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Understanding "Smart Key" Vehicle Access Systems

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

What The Smart Key Does

The smart key allows the driver to keep the key fob in their pocket when unlocking, locking and starting the vehicle. The key is identified via one of several antennas in the car's bodywork and a radio pulse generator in the key housing. Depending on the system the vehicle is automatically unlocked either as soon as the door handle (or trunk lid) is operated or after a button located on the vehicles exterior is pressed.

Vehicles with a smart key system fitted are required to have a mechanical backup, usually in the form of a key cylinder operated by a spare key blade supplied with the vehicle. Some manufacturers hide the key cylinder behind a cover for styling. The smart key system also means that the immobilizer is disengaged and the ignition is activated electronically without inserting the key in the ignition. The driver must have the key with them inside the car before the engine can be started. On most vehicles this is done by either pressing a starter button or twisting an ignition switch. When leaving a vehicle equipped with smart key, the vehicle is locked by either pressing a button on one of the door handles, touching a capacitive area on a door handle or by simply walking away from the vehicle. The method of locking varies between models.

Some manufacturers allow driver's memory seat positions to be automatically adjusted based on the module used to unlock the car, which means that seat positions, steering wheel adjustments (if electrically adjusted) exterior mirror settings, climate control temperature settings and stereo preferences can be automatically engaged just by unlocking the car.

 

For Simplicity, Our suppliers use the single term "Smart Key" for these systems that have different names from all the manufacturers

 

Manufacturers' different names for their version of Keyless Access

Acura: Keyless Access System
Audi: Advanced Key
BMW: Comfort Access
Cadillac: Adaptive Remote Start & Keyless Access

Chrysler Sentry Key Immobilizer System "SKIS"

Dodge: Keyless Enter-N-Go
Ford: Intelligent Access with push-button start
General Motors: Passive Entry Passive Start
Hyundai: Proximity Key
Infiniti: Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
Jaguar Cars: Smart Key System
Jeep Sentry Key Immobilizer System "SKIS"
KIA: Keyless Entry
Lexus: SmartAccess System
Lincoln: Intelligent Access System
Mazda: Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System
Mercedes-Benz: Keyless Go integrated into SmartKeys
Mini: Comfort Access

Nissan: Intelligent Key

Subaru: Keyless Smart Entry With Push-Button Start
Suzuki: SmartPass Keyless entry & starting system
Toyota: Smart Key System
Volkswagen: Keyless Entry & Keyless Start or KESSY
Volvo: Personal Car Communicator "PCC" and Keyless Drive or Keyless Drive