Key FOB Question

[jjs3845]

Here's a question I've been wondering for a while - I guess this applies to any and all vehicles with key FOB's. Is there a set number of frequencies for these things? Like, is it possible that your key fob can unlock and start another vehicle somewhere in the world? If so, I wonder what the chances of you stumbing on that vehicle?

Maybe I lie awake at night too much or something IDK where I think of these things.

Joe

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[Cianalas]

They're all on the same frequency, they just transmit a different series of codes. It's possible, though extremely unlikely that you'll transmit within the range of the accepted codes for another person's FOB. If they used all symbols on a standard keyboard as part of the code and transmitted a 10 digit long code, there'd be over 50,000,000,000,000,000,000 combinations.

And since a different code is presented each button press, they accept a range of codes from that fob based on where the car thinks it should be to keep you from getting locked out. Even then, it's like 100 or so, which doesn't even put a dent in the number of combinations. So you're far more likely to lock yourself out of your car than unlock someone else's.

 

[Kevin_D]

They're all on the same frequency, they just transmit a different series of codes. It's possible, though extremely unlikely that you'll transmit within the range of the accepted codes for another person's FOB. If they used all symbols on a standard keyboard as part of the code and transmitted a 10 digit long code, there'd be over 50,000,000,000,000,000,000 combinations.

And since a different code is presented each button press, they accept a range of codes from that fob based on where the car thinks it should be to keep you from getting locked out. Even then, it's like 100 or so, which doesn't even put a dent in the number of combinations. So you're far more likely to lock yourself out of your car than unlock someone else's.

What he said.
The fob transmits a rolling digital code, kinda like a modern garage door opener, so chances are very rare you’d ever find another fob to open your Jeep.
Quite unlike GM products from the ‘60s & ‘70s.

Now, the locking gas cap, that’s another story. That only uses 4 gates with 4 different positions…

Kevin

 

[jjs3845]

Thanks Guys. This is the good stuff . I like learning this stuff.

 

[heftysmurf]

If you google, which I won’t as I’m on the can (TMI?) you’ll find at least one news story that this happened with with a car. impossible, no. Unlikely, yes.

oh, and get some sleep!

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