, the powertrain control module (PCM) and the GEM is carried out through the high speed controller area network (CAN) bus.

Door Latch

Keyless vehicle door latches incorporate an extra electric motor to replace the exterior door handle mechanical latch release function during keyless vehicle system operation.

In the event of mechanical key operation, the normal latch exterior door handle linkage will be utilized.

Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster displays the keyless vehicle system state in the LCD warning display.

The instrument cluster also acts as the interface between the PATS transceiver, PCM and the keyless vehicle module.

Start/Stop Switch

The start function is also controlled by the passive key. If the clutch pedal on manual vehicles or brake pedal for automatic vehicles is pressed, the keyless vehicle module will challenge the passive key using the interior keyless antenna and allow the operator to press the Start/Stop switch and the electronic steering column lock to release and start the engine.

The Start/Stop switch acts in a similar way to a conventional ignition switch, so that by pressing the Start/Stop switch without pressing the clutch pedal on manual vehicles or the brake pedal for automatic vehicles, gives the ignition ON position and by pressing the Start/Stop switch and simultaneously pressing the clutch pedal on manual vehicles or brake pedal for automatic vehicles gives the engine cranking and engine running positions.

To stop the engine, the driver presses the Start/Stop switch. This operation is only possible when the vehicle speed is less than a predefined limit, however a long press or repeated press of the Start/Stop switch will stop the engine at any speed, but the electronic steering lock will not operate until the vehicle is stationary.

The passive anti theft system (PATS) is disarmed when the passive key emergency key transponder is read by the PATS transceiver during the starting function.