smart key care and feeding - Page 2 - GreenHybrid

memiller · #11 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 08:52 AM

I was fortunate that the key did not get sick until I was returning, and did not die until the next day, at which point I borrowed my wife's key. A replacement is on order.

I can only assume that if it had died while I was out there I would be stuck.

smoke · #12 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 06:24 PM

[quote=memiller]I was fortunate that the key did not get sick until I was returning
QUOTE]

Are there signs of sickness? I have a fear of the battery in the device going dead without warning signs of any kind.

PalmTreeHugger · #13 (**permalink**) 11-24-2006, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OakTCH

One annoyance: if you open the driver's side door, only that door unlocks. If you open the passenger's side door, all the doors unlock. I'd prefer having all the doors unlock when the driver's door is opened. I've heard that this is a setting that can be changed by the dealer, but I haven't checked it out myself.

Instructions are in the Owners Manual to reprogram this feature yourself. I changed mine on my TCH but do not remember how. It was simple, I do know that.

greenvillehybrid · #14 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorontoTCH
According to my Canadian manual page 40, it says" Hold the LOCK, ALARM and TRUCK buttons on the remote together for 5 seconds then release." You should hear 2 beeps after.

I tried last night and it worked.

This was from the TCH thread. Another member and I tried it and it worked like a charm. BTW, I am in US and it works on US models.

smoke · #15 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 06:25 PM

I'm still looking for information about the average normal lifespan of the battery inside the smart key fob.

JeromeP · #16 (**permalink**) 12-25-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoke

I'm still looking for information about the average normal lifespan of the battery inside the smart key fob.

Two to 3 years, give or take. Unlike a passive fob which most other cars have, the smart kek fob has to both transmit and receive. Other fobs just have to transmit, so they use no power when they are not transmitting. That is why lots of folks with passive fobs see to only replace the batteries in the fob infrequently.

bar10dah · #17 (**permalink**) 12-26-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wbruff

My understanding of the technology involved here is that they are a passive device similar to the electronic security tags that you'll find on merchandise in the store.

Anything like an RF ID tag? Anyone concerned that it's hackable?

http://www.rootsecure.net/content/do...d_analysis.pdf

JeromeP · #18 (**permalink**) 12-27-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bar10dah

Anything like an RF ID tag? Anyone concerned that it's hackable?

http://www.rootsecure.net/content/do...d_analysis.pdf

It isn't a true RFID tag. It may seem like RFID in concept, but it is not based on the RFID standard. The thing about RFID is that true RFID tags have no power source. The tag is designed to use the RF signal to generate enough energy to activate the tag so the RFID reader can read the tag. Don't ask for engineering specifics, as I don't have them. However, the smart key fob has an internal power source and will activate its transmission of its ID to the vehicle when it receives the "inquiry" transmission of the smart key system from the car. The transmission from the fob is both stronger than an RFID tag, and must have a longer duration than is necessary for the purposes of RFID. Plus, the smart key transmissions are periodic when near the exterior of a locked vehicle.

Additionally, you can "see" the communications between the car and key if you hold the key and bring it close to the car. The red "function" light will flash as the key receives transmissions from the vehicle.

Not the most scientific answer, but the best I can muster.