18 | September/October 2014
Today's key fobs/
smart keys
While technological advances provide
convenience, they can also cause problems
By Mike Mavrigian
I
n these days of vehicle
owner expectations for their
vehicles to perform tasks
that would previously require a
minor physical or mental effort
on their part, the remote "key"
has become a mainstay of late
model design. Rather than
inserting a metal key into a
tumbler lock (obviously a task
that requires far too much effort
and manual dexterity), we now
expect to press a button on a
wireless transmitter to perform
this arduous chore of locking
or unlocking the vehicle doors.
Push-button ignition switches
have also become commonplace,
eliminating the need to rotate
a mechanical key in an ignition
switch cylinder.
Enter the wireless "remote" key fob,
"smart key," proximity fob or proximity
card. Depending on vehicle make/model/
year, this may look like a traditional "fob,"
or a thin plastic card, similar to a credit
card.
Note that a transponder key is not the
same as a proximity fob/card. A transpon-
der key features a small "chip" inside the
key head that sends a signal to the signal
amplifer and in turn to the ECU. This dis-
engages the immobilizer system and allows
engine starting. A proximity fob, or proxim-
ity card, merely needs to be in the range of
the system in order for the system to allow
engine starting via a push button ignition
switch.
'Smart' keys
Call them what you will: keyless entry,
smart keys, proximity keys, proximity fobs
or cards, etc.
The car makers have been on a binge of
offering "advanced" features relative to
the unlocking/locking of doors, control of
windows, moon roofs, mirrors, seat adjust-
ment, radio presets, and remote engine
starting via key "fobs" that are carried on
the driver's person.
A plethora of labels have been given to
these gadgets. Following are the names for
these systems per car brand.
Acura: Keyless Access System
Audi: Advanced Key
BMW: Comfort Access
The Tech Bench
Today's push-button ignition systems will allow engine
starting as long as the "smart" key/fob is inside the
vehicle within range of the receiver system.