A recent encounter with a security scanner has left both of my car remotes unable to lock or unlock the doors. While they still start the car, the remote lock/unlock functionality is completely gone. This occurred after one of the fobs went through a security scanner at a checkpoint. Surprisingly, the second fob, which was not present during the incident, is also affected.
The initial assumption was that the issue was isolated to the fob that passed through the scanner. After resetting the car alarm by manually unlocking the door with the physical key and starting the car, it was expected that the remote would resume normal function. This, unfortunately, did not happen. Furthermore, replacing the battery in the second remote, which was not exposed to the scanner, also failed to resolve the issue.
This raises several questions about the potential impact of Car Fob Scanners on remote functionality. Could the scanner have corrupted the programming in both fobs, even though only one was physically present? Is there a master/slave relationship between the remotes that could explain why both are now malfunctioning? The car’s system information display (SID) is not providing any information about the number of active remotes, further complicating the troubleshooting process. The procedure outlined in the car manual, which involves inserting the key fob and manipulating the ignition and trunk release, is not yielding any results.
This experience highlights the potential for electromagnetic interference from security scanners to disrupt the delicate electronics within car fobs. While the exact cause of the malfunction remains unclear, the incident underscores the importance of understanding how these devices interact. It also raises concerns about the potential vulnerabilities of keyless entry systems to external interference. Further investigation is required to determine if the damage is permanent, requiring reprogramming of the fobs, or if there is a simpler solution. It is also crucial to understand if specific types of security scanners are more prone to causing this type of interference.
