A Brief History of the Remote Keyless Entry System
Always looking for more convenience, the automotive companies are continuously upping their game. This development includes improving several aspects of vehicle production, such as design elements, fuel consumption, and remote keyless entry.
Traditionally, accessing and starting your car involved using a physical car key. However, traditional keys fell out of fashion as more advanced and convenient alternatives replaced them. Luckily our auto locksmiths have made sure to stay on top of the technology.
In the last few decades, car keys have evolved to such an extent that you no longer need to even touch a button to enter your vehicle.
Introduction of the Keypad
The 1980s saw the first instances of a keyless entry system. At that time, keyless meant replacing the traditional key with a keypad mounted on the driver’s door, usually above the door handle.
The Ford and Lincoln motor companies were among the first to introduce the keyless system in their vehicles, with many automakers inside and outside the US followed suit soon after. Initially, the keypad consisted of five buttons to allow entering a five-digit code. When the driver entered the correct code, the driver’s door would unlock, while unlocking other doors required entering different codes.
But there was more in store for keyless technology.
In 1982, Renault, a French automaker, presented the world with a remote keyless system that featured a handheld transmitter on its Renault Fuego. Compared to keypads, this innovation resulted in better security against auto theft. Moreover, it inaugurated the age of remote access.
The Remote Keyless System
Also referred to as remote central locking or keyless entry, the remote keyless system features an electronic lock that allows access to a house or a vehicle without using a traditional key. This system involves using a handheld remote control that performs the same functions as a standard key.
The keyless system could be activated automatically by proximity to some vehicles. The car detects the key fob using radio waves, then locks or unlocks car doors within a certain range.
Furthermore, a remote keyless system can incorporate keyless entry to access your vehicle, and keyless ignition to start the engine.
How it Works
Whether activated with a push of a button or by proximity, the operation of the remote keyless system, or RKS for short, is almost the same.
Within a specific range, usually, 10 to a little over 50 feet, a short-range radio transmitter embedded within the key fob sends a message to a receiver unit in the vehicle.
The “Message” is a coded signal that is unique to a single car. When the receiver verifies the code is correct, the doors lock or unlock. In the 1990s, automakers started to incorporate encryption, as well as rotating codes to prevent car burglars from intercepting the signal.
Usually, your car indicates the doors are locked or unlock using flashing lights or a special sound.
The remote key fobs usually feature a few buttons to open or lock doors, and popping the trunk open. Some key fobs also have a “Panic” button, which turns on the car alarm. Additionally, for more convenience, many key fobs feature buttons to close or open windows, and also for starting the engine remotely.
Up until a few years ago, most car owners could manually reprogram their key fobs by pressing a button on the key fob. However, recently, only a dealership or an auto locksmith can reprogram your car key as it requires sophisticated equipment and software.
Pros and Cons of the Remote Keyless Entry System
The ability to open your car doors by pushing a button or simply by walking up to your car make life a little easier, especially if you have elderly passengers, children, or even while carrying groceries.
Moreover, the remote ignition feature is useful during cold weather.
However, although more secure than older systems, the RKS is not totally impregnable.
Criminals have been able to gain access to vehicles fitted with remote entry using signal boosters. These signal boosters make the car falsely detect key fobs are nearby. Nevertheless, better encryption and constantly-changing codes make auto theft much harder to accomplish nowadays.
The Bottom Line
Truth be told, the invention of the remote keyless system is a milestone in the automotive industry. This type of system has its merits, such as convenience and relatively better security.
But the system is not perfect. It is possible to intercept the coded signal exchanged between a car and its key fob, which could result in someone stealing your vehicle.
The automotive industry is progressing at a rapid pace, though. This means new, more secure options are ready or will be available for you to access your vehicle.
Not long ago, a few automakers announced their intention to discard the traditional car key or fob, and replace them. What would they replace them with? Mobile apps of course.
Maybe we are going to witness a day when car owners no longer carry car keys. Time will tell.
Call (773) 521 7000 or visit our locksmith store at 4346 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632 for automotive locksmith services from Chicago Car Keys.