2006 Chevrolet Corvette

2006 Chevrolet Corvette

On a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette key-less ignition system I ran across an interesting scenario.

So the key-less electronic ignition system works as bi-directional communication between antennas inside the vehicle and the electronic key fob. The vehicle is equipped with a dashboard mounted electronic ignition “ON/OFF/ACC” push button module.

With the electronic key fob placed inside the vehicle and the electronic ignition “ON/OFF/ACC” push button module pressed the vehicle engine cranked, however, did not start, most probably due to the impact/collision type damage to the engine compartment area. With the electronic key fob removed from the vehicle and the electronic ignition “ON/OFF/ACC” push button module pressed the vehicle engine did not crank.

After confirming the provided electronic key fob was programmed to the vehicle electronic system, I did an experiment with the provided electronic key fob.

With the electronic key fob placed inside the vehicle and the electronic ignition “ON/OFF/ACC” button pressed to the “ACC” position, the “ACC” light illuminated. This examiner shifted the gear selector into the “Reverse” position and the “ACC” light de-illuminated.

With the electronic key fob placed inside the vehicle and the electronic ignition “ON/OFF/ACC” push button module pressed to the “ACC” position, the “ACC” light again illuminated. This examiner removed the electronic key fob from inside the vehicle, shifted the gear selector into the “Reverse” position, and pressed the “ON/OFF/ACC” push button module. The “ACC” light de-illuminated and the vehicle engine did not crank.

With the electronic key fob placed inside the vehicle and the electronic ignition “ON/OFF/ACC” push button module pressed to the “ACC” position, the “ACC” light again illuminated. This examiner removed the electronic key fob from inside the vehicle, but did not shift the gear selector into the “Reverse” position. The “ACC” light remained illuminated. This examiner pressed the electronic ignition push button module to the “ON” position and the vehicle engine cranked. This would indicate the vehicle electronic ignition system continued to “hold” the electronic key fob transponder data and the vehicle engine engine could be started without the presence of the electronic key fob inside the vehicle.

It should be noted that the vehicle chimed when the electronic key fob was removed from inside the vehicle.

It should also be noted that without the presence of an electronic key fob, the engine can be started if and only if the vehicle electronic ignition has been set to the “ACC” position with the use of a properly programmed electronic key fob.

CHAD TREDWAY

NORTH AMERICAN WEST AUTOMOTIVE FORENSIC SERVICES