How does the RX-8 Smart/Proximity Key System work?
 

Hey folks, I'm a fellow mazda owner, but my car has pistons rather than angry doritos (please don't hate me for that, lol). Anyways...

I've got an 08.5 Mazdaspeed3 and I've been seriously looking into some way to add smart key functionality to my car. There is a really cool article HERE where a guy did pretty much what I'm looking for, but I've always really loved the sweet key card you guys have. I've considered a few different options, including RFID, like that Jon guy did with his carpc (link), but RFID's range is a lot more limited than I'd like. Ideally I'd want the car to automatically unlock the doors if the key gets within 10' or so of the car.

I registered here because I would guess that at least someone around here has some experience with messing around with a stock system.

Enough background, on to the real questions I've got.

How exactly does the smart key system work? I understand the basics. If your key is near the car when you press the button on the door, it unlocks or locks itself. However, I'm looking for a more technical description. Does the car automatically lock itself when you walk out of range, or turn itself off for that matter if you leave it running?

1. Does the car know if the key is in range at all times, or does it just send out a signal when you press the button and wait for a response from the key?
2. Are the codes for valid keys stored in the keyless entry module itself, or in the ECU?

I have a feeling it would be nigh impossible to do what I want to do, but my need to tinker has had me thinking about this for about a week straight now.

Any help you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Nothin eh? That makes me sad :(

ummm.... why wouldn't RDIF work for you? The article it states that some of those guys have a 50+ foot range. If it's range you're looking for.. look at the different types of wireless communition formats out there. Sparkfun offers a number of Bluetooth and wifi devices... when paired up with an ardunio you can do pretty much whatever you want if you're willing to spend enough time and money on it.

Something else to remember is that if your car unlocks from such a distance automatically... the doors could be open almost all the time if you're parked in your driveway and your keys were by the front door.

Good luck either way.

If it works the same way the 06-07 MS6's have it wont unlock your car automatially, you still have to press the "lock and unlock" buttons. the biggest difference is that its the size of about 5 credit cards stacked. and that once you enter the car you turn the knob where the keyhole usually is and it cranks right up. (you still have a keyhole...its just under it) also the windows can be programmed to go up and down with the door unlock and locked. Key is the perfect fit for your wallet (I wouldnt advise sitting on it)

From what I've gathered from looking at the manual ect is that there are 3 or 4 sensors(although it might just be fewer smart ones) that detect when a key is outside either door, behind the trunk or inside the cabin. I believe once it senses a key it verifies that it is the correct one then allows the exterior button on the door handle to be used(or the trunk release button). It also uses this to detect when the key leaves the vehicle and the engine is still running. When you do this the car will beep at you then shut off after a few min(not sure on the exact time). My parents used to have one of the newer Caddy CTS and it had the same type system only instead of having to push a button it would just unlock the door when you pulled the handle with the key in close enough proximity. I wasn't able to play with it much but it might be more what you are looking for. As far as I know the 06-07 speed6s had the exact same system on them(my friend's dad had one and he said the key looked like the one I have(I think)), so you may want to look into how that one works.

I dunno... I thought about poking around with this kinda thing... but to be honst the idea of RDIF/Bluetooth scares the bejesuz outta me. All it takes is someone with a scanner to pick up on the signal, record it, then use it when you're not around to access your car.

Too tell you the turth, I think I'd rather the pay as you go phone setup. Dial into the car, punch in the correct code to activate this or that. More secure.