Was just doing a little research ...

Anyone know if this is the system Lexus uses? I was hoping for something a little more sophisticated, but my valet key starts the car, and it doesnt have the transmitter for the keyless entry...

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question282.htm

-Goods

 

Goods, that's the technology behind engine immobilizer systems based on including Lexus's system. On our cars it is a bit advanced than that, instead of using resisters our cars uses magnetic transponders, which can have more than just 1 value unlike the resisters used in lesser cars, so you as long as the chip is near the car it will start.
That's why I would never hide the key in the car somewhere. There was a thread a while back a guy put his valet key in his glove box (which breaks the whole point of having an immobilizer system) and got his car stolen.

 

Magnetic transponders huh? I'll have to do some searching about those.

I think I read the old post regarding the valet key.

Follow up questions ... (curiousity)

What's the range on the transponders?

And you would think the blinky red LED would go out if you are close to the car with the transponder ... signalling that the alarm is in-active ... but I know that's not the case. I'm assuming two different systems. Any thoughts?

-

 

hehe .. answered my own question .. but thought some of you might like to know ...

Here's a good link for magnetic transponders....

http://www.nvo.com/natl/cookiesnotice/

Says the range is 1 to 15 cm.