Lincoln Aviator: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Vehicles With: Phone as a Key / Description and Operation - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - System Operation and Component Description

System Operation

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

  RFA Module Network Input Messages

  BCM Network Input Messages

Phone as a Key System

The Phone as a Key feature is controlled by the RFA module through bluetooth and the TCU over wi-fi. Phone as a Key system functionality is the same as the RKE system.
Refer to: Locks, Latches and Entry Systems (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Diagnosis and Testing).
It enables the use of a customers registered and authorized connected mobile device to deliver the features provided by the RKE transmitter.

The customer downloads the Lincoln Way Mobile app to their registered and authorized connected mobile device. The activation state is reached when the user has a valid customer access key on their registered and authorized connected mobile devices and in their vehicle. This also provides that the TCU, the GWM, and the cloud based Global Vehicle Management System to acknowledge the presence of and communicate with the RFA module.

The registered and authorized connected mobile device, sends a bluetooth signal out and is received by the bluetooth antennas. This message is then sent via LIN to the RFA module. The RFA module communicates its message via HS-CAN4 to the GWM and the TCU. The GWM communicates via HS-CAN1 to the BCM. This now initiates the functions of the RKE that allows the vehicle's doors to lock and unlock as well as starting the vehicle.

The backup starting passcode allows the customer to access and operate the vehicle in case the mobile device is not present or depleted battery or any other reason that prevents the RFA module from detecting the mobile device or recognizing the customer access key.

The Phone as a Key incorporates both the PATS and the RKE transmitter functions in a single device. During phone programming procedures, the phone and the RFA module are both programmed into the cloud based Global Vehicle Management System. The system accepts programming of up to 4 registered and authorized connected mobile devices.

The RFA module receives the bluetooth signal from the bluetooth antennas. When the RFA module is activated by one of the bluetooth signals, it sends out a signal that is received by the BCM, the GWM and the TCU.

The Lincoln Way app must remain logged in on the vehicle owner’s registered and authorized connected mobile device in order for the Phone as a Key feature to function with the vehicle. If the Lincoln Way app tab is logged off the vehicle owner’s registered and authorized connected mobile device the Phone as a Key feature will not work.

If a vehicle owner wants to operate more vehicles from their registered and authorized connected mobile devices, the correct vehicle on the App will need to be selected from the vehicle selection menu.

The Phone as a Key function will keep and maintain all of your memory profiles that were programmed into the vehicle, if it has been associated to a profile.

The registered and authorized connected mobile device communicates with the vehicle via wireless communication using the bluetooth standard as defined in the Bluetooth Core Specification version 4.2 or later.

NOTE: The Ford Call Center Representative or using the Concierge icon on the Lincoln Way app is capable of explaining the processes of requesting or revoking keys to the user so that the customer can successfully complete these processes using their Lincoln Way Mobile app.

Phone as a Key Range

NOTE: When approaching the vehicle line of sight, access to the vehicle owner's mobile device must exist to allow the vehicle to establish a blue tooth connection. Testing has indicated that bluetooth signals can be blocked by body interference. Such as placement of the mobile device in a back pocket or stored in a backpack/ briefcase.

The vehicle is able to connect to registered an authorized mobile device(s) located within 131 feet (40m) of the vehicle.

The vehicle recognizes the authorized mobile device(s) approaching the vehicle when it is within 19 1/2 feet (6 meters) from the vehicle.

For the passive entry features, the authorized connected mobile device must be within 6 1/2 feet (2 meters) for this feature to operate properly.

When the registered and authorized connected mobile device is out of bluetooth range 131 feet (40m) the Lincoln Way app provides a visual indication in the display of app command icons to indicate which commands will not be sent over bluetooth. These commands are inactive until the device is within bluetooth range. At ranges beyond 131 feet (40m) selectable Lincoln Way app commands are completed after a cellular signal is received from the mobile device by the TCU.

PATS Parameter Identifications (PIDs)

In conjunction with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), the Phone as a Key PID are useful tools when diagnosing Phone as a Key system concerns.

  BCM PID Chart

No Key Detected Message

NOTE: Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a concern if the authorized mobile device is within close proximity of the charger. If a concern is observed, move the authorized mobile device away from the charger and attempt to turn the ignition on.

There are scenarios in which the No Key Detected message displays in the message center.

• The user initiates a connection termination. Examples are the authorized mobile device is turned off, the key is revoked, or there is a Phone as a key reset initiated.
• The authorized mobile device is not paired with the RFA module.
• The location of the authorized mobile device is outside of the vehicle.
• The authorized mobile device is turned off.
• The user's body or some other obstruction to prevent the RFA module from receiving a signal.
• The authorized mobile device’s bluetooth is turned off or the mobile device is in airplane mode.

The inside of the vehicle is searched for an authorized mobile device when a door or the liftgate is opened and closed while the vehicle is running as well as the first time during each drive cycle the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph) or the brake pedal is pressed. The No Key Detected message displays in the message center and the horn chirps twice when the ignition is on and a authorized mobile device is no longer detected inside the vehicle.

This strategy deters the authorized mobile device from being separated from a vehicle with the ignition ON. If an authorized mobile device is no longer in the vehicle, the ignition remains on and the vehicle continues to operate. When the START/STOP button is pressed to turn the ignition off, the ignition can be restarted without an authorized mobile device present inside the vehicle for approximately 20 seconds. After 20 seconds have elapsed, an authorized mobile device must be present to transition the ignition out of off.
Refer to: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - System Operation and Component Description (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Description and Operation).

Component Description

Bluetooth Antennas

NOTE: Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a Phone as a Key concern if the Phone as a Key is within a few inches of the charger and the No Key Detected message displays in the message center. If a concern is observed, move the Phone as a Key away from the charger and attempt to transition the ignition on.

Bluetooth antennas allow the owner to utilize their registered and authorized connected mobile devices for traditional RKE transmitter purposes like remote operation (remote start, luck/unlock, etc), passive entry, passive charge code unlock and passive start.

External environmental effects such as temperature differentials may influence the external/internal antennas for registered and authorized connected mobile devices location calculation. Other external environmental issues that can affect bluetooth antenna function can also come from ultra high frequency (UHF) devices, other bluetooth devices, radio frequency barriers, fluid spills on the antenna, ice/snow and dust/mud covering the antenna.

RFA Module

The RFA module stores the customer access key. The RFA module is the interface for all Phone as a Key activity.

The Lincoln Way app communicates with the RFA module. The RFA module communicates with the BCM to complete the commanded function from the registered and authorized connected mobile device.

After a new bluetooth module is installed, there is no need to re-authorize the Phone as a Key system. The RFA module and the registered and authorized connected mobile device stores the subscription for the Phone as a Key. When the a new module is installed the new module must go through an initialization procedure. A Target ID Transfer process is initiated for the RFA module in order to transfer secure data and authenticate communications between the BCM and the RFA module. Once a RFA module is installed in the vehicle and power is detected the RFA module starts the initialization process with onboard modules such as BCM, and TCU, GWM, and the cloud-based Global Vehicle Management System.

A Phone as a Key reset procedure can be initiated from the APIM that is initialized by the vehicle owner to clear all keys. The customer access key in the RFA module is deleted, all backup starting codes/all passwords on the RFA module are deleted. The registered and authorized connected mobile device customer access key is deleted. The vehicle owner remains authorized and subscribed to Phone as a Key System. REFER to the owner literature for complete Phone as a Key reset procedures.

The APIM allows Master Reset of Phone as a Key system only if the vehicle is in the RUN mode. For example, the ignition status signal is equal to RUN. The APIM cannot be in a valet mode. The Master Reset function, initiated via APIM, removes all Phone as a Key rights from the vehicle. REFER to the owner literature for the Master Reset procedure.

If the RFA module is replaced, perform secure code unlock then carry out a PATS module initialization and a PMI. At the end of the installation, the vehicle owner's mobile device must be paired to the new module. Once the RFA module is replaced the customer must request a new customer access key through the Lincoln Way mobile app and when received the customer needs to perform a basic check to make sure functionality is restored. The door code and vehicle PIN will also be lost. The customer will be required to set-up the backup passcode feature prior to using the back-up starting procedure for Phone as a Key. Until then the customer will have to rely on the PATS backup starting procedure.
Refer to: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Overview (419-01C Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Vehicles With: Phone as a Key, Description and Operation).
or Refer to: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Overview (419-01B Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), Description and Operation).
with their RKE transmitter.

TCU

The TCU is the gateway between the on-board client, RFA module and the Phone as a Key Off Board Client, New Generation Service Delivery Network (SDN) to provide secure communication.
Refer to: Information and Entertainment System - System Operation and Component Description (415-00 Information and Entertainment System - General Information, Description and Operation).

The TCU requires PMI when it is replaced. Replacement of the TCU has no impact on the customer access key.

BCM

The BCM is responsible for controlling electronic accessories in the vehicle’s body. When the BCM is replaced, perform secure code unlock then carry out PMI and the parameter reset procedure. This will have no impact on the customer access key. The RFA module initiates a request to BCM for passive command execution.