Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_April_2020 - 42

PRODUCT INSIGHTS

Autel Key Programming Unlocking Your New Revenue Stream
T

he days of the basic metal-cut
automotive keys are long gone.
As the new theft deterrent evolves,
automakers transformed the modern
tumbler turner into all manner of multifunctional Key FOBs, Smart Cards and
app-based vehicle access options.
With a larger variety of options, today's
automotive key programmer calls for
a mix of computer geek, electronics
expert and vehicle diagnostician. To
provide a scan tool that covers all these
needs, Autel designed a line of key programming tablets and accessories that
enable technicians to program devices
for some of the most advanced starting
systems, as well as the ability to diagnose the various systems supporting
them. Programming keys may be your
initial focus, but there are times when
other supporting module diagnosis
and system repairs are needed before
completing the key programming
procedure. The Autel tools make this
complicated process much easier and
faster to complete.
The '90s saw the key's first major
transition as a transponder chip was
added into the plastic head of the standard metal. The chip, programmed
with a unique code, emits a signal to
the antenna or sensor. If the key's code
matches the code programmed to the
immobilizer, the vehicle can start. The
implementation of this antitheft system was said to reduce vehicle theft by
40 percent between 1995 and 2008.
Subsequent versions of the system use

rolling or hopping codes and/or encryption to send a different code between
the key and immobilizer each time the
vehicle is started. With the previous
transponder that used a single code,
thieves were able to use an electronic
device known as a "code grabber" or radio
scanners to intercept the code and enable
the thief to steal the vehicle.
Increasingly, the keyless entry/ignition system has gained popularity-more
than 90% of today's vehicles offer keyless
entry/ignition as an option, Edmunds.
com reported. While the science regarding the keyless ignition system is the
same with the vehicle immobilizer ultimately approving to start the vehicle,
keyless vehicle systems require several
additional support modules and components. For instance, Volkswagen's Passat
features a "comfort control unit" that
controls the Immobilizer, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the

central locking system. There are also
proximity, capacitive (touch) sensors
and antennas in the front door handles,
the parcel shelf, and in the trunk. This
complexity prompted Autel to develop its
MaxiIM tablets that combine the company's long-proven diagnostic prowess with
advanced immobilizer and key programming software into one scan tool. Autel's
MaxiIM508 is 7-inch all-systems diagnostic and all-service Android-based,
touchscreen tablet, able to program
keys and immobilizers on domestic and
Asian vehicles. The IM508's capabilities
include Key Learning, Remote Control
Learning as well as Key and Remote
Control Adding. The tablet includes the
XP200 key and chip programmer. The
tool enables technicians to detect vehicle
codes, view freeze-frame and live data, as
well as feature a complete service menu
enabling technicians to perform common maintenance tasks such as oil and

Circle 70 on card, or enter at "e-inquiry" on VehicleServicePros.com

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42

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APRIL 2020

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