Smart Key System (For Entry Function) -- System Description |
- CAUTION:
- If using a pacemaker, be sure to read the manual of the pacemaker before using the key because the radio waves of the key may affect the pacemaker.
SMART KEY SYSTEM DESCRIPTION |
In addition to conventional mechanical key and wireless door lock control functions, the smart key system enables door locking/unlocking, steering lock releasing, engine starting, and luggage compartment door opening without operating the key. The only requirement is that the key is in the user's possession.
- This system is controlled by the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly). When the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) detects the presence of a key in one of the detection areas, it identifies and checks the ID code, and outputs operation signals to the related ECU in accordance with their functions.
- The detection areas are formed by 6 electrical key oscillators (2 door electrical key oscillators, 3 indoor electrical key oscillators, and 1 outside electrical key oscillator).
- This system is controlled by the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly). When the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) detects the presence of a key in one of the detection areas, it identifies and checks the ID code, and outputs operation signals to the related ECU in accordance with their functions.
DETECTION AREA |

Precautions for the entire system:
- Be sure to carry the key during inspection of the smart key system.
- As weak radio waves are used to detect the key, the key detection area may decrease, or the key may not be detected correctly in the following situations:
- The key battery is depleted.
- Any facilities that generate strong radio waves, such as a TV tower, power plant, broadcast station, or gas station, are located near the inspection site.
- A wireless device, such as a cellular phone, is carried with the key.
- The key is in contact with or covered with metal.
- Another wireless door lock control function is operated near the vehicle.
- The key is located near a device that generates high voltage or noise.
- The key may be difficult to operate for a reason relating to the vehicle body shape.
- The key may not be detected correctly if it is around the vehicle's windows, the door handle, or the center of the bumper even when it is in the detection area outside the vehicle.
- The key may not be detected correctly if it is on the instrument panel, rear package tray, floor, or in the glove box even when it is in the detection area inside the vehicle.
- The engine cannot be started even when the key is in the detection area inside the luggage compartment.
- The key may not operate if the key is not held properly.
- The smart key system does not operate in the following conditions:
- The smart key system is canceled.
- The key battery is completely depleted (the indicator does not blink when pushing any of the buttons on the key).
- Be sure to carry the key during inspection of the smart key system.
FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS |
Component | Function |
Key | Consists of mechanical key, transmitter for wireless door lock control, and transceiver for smart key system |
Certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) | Controls smart key system in accordance with signals from each electrical key oscillator, various switches, ECUs, and key
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Main Body ECU (instrument panel junction block) | Controls push button start function in accordance with signals from various switches, ECUs, and combination meter
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ID Code Box (immobiliser code ECU) | Receives steering unlock or engine immobiliser unset signals from certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly), certifies them, and transmits unset signals to steering lock ECU or ECM |
Outside Door Handle (driver door and passenger door) (antenna) | Transmits request signals |
Outside Door Handle (driver door and passenger door) (touch sensor) | Detects that person touches inside of outside handle |
Outside Door Handle (driver door and passenger door) (lock switch) | Transmits door lock request signals to certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) |
Door Electrical Key Oscillator (driver door and passenger door) | Receives request signal from certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly), and forms detection area around front door |
Indoor Electrical Key Oscillator (front and rear) | Receives request signal from certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly), and forms detection area in vehicle interior |
Indoor Electrical Key Oscillator (luggage compartment) | Receives request signal from certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly), and forms detection area in luggage compartment |
Outside Electrical Key Oscillator (luggage compartment) | Receives request signal from certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly), and forms detection area around luggage compartment door |
Door Control Receiver |
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Luggage Compartment Door Opener Outer Switch | Transmits luggage compartment door open request signal to certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) |
Stop Light Switch | Outputs state of brake pedal to main body ECU (instrument panel junction block) |
| When certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) detects human errors such as those below, it warns driver by sounding wireless door lock buzzer, displaying information and sounding a buzzer in combination meter in accordance with request signal from ECU Example:
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CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION |
Key
The key consists of a mechanical key, a transmitter for the wireless door lock control, and a transceiver for the smart key system.- The transceiver for the smart key system receives signals from the oscillators and sends the ID code to the tuner.
- The transmitter for the wireless door lock control has a LOCK switch, UNLOCK switch, LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT switch.
- This mechanical key works for the driver door, luggage compartment door, and glove box, but cannot start the engine.
- The transceiver for the smart key system receives signals from the oscillators and sends the ID code to the tuner.
Electrical key oscillator (door electrical key oscillators, indoor electrical key oscillators (front, rear and luggage compartment) and outside electrical key oscillator (luggage compartment))
Each electrical key oscillator transmits the request signal received from the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly), and forms a key detection area to detect the presence of a key. The detection area formed by the door electrical key oscillator and outside electrical key oscillator (luggage compartment) is approximately 0.7 to 1.0 m (2.3 to 3.3 ft.) from the outside handle of the door or the center of the rear bumper.- The detection area of the door electrical key oscillator is formed by transmitting a request signal every 0.25 seconds while the engine switch is off and each door is locked. In this way, the oscillator detects the proximity of a key. During entry lock, the detection area is formed with the lock switch on.
- The detection area of the outside electrical key oscillator (luggage compartment) is formed when the power luggage door open switch is on.
- The detection area of the indoor electrical key oscillator (front and rear) is formed when the driver door is opened or closed, during start ignition, when a warning is activated, or the lock switch is on.
- The detection area of the indoor electrical key oscillator (luggage compartment) is formed when the luggage compartment door is closed, or the luggage compartment opener outer switch is pressed.
- The detection area of the door electrical key oscillator is formed by transmitting a request signal every 0.25 seconds while the engine switch is off and each door is locked. In this way, the oscillator detects the proximity of a key. During entry lock, the detection area is formed with the lock switch on.
ENTRY FUNCTION OPERATION |
The smart key system has the following functions:
Function Outline Mechanical Key Operation is same as conventional mechanical key. Wireless Door Lock Control This function remotely locks and unlocks all doors or luggage compartment. Operation is same as wireless door lock control system. However, receiver in certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) uses entry door control receiver to control locking and unlocking. Entry Illumination When person carrying key enters detection area, door will enter unlock standby mode and front map light will illuminate. Entry Unlock When key is located in detection area of door electrical key oscillator, door will unlock by touching inside of outside door handle. Entry Unlock Mode Switching (COROLLA_ZRE142 RM000000XUG07BX.html) Changes doors that can be unlocked with entry unlock function between 2 modes. - Driver door mode
- All door mode
Entry Lock When key is located in detection area of door electrical key oscillator and engine switch is off, door can be locked by pressing lock switch on outside door handle. Entry Luggage Compartment Open When key is in detection area of outside electrical key oscillator (luggage compartment), luggage compartment door opens by pressing luggage compartment opener outer switch. Key Lock-in Prevention - Prevents confinement of key if door is locked using outside door handle while key is still inside vehicle.
- If all doors are locked and luggage compartment door is closed while key is still in luggage compartment, warning buzzer sounds. If luggage compartment open switch is operated, luggage compartment door can be opened.
Warning When any of situations below occur, smart key system causes certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) to sound buzzer in combination meter and wireless door lock buzzer in order to alert driver. - Occupant leaves with key.
- Engine switch is operated while key is outside actuation area.
- Entry lock is operated while key is inside vehicle.
- Key battery is weak.
- The key is left in the vehicle.
- A door is ajar.
- The key is left in the luggage compartment.
- Steering lock does not release.
- The steering lock mechanism is malfunctioning.
- The main body ECU (instrument panel junction block) is malfunctioning.
Battery Saving If key is constantly located within actuation area of door electrical key oscillator, system maintains periodic communication with key. Therefore, if vehicle remains parked in that state for a long time, key battery and vehicle battery could be drained. Key Cancel (COROLLA_ZRE142 RM000000XUG07BX.html) Following key functions can be cancelled by performing certain operations: - Entry Unlock/Lock
- Entry Luggage Compartment Open
- Key Lock-in Prevention
- Warning
Key Code Registration The total number of keys that can be registered is four.
Enables the registration (writing and storing) of transmitter recognition codes in the EEPROM that is contained in the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly).- Driver door mode
WIRELESS DOOR LOCK AND UNLOCK AND LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN FUNCTION |
ENTRY UNLOCK FUNCTION |
The detection area is formed by communication between a door electrical key oscillator and door control receiver when the door is locked in order to detect access of the person carrying the key.
When the person carrying the key enters the detection area around the vehicle, the matching of the ID codes for a door electrical key oscillator and key will automatically be performed. After the matching is completed, the door will enter unlock standby mode.
In unlock standby mode, the antenna built into the outside handle starts sensing. If the outside handle is held (the back side of the handle is touched), the door unlock operation will be performed. At this time, the hazard warning light blinks twice and the wireless door lock buzzer sounds twice.
If any of the doors are not opened after a door unlock operation, all doors will automatically lock after 60 seconds.
ENTRY LOCK FUNCTION |
After leaving the vehicle carrying the key, push the lock switch on the outside handle when all the doors are closed.
The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) determines whether the key is located inside or outside the cabin based on the information from a door electrical key oscillator and indoor electrical key oscillator. Then matching of the ID codes is performed.
When the matching result shows that the ID codes of the key and indoor antenna do not match and the ID codes of the key and door electrical key oscillator match, the door lock function will operate. At this time, the hazard warning lights blink once and the wireless door lock buzzer sounds once.
If the key is located inside the cabin, the door lock function will not operate and the alarm buzzer (beep sound) will sound for 2 seconds.
ENTRY LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN FUNCTION |
KEY LOCK-IN PREVENTION FUNCTION |
If you attempt to lock the door through keyless operation (move the lock knob to the lock position and then close the door) with the key in the cabin, the system determines that the key is located in the cabin and unlocks the door.
If the luggage compartment is closed with the key in it, the alarm will sound and the luggage compartment can be opened only when all the doors are locked in order to prevent key confinement in the vehicle.
WARNING FUNCTION |
General
When any of the situations below occur, the smart key system causes the certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) to sound the buzzer in the combination meter and the wireless door lock buzzer in order to alert the driver.Warning Function Operation Condition Situation Exit warning if shift lever position is not P and power source mode is not off. A Exit warning if shift lever position is P and power source mode is not off. B An occupant leaves with the key. C The engine switch is operated while the key is outside the detection area. D Entry lock is operated while the key is inside the cabin or luggage compartment. E The key battery is weak. F The key reminder warning sounds. G A door is ajar. H The key is left in the luggage compartment. I Steering lock does not release. J The steering lock mechanism is malfunctioning. K The main body ECU (instrument panel junction block) is malfunctioning. L Situation A
There are 2 patterns for situation A.
Pattern 1: In situation A, the door is opened and the user tries to leave the vehicle.
Pattern 2: Then the user holds the key and tries to move away from the vehicle.
In these situations, the following control is performed:- Pattern 1
Possible Effects without Warning Sudden vehicle start, vehicle theft, vehicle roll-away Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The shift lever position is not P.
- The engine switch is not off.
- The driver side door is opened.
- Vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3.1 mph).
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Warning:
Continuous soundCombination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - Warning Stop Condition The warning is stopped when one of the following conditions is met: - The engine switch is off.
- The shift lever position is P.
- The driver side door is closed.
- Vehicle speed is above 5 km/h (3.1 mph).
- The shift lever position is not P.
- Pattern 2
Possible Effects without Warning Sudden vehicle start, vehicle theft, vehicle roll-away Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The shift lever position is not P.
- The engine switch is not off.
- The driver side door is opened and closed.
- Vehicle speed is 0 km/h (0 mph).
- The key is not in the cabin or luggage compartment.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Warning:
Continuous sound
The warning is stopped when one of the following conditions is met:- The engine switch is off.
- The shift lever position is P.
- The key is in the cabin or luggage compartment.
- Vehicle speed is above 0 km/h (0 mph).
Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
Flashes Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Warning:
Continuous sound
The warning is stopped when one of the following conditions is met:- The engine switch is off.
- The shift lever position is P.
- The key is in the cabin or luggage compartment.
- Vehicle speed is above 0 km/h (0 mph).
- The shift lever position is not P.
- Pattern 1
Situation B
There are 2 patterns for situation B.
Pattern 1: In situation B, the door is opened and the user tries to leave the vehicle.
Then the user holds the key and tries to move away from the vehicle.
Pattern 2: Then the user tries to use the entry lock and presses the lock switch.
In these situations, the following control is performed:- Pattern 1
Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft, engine cannot be restarted Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The shift lever position is P.
- The engine switch is not off.
- The driver side door is opened and closed.
- The key is not in the cabin or luggage compartment.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Warning:
Sounds onceCombination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
Flashes Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Warning:
Sounds 3 times
The warning is stopped when either of the following conditions is met:- The engine switch is off.
- The key is in the cabin or luggage compartment.
- The shift lever position is P.
- Pattern 2
Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The shift lever position is P.
- The engine switch is not off.
- All doors are closed.
- The lock switch is "ON".
- The key is not in the cabin or luggage compartment.
- The key is outside vehicle (within one of the actuation areas).
Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Warning:
Sounds for 2 seconds - The shift lever position is P.
- Pattern 1
Situation C
In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Engine cannot be restarted Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The engine switch is not off.
- Any door other than driver side door is opened and closed.
- The key is not in the cabin or luggage compartment.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Warning:
Sounds onceCombination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
Flashes Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Warning:
Sounds 3 times
The warning is stopped when one of the following conditions is met:- The engine switch is off.
- Vehicle speed is above 0 km/h (0 mph).
- The key is in the cabin or luggage compartment.
- The engine switch is not off.
Situation D
In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Confuses the user Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when both of the following conditions are satisfied: - The engine switch is off → on (IG).
- The key is not in the cabin.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Warning:
Sounds onceCombination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
Flashes
Information is displayed on the combination meter for 8seconds (disappears after 8 seconds).Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - - The engine switch is off → on (IG).
Situation E
In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The engine switch is off.
- All doors are closed.
- The lock switch is "ON".
- The key is in the cabin or luggage compartment.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Warning:
Sounds for 2 seconds- The engine switch is off.
Situation F
In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Smart key system does not function Warning Condition The certification ECU (smart key ECU assembly) gives warning when all following conditions are satisfied: - The engine switch is turned off after being left on (IG) for over 20 minutes.
- The key battery voltage is low.
- The key is in the cabin.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Warning:
Sounds onceCombination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - - The engine switch is turned off after being left on (IG) for over 20 minutes.
Situation G
There are 2 patterns for situation G.- Pattern 1: When the driver's door is open, the driver turns the engine switch on (ACC) and attempts to leave the vehicle.
- Pattern 2: When the driver's door is open, the driver turns the engine switch from on (IG) to off and attempts to leave the vehicle.
Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition The warning is activated when either of the following conditions is met: - The engine switch is on (ACC) and the driver door is opened.
- The engine switch is off, the steering is unlocked, and the driver door is opened.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
Continues to sound at short and even intervals Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - Engine Switch Indicator Light - Warning Stop Condition The warning is stopped when one of the following conditions is met: - The engine switch is on (IG).
- The driver side door is closed.
- The engine switch is off and the steering is locked.
- Pattern 1: When the driver's door is open, the driver turns the engine switch on (ACC) and attempts to leave the vehicle.
Situation H
The lock switch on the door outside handle is pressed to perform entry lock with a door open. In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition The warning is activated when all of the following conditions are met: - The engine switch is off.
- Any doors are opened.
- The entry lock button on the outer door handle is operated.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Warning:
Continuous soundEngine Switch Indicator Light - Warning Stop Condition The warning is stopped when one of the following conditions is met: - The engine switch is off.
- All doors are closed.
- Wireless door lock remote function is unlocked.
- Entry unlock is operated.
- 10 seconds have elapsed since the wireless door lock buzzer was activated.
- The engine switch is off.
Situation I
The luggage compartment door is closed with the key left in the luggage compartment. In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition The warning is activated when all of the following conditions are met: - Vehicle speed is 0 km/h (0 mph).
- All doors are closed and all doors are locked or the state where the door after unlock operation is waiting to open.
- Entry luggage compartment open function is available.
Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer Sounds for 2 seconds Warning Stop Condition - - Vehicle speed is 0 km/h (0 mph).
Situation J
The steering lock cannot be released. In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition The steering lock cannot be released, thus the engine is prevented from starting. Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
Flashes Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - Engine Switch Indicator Light The green indicator blinks at 1-second intervals (goes off automatically in 30 seconds). Warning Stop Condition The engine switch is pressed while the steering wheel is turned left and right, and the steering lock is successfully released. - Buzzer
Situation K
A malfunction of the steering lock ECU is detected. In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition A malfunction of the steering lock ECU is detected. Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
Flashes Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - Engine Switch Indicator Light The amber indicator blinks at 2-second intervals (goes off automatically in 15 seconds). Warning Stop Condition The steering lock ECU returns to normal. - Buzzer
Situation L
A malfunction of the main body ECU (instrument panel junction block) is detected. In this situation, the following control is performed:Possible Effects without Warning Vehicle theft Warning Condition A malfunction in the main body ECU (instrument panel junction block) is detected. Combination Meter - Buzzer
- Combination Meter - Smart Key Indicator Light
- Wireless Door Lock Buzzer - Engine Switch Indicator Light The amber indicator blinks at 2-second intervals (goes off automatically in 15 seconds). Warning Stop Condition The main body ECU (instrument panel junction block) returns to normal. - Buzzer
BATTERY SAVING |
Vehicle Battery Saving Function
In the smart key system, signals are emitted outside the vehicle at a prescribed interval (0.25 seconds) when the doors are locked. Therefore, the vehicle battery could be drained if the vehicle remains parked for a long time. For this reason, the controls listed below are carried out:
Reinstatement ConditionsCondition Control Both conditions below are met for 5 days: - Key is not in detection area.
- Touch sensor or lock switch operation is not performed.
Signal transmission interval is extended from 0.25 to 0.75 seconds. Both conditions below are met for 14 days: - Key is not in detection area.
- Touch sensor or lock switch operation is not performed.
The smart key system is automatically deactivated. - A wireless door lock control signal (lock, unlock) is input and the ID code matches.
- A user carries the key and pushes a lock switch on an outside door handle.
- A door is locked or unlocked by the mechanical key.
- Key is not in detection area.
Key Battery and Vehicle Battery Saving Function
In the smart key system, if the key is constantly located within the vehicle exterior detection area of the doors, the system maintains periodic communication with the key. Therefore, if the vehicle remains parked in that state for a long time, the key battery and the vehicle battery could be drained. For this reason, if this state continues longer than 10 minutes, the smart key system automatically becomes deactivated.
Reinstatement Conditions- A wireless door lock control signal (lock, unlock) is input and the ID code matches.
- A user carries the key and pushes a lock switch on an outside door handle.
- A door is locked or unlocked by the mechanical key.
- A wireless door lock control signal (lock, unlock) is input and the ID code matches.