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KESSY

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 11:21 am
by Thomas2019
Hi,

Yesterday we went to Skoda dealer to do a test drive on karoq.

Then we discussed the safety of the KESSY, the guy told if the key is far (more than a foot so), couldn't start the car.

Then we tested, that was correct. if the key not near, couldn't start, dashboard indication came "Key not found".
So, I think, don't worry about the safety issue.

Thank You

Re: KESSY

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 11:48 am
by Milfmog
Thomas2019 wrote: Fri Feb 15, 2019 11:21 am Hi,

Yesterday we went to Skoda dealer to do a test drive on karoq.

Then we discussed the safety of the KESSY, the guy told if the key is far (more than a foot so), couldn't start the car.

Then we tested, that was correct. if the key not near, couldn't start, dashboard indication came "Key not found".
So, I think, don't worry about the safety issue.

Thank You
I bet he did not try it with a signal booster... (Could have had significant egg on face if he had)

I do not worry about keyless theft; if anyone is that determined to steal my car they will do it, but the salesman did his job by selling you an answer rather than explaining the engineering reality that any constant search lock (such as kessy) can have the signal strength amplified to increase the range at which it will get a response from the key. The range is only limited by the strength of the signal and the sensitivity of the antenna for picking up the response from the key.

If you are paranoid about this you can use a Faraday cage to store your key when at home (a biscuit tin will do if you don't want to spend money) or a Faraday bag when away from home but you will have to get the key out of the bag to use it which is a pain and after a while most people just get fed up and stop.

The only complete solution is to disable KESSY so that the car will not seek a key but will only respond to a signal initiated from the key. I believe this can be done by locking the car with Kessy and then pressing the lock button on the key fob within a short period. (I have never tested this method, so may be wrong).

Hope that helps,


Ian.

Re: KESSY

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 12:26 pm
by Thomas2019
Milfmog wrote: Fri Feb 15, 2019 11:48 am
I bet he did not try it with a signal booster... (Could have had significant egg on face if he had)

I do not worry about keyless theft; if anyone is that determined to steal my car they will do it, but the salesman did his job by selling you an answer rather than explaining the engineering reality that any constant search lock (such as kessy) can have the signal strength amplified to increase the range at which it will get a response from the key. The range is only limited by the strength of the signal and the sensitivity of the antenna for picking up the response from the key.

If you are paranoid about this you can use a Faraday cage to store your key when at home (a biscuit tin will do if you don't want to spend money) or a Faraday bag when away from home but you will have to get the key out of the bag to use it which is a pain and after a while most people just get fed up and stop.

The only complete solution is to disable KESSY so that the car will not seek a key but will only respond to a signal initiated from the key. I believe this can be done by locking the car with Kessy and then pressing the lock button on the key fob within a short period. (I have never tested this method, so may be wrong).

Hope that helps,


Ian.
Hi Ian,

Thank You for the reply..

But, I think, this is the next case scenario as theft by using a signal booster.
I'm from Ireland, so, I don't think, such a planned car theft going on around. :)

The normal way, Isn't this correct as the car wouldn't start if the key far a foot??

I personally don't like KESSY, believe this won't be life easier. They could You have added as an option rather than a standard feature, even on the high -end trims.

Re: KESSY

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 12:57 pm
by Milfmog
I'm with you, I do not like KESSY it is clever for its' own sake and is a backward step in terms of security. Unfortunately, this style of system is becoming more common across all manufacturers. If signal boosters / amplifiers / repeaters (call them whatever you like) are not yet common in Ireland then it is only a matter of time. All it takes is the number of cars with susceptible systems to reach a critical mass and the car thieving toe-rags will get themselves the tools to do it.

Sadly there was no option to delete KESSY as the useless gimmick that it is.

The range of KESSY is partially dependent on the state of the battery in the key fob. Mine appears to have a range for the doors of around 1.5m. The range for starting the car is longer at least within the car. I know that I can start the engine with the keys in a bag in the boot.

Have fun,


Ian.

Re: KESSY

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 1:24 pm
by kodiaq
Ian is quite correct, it is SO simple to disable by the method he describes. I've tried it and it DOES work. Anyone who can't be bothered to click the key pad and then touch the door pad, deserves to loose their car.
Neither my Kodiaq (past) and my Karoq (present) both require the key pad to be IN the car to start the engine.

I you don't believe how easy it is to nick a 'Kessy' car, watch this video!



The bloke walking to the house is holding the booster equipment which can be bought legally in the internet (apparently) while his mate disappears with the MERC. You can see it unlock as the indicators flash, SCAREEE!

So saying I love Kessy and having had it now for 2 years on two cars, would not want to be without it. However I do live in a fairly law abiding area with very low car thievery levels. Watch this space tomorrow for news that my Karoq has gone walkies overnight! :o :lol:

Re: KESSY

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 11:04 am
by mikaroq
I may be being stupid here, but as I understand it even if someone can get in the car, won't it disable again once they have exceeded the range of the booster they use. So although someone could theoretically get into the car and drive off, they won't get far until it again doesn't find the key and just stops. So unless they have a transporter round the corner they won't get far?

Re: KESSY

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 2:08 pm
by kodiaq
I have been wondering this also! it may keep running until the ignition is turned off but unless their electronic gizmo actually stores the details, I would assume they are stuffed without a transporter.
Any 'Leccytechies' out there who can answer the question?

Re: KESSY

Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:59 am
by sanqhar
I thought that once you had access to the OBD port you could then reprogram a new key.

Tom

Re: KESSY

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2019 10:17 pm
by Milfmog
Simple experiment: Start your car then put the key in your pocket and walk away. It keeps running, just throws a message that the key is no longer detected. A thief will simply take the stolen car to somewhere with the appropriate kit and program a new key or, equally likely, break the car up for spares. Either way, you don't get it back.

A cautionary tale: A few years ago former colleague of mine had a Toyota RAV4 with a KESSY style system. On one occasion she put her handbag on top of the car while loading some stuff then drove off. The bag fell off and was found in the company car park a few minutes later. Unfortunately, we could not ring her and tell her to return because her phone was also in her bag. She did not realise until she pulled into a motorway service station for fuel 200 miles later and could not restart the car without the key. At least KESSY should not allow you to start the car unless the key is inside the vehicle.

Have fun,


Ian

Re: KESSY

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 8:19 am
by kodiaq
"At least KESSY should not allow you to start the car unless the key is inside the vehicle.
Have fun,
Ian"
It doesn't!
Try it.
I can stand right by the open drivers door and the key is not detected. It does have to be actually IN the car.