| MadSci Network: Engineering |
Greetings: Automotive security systems are continuing to evolve. The new Delphi Automotive Systems Corporation which was recently spun out of General Motors, contains the old GM components organizations including Delco Electronics which has engineered and manufactured GM's security systems in the past. You can find much information about Delphi's security products on their web site: http://www.delphiauto.com. The GM PASS-Key II system is the one with a resistor chip embedded in the shaft of the ignition key. When the ignition key is used for the first time at the factory the car's computer measures the exact value of the resistor and places it in memory. From that time on, the key will not start the engine unless the same exact resistor value is embedded in the key. Similar to PASS-key is the PASSlock theft-deterrent system. With PASSlock, when you turn the ignition lock, a sensor in the lock sends a resistance code to the on-board computer. If the code isn't correct, the computer shuts off the fuel to the vehicle's engine. PASSlock doesn't require a coded resistor pellet in the key. Both systems have been incredibly successful in limiting theft of GM vehicles. In fact in 1984, before this system was developed, the National Highway Transportation Administration reported that 13 of the top 20 stolen cars were GM models. By 1995, no GM vehicles were on the top 20 list. Delphi’s new auto security systems contain a transponder in the key body which sends a code to activate the car’s systems. The driver can also use the code for keyless entry, seat and mirror adjustments and many more features will be added in the future. Over one trillion codes are available in the new system. Rolling codes that automatically change periodically will also provide greater security in the future. As for other manufacturers attempts to increase a vehicle's security, here are just a few examples of the current systems available today. The following information is from the State of Florida Automotive Security Journal, First Quarter 1999: QUOTE: "Chrysler Corporation Sentry Key™ A Vehicle Theft Security System helps deter vandalism and break-ins by monitoring doors, ignition and trunk key cylinders. It comes with the Sentry Key™ Engine Immobilizer that makes it nearly impossible to successfully start without the encoded key, while new lock cylinders contain an extra tumbler to help discourage theft and illegal entry. Ford's SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system This electronic passive anti-theft system is composed of a small transponder embedded in the ignition key designed to prevent the engine from being started without the properly encoded key. The system requires no battery power or electrical connections between the two elements. Keys can only be obtained and programmed at a Ford dealership. Mercedes-Benz has an ignition key so complicated it requires its own set of instructions The electronic key has no steel shank with serrated edges like a normal key. It's a black plastic triangle with a half-inch stub that slips into a slot where the ignition switch is normally located. Twisting the electronic key in the conventional manner sends a signal that starts the engine, if the computer recognizes the code from the key. The computer assigns a new code each time. The rotating-code security system is used by others; such as BMW. Mercedes' innovation is packaging it without a steel key so potential thieves have nothing to copy. You can also use that conventional key to lock valuables inside the glove box and trunk then keep that key when you hand over the electronic ignition key to the valet. New for '99, the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System uses a digital rolling code that makes it nearly impossible to start the vehicle without a factory-coded key. A keyless remote activates the security system, lock and unlock the doors, access a panic mode and pop the trunk. Toyota and Honda vehicles also have an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and remote keyless entry system which is standard on most models." END QUOTE Best regards, Your Mad Scientist Adrian Popa
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