Mercedes

Electronic ignition locks have become an attribute of Mercedes cars in the late 90s of the last century. Then, using a special key, the opportunity arose, at a distance, to open the car door. With it, the engine was also started - if the ignition key was “seen,” recognized as family, then the lock was unlocked, and the control unit received permission to start. The key to the shape of a Mercedes resembled a fish, for which he immediately received the appropriate name - they began to call it short and affectionately “fish”.

How it works

It is about getting access to the control of the car after the key mersedes is in the ignition lock. The scheme of work looks like this. After pressing the key, the limit switch signals the system that it is time to start acting. The coil immediately creates an induction field around the key, it also serves as power for it - this is the answer to why it does not need batteries. This is followed by key identification and if everything goes well - the Mercedes key is recognized as its own, then the steering shaft of the steering column is unlocked by the locking device and the engine is ready to start. It remains only to protect against unexpected steering lock while driving, that is, to remove power from the steering shaft lock — turn the key from the “0” position, and you can go.

However, it is only at first glance, it seems that getting access to driving is easy. In fact, the electronic system is complex, so-called mixed code is used to exchange information between the smart key mersedes and the ignition lock. The system performs its recalculation after each session of gaining access to the engine, it is impossible to determine the algorithm by which it occurs.

The electronic key seriously complicates the work of hackers. After all, even if they manage to mechanically open the doors and get into the salon, then it is unlikely that the engine can be started - everything is blocked. The security device installed in the car immobilizer, blocks the work of vital vehicle systems - for example, ignition, fuel supply, and without a key, without receiving the appropriate command, the engine will not work.
The key is not luxury, but the first need

Without a key, do not get into the cabin, do not start the car. Sadly, for some reason it can be lost and as a result we have to face a number of problems. First, it is quite expensive to create a new electronic key, without having its “native” counterpart. Programming a new key for your car is a long process and not always effective - sometimes it fails and a number of blocks need to be replaced.

The best option is to have a spare key, maybe not one. And watch that, in operation, change the damaged case in time, as the chip keys are very susceptible to external influences - dirt, dust, moisture.