The Key Is The Key

The Key Is The Key

The peer reviewed and published article details the importance of function testing the provided keys/fobs to the reported theft vehicle’s ignition/locks. Please reach out to us for a copy of the article. © 2019 Chad Tredway. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author.

North American West Automotive Forensic Services

Automotive Forensics: The Key is the Key
Submitted by Chad Tredway

Auto theft investigations can be tedious due to the array of time, research and examinations involved in the process. There may be potential questions as to the legitimacy of the alleged theft. As an investigator one must examine all probable aspects surrounding the involved alleged theft. One thing that can aide in the investigation is the vehicle key, which should be considered a viable resource.
The provided vehicle mechanical keys can be examined to determine the wear to the key blade/cuts, to determine any anomalies to the keys and to determine if the keys were newly cut. Also, if multiple keys are provided a key blade analysis and comparison can be performed to determine if the key blade cuts are identical or if a non-vehicle type key has been submitted.
On recovered vehicles the provided vehicle keys should be function tested in the vehicle locks. The vehicle locks should be scoped, cleaned, spray with a lubricant, and scoped again, prior to function testing the provided keys, to determine if the locks had been tampered with, damaged or defeated. It should be noted that lubricating the vehicle locks, prior to inserting the vehicle keys into the locks, is the preferred method. This will confirm the provided keys properly operate the vehicle locks and that the vehicle locks have not been replaced and/or re-coded.
On vehicles equipped with an OEM Transponder anti-theft system, the provided mechanical keys can be electronically tested to determine the presence of a transponder, which can be beneficial in helping to determine if the provided keys could have started the vehicle engine. It should be noted that non-programmed transponder keys will test positive for the presence of a transponder, so the only way to verify the provided keys will start the vehicle engine is to attempt to start the vehicle engine with the provided keys. It should be noted that many of the newer transponder keys will test negative for the presence of a transponder. This is primarily due to the transponder being integrated into the circuitry located in the head of the key.
Additionally, foil can be used to disrupt the bi-directional communication between the vehicle keys and the OEM transponder (RFID) ring antenna. This is important
to confirm the Transponder anti-theft system is functioning properly and to confirm the provided keys are programmed to the vehicle system. Disconnecting the transponder (RFID) ring antenna/transceiver electrical wiring or removing the starter (ignition) switch from the assembly housing are alternative methods to function testing the OEM transponder anti-theft system. These methods are generally performed when there is substantial damage to the ignition lock.
On vehicles equipped with an electronic ignition system, the provided key fobs should be function tested to determine if the vehicle engine can be started. This is important to confirm the electronic ignition system is operational and that the provided key fobs are programmed to the vehicle system.
Additionally, the provided key fobs may contain pertinent information. BMW key fobs, for example, contain a time/date stamp, which can be used to help corroborate the insured’s account of the theft. GM vehicle keys can also be read to gather pertinent information such as the number of keys programmed to the vehicle system, the VIN, and the odometer mileage.
On most vehicles a vehicle key/key fob is necessary to electrically energize the vehicle to electronically interrogate the vehicle computer module to determine the number of keys/key fobs programmed to the vehicle system. This is important to determine if any additional keys/key fobs have been programmed to the vehicle system, which would allow the vehicle to be started and operated.
Examinations on burned vehicles are a little more complex. On vehicles with mechanical ignition locks a dig of the debris field can result in recovery of the ignition lock parts. The fire/thermal damage will generally prevent function testing of the provided keys. The recovered parts can be examined for damage or tampering to determine if something other than a properly cut mechanical key was used to rotate the ignition lock. This includes examination of the ignition lock parts/wafer tumblers for evidence of forcing, forced manipulation, drilling, picking or any other means of compromise or defeat.
On burned vehicles with electronic ignition systems, the electronic ignition components are mostly constructed of a plastic material, with few exceptions.
The parts can be consumed or severely thermal damaged as a result of the fire, depending on the severity of the fire, and examination can be limited. It should be noted that a limited examination on burned vehicles can be performed to include potential module swapping and/or potential bypass through the power distribution center. The transmission shifter linkage and the electronic column lock, if
equipped, can be examined for evidence of damage, tampering, or removal.
Since the keyless electronic ignition system cannot be physically defeated the vehicle system must be electronically re-programmed. This will require a professional thief to obtain OEM proprietary programs on certain vehicles, the required equipment, parts, knowledge and skill to start the vehicle engine without access to a vehicle key fob.
Because most vehicle ignition systems can be compromised it is important to exhaust all possible resources, including vehicle examinations, vehicle computer module interrogations, and provided key examinations and function testing.

© 2019 Chad Tredway. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author.