Automotive Keyless Entry Testing

Keyless entry

You will require a PicoScope to perform this test. A list of suitable accessories can be found at the bottom of this page.

The purpose of this test is to evaluate the operation of keyless entry and keyless starting systems with Pico Technology’s Keyless entry signal carrier detector. There are many different names for the same system, but it is most commonly referred to as smart entry/start or Passive Keyless Entry (PKE).
Safety notice – please be advised that these systems utilize radio waves. If you have a pacemaker, these radio waves may influence the operation of the pacemaker.
Please note that once the vehicle has been locked, the system constantly searches for a key within the detection zones. For initial testing, you will have to lock the vehicle and place the key outside of the zones. This will make the Keyless entry signal carrier detector able to pick up a signal.
Note: Bodywork repairs with any additional paintwork to the door handles can have a considerable effect on the operation of the keyless entry system.

How to perform the test

Accessories TA330 Keyless entry signal carrier detector PicoScope settings: Channel A Keyless entry  Detector DC coupled Input range: ± 5 V Time base 1 s/div Sample count 1 MS Trigger – no trigger required at first but may be useful later on when you are getting clearer capture Channel A: Auto rising edge Time base 1 ms/div Approximately 2 V ​

How to connect PicoScope

Make sure that the vehicle is locked and that the key is outside the detection zones.
Connect the Keyless entry detector to Channel A on the PicoScope
Run your scope by pressing either the spacebar on your keyboard or the Go button in PicoScope
Hold the Keyless entry detector up to the door handle. Start around 300 mm away from the door handle and move it closer or further away until you find the signal.
Stop the scope by pressing either the spacebar on your keyboard or the Stop button in PicoScope.
Use the Waveform Buffer to scroll through your captured waveforms to assess the keyless entry system when the key is out of reach for the vehicle.
All values included in the example waveforms are typical and not specific to all vehicle types.
Channel A. Indicates the low-frequency pulse emitted by a functioning electrical key antenna with the vehicle locked and the key outside of the detection zones.
Refer to vehicle technical data for specific test conditions and results.

Figure 2: Example waveform 1 – ± 5 V and 1 s/div

1. Low-frequency signal emitted by a functioning electrical key antenna at an approximate interval of 0.25 seconds.
2. Note how the voltage changes across the capture. This is due to the Keyless entry detector being moved closer to the door handle. The closer it gets the stronger the signal.

Figure 3: Example waveform 2 – ± 5 V and 1 ms/div

Changing the base time to 1 ms/div and adding a trigger to Channel A on auto rising edge of approximately 2 V has made it easier to see a clearer waveform.

Figure 4: Example waveform 3

Diagnosis

The output from a functioning electrical key antenna can be measured using the keyless entry detector, confirming activity of the antenna under test. Locking the vehicle and removing the key will trigger the LF signal to start searching for a key in the detection zone as in example waveform 1. Each antenna transmits the request signal received from the certification ECU and forms a key detection area to detect the presence of a key. The detection area formed by the front door antenna and outside luggage antenna is approximately 0.7 to 1.0 m (2.30 to 3.28 ft.) from the outside handle of the front door and rear bumper.
When the key is brought into the detection area the signal from the electrical key antenna will change. This is visible in Example waveform 3. The voltage no longer spikes (depending on where the key detector is placed).

Figure 5: Example waveform 4 – ± 5 V and 1 s/div with key in detection zone

It is worth noting that most systems will extend the pulse time if the vehicle’s sensor cannot find a key in the detection zone or if the touchpad on the handle is pressed in a specified time. This usually happens after a period of 5 days, changing the signal from 25 ms to 75 ms. If the vehicle is left longer (approximately 14 days), with no activation or key detected, the system will deactivate to avoid draining the battery.

Figure 6: Detection zones

Further uses

The keyless entry signal carrier detector can also be used to detect start systems. Most vehicles equipped with a smart entry will also have a keyless start system. Electrical key oscillators are positioned at various points throughout the vehicle to help detect when the key is in the car.
Electrical key oscillators can be pinpointed with the keyless entry detector lead by “sniffing” out the emitted radio waves. As with the electrical key antennae, the closer you are to the source, the greater the output. This process can also be used to check if the start/stop button is working correctly.

Figure 7: Example waveform 4

It is also important to note that the system times out at around 30 secs of the door being opened. It can only be started again when the door has been closed or opened, or by operating the courtesy light switch.

Troubleshooter

1. Key battery – if you have any entry issues with a vehicle, your first port of call should always be to check the battery in the key fob.
2. Vehicle battery – It is also recommended to check the status of the battery before you move on testing the entry system.
3. Bodywork - Any additional paintwork to the door or the door handle could affect the output of the electrical door antennas.
4. Location - Any facilities that generate strong radio waves, such as a TV tower, power plant, broadcast station or gas station will have an impact on the signals.
5. Mobile phones – Carrying a mobile phone near or with the key may also affect the entry system
6. The system is turned off – Some manufacturers give the customer the option to turn the keyless entry/start system off.
7. Programming – It may be that the key isn’t programmed to the vehicle.

While the Keyless entry detector can provide a non-intrusive indication of electrical key antenna’s and electrical key oscillators’ activity, there may be additional diagnosis methods at your disposal. Most manufacturers will utilize self-diagnosis procedures or allow for controller interrogation with a scan tool which can support any errors found with keyless entry and keyless start.
For vehicles without self-diagnosis facilities, or where the relevant scan tool/software cannot gain controller access, the Keyless entry detector provides essential information on whether the system is operating as it should or if there are certain dead zones where a key oscillator is no longer working and the key cannot be detected.

Disclaimer
This help topic is subject to changes without notification. The information within is carefully checked and considered to be correct. This information is an example of our investigations and findings and is not a definitive procedure. Pico Technology accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies. Each vehicle may be different and require unique test settings.