Smart key
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Smart key is an electronic access and authorization system which is available as an option or standard in several cars. It was first used by Mercedes-Benz in 1999.[1]
How it works
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 cars 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) 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 this the key cylinder behind a cover for styling.
The smart key system also means that the immobiliser 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.
Nomenclature
Manufacturers use keyless authorization systems under different names:
- Acura: Keyless Access System
- Audi: Advanced Key
- BMW: Comfort Access
- Cadillac: Adaptive Remote Start & Keyless Access
- 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 Immobiliser 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
- Mitsubishi Motors: FastKey
- Nissan: Intelligent Key
- Porsche: Porsche Entry & Drive System
- Renault: Hands Free Keycard
- Ssang Yong: Smart Key System
- 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
Insurance standard
In 2005, the UK motor insurance research expert Thatcham introduced a standard for keyless entry, requiring the device to be inoperable at a distance of more than 10 cm from the vehicle. In an independent test, the Nissan Micra's system was found to be the most secure, while certain BMW and Mercedes keys failed, being theoretically capable of allowing cars to be driven away while their owners were refueling.[2] This isn't really a problem for Toyota, Lexus and Mercedes keys however, as the car can determine the key's location (inside, right side, left side, rear of car, or even in the trunk/boot) and act appropriately; the car will not start if the key is determined to be outside the car.[citation needed]