Start Switch Lockout - Discovered & Solved
 

I was updating my cubby tablet computer which requires disconnecting the start switch. This time I didn't push to OFF position before disconnecting it; and when I reconnected it the switch no longer worked. The car was not running, but the AC blower was on and I could not turn it off or start the car. I had to disconnect the battery to get it to shut off, and then I was unable to switch back to ACC or ON. My first inclination was that I had damaged the cable or connector; but it all appeared OK. I then pulled and checked the start switch fuse and other electronics fuses in the driver's kick panel all to no avail. The start switch light came on, but it still wouldn't function. Then I noticed that the light would not even come on.

At this point, panic was pretty well setting in displaced only by "Help me find my way out of this" desperation prayers because I was almost certain it was going to require a tow to the dealer. I went to the service manual thinking I might find which pins on the start switch connector to short; but then came across "IGNITION RELAY ON STUCK" on page PCS-15. Included in the instructions for diagnosing with Consult (which I obviously don't have) was this bit ...

- Press and hold the push-button ignition switch for 2 seconds or more.
- Press the push-button ignition switch 3 times within 1.5 seconds

I tried this and the car started! That feeling of relief is impossible to describe. I guess there's 2 or 3 lessons here, I'll pass along in the hope that it will help the next guy.

1) Everything in your car is controlling or controlled by the CAN bus computer so forget about things behaving as you think they should if you worked on cars before this era.

2) It's probably best to turn everything off before disconnecting or reconnecting something. The service manual says to disconnect the battery which is obviously the safest practice.

3) If you're going to work on your car, you need to download and save the service manual (which you can find by Google search). I also recommend to print out the Table of Contents, as you will never be able to figure out the chapter abbreviations. Odds are you won't bother to read or search it until you're back is against the wall and you're trying to figure out what you just did! Being prepared for this eventuality will help reduce your stress.

4) Stay calm and ask for help, even (or especially) if it's from your Higher Power. At this point you want to avoid acting rashly and creating an even bigger problem. Instead, try to note EXACTLY what is happening to help you think a little more clearly and patiently read through the service manual.