The Tech Bench
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, Today’s push-button ignition systems will allow engine starting as long as the “smart” key/fob is inside the eliminating the need to rotate vehicle within range of the receiver system. a mechanical key in an ignition switch cylinder. ‘Smart’ keys Enter the wireless “remote” key fob, Call them what you will: keyless entry, “smart key,” proximity fob or proximity smart keys, proximity keys, proximity fobs card. Depending on vehicle make/model/ or cards, etc. year, this may look like a traditional “fob,” The car makers have been on a binge of or a thin plastic card, similar to a credit offering “advanced” features relative to card. the unlocking/locking of doors, control of Note that a transponder key is not the windows, moon roofs, mirrors, seat adjustsame as a proximity fob/card. A transponment, radio presets, and remote engine der key features a small “chip” inside the starting via key “fobs” that are carried on key head that sends a signal to the signal the driver’s person. amplifer and in turn to the ECU. This disA plethora of labels have been given to engages the immobilizer system and allows these gadgets. Following are the names for engine starting. A proximity fob, or proxim- these systems per car brand. ity card, merely needs to be in the range of the system in order for the system to allow Acura: Keyless Access System engine starting via a push button ignition Audi: Advanced Key switch. BMW: Comfort Access
18 | September/October 2014
