Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - Intelligent key port aka fobgina question

FricFrac · 03-12-2010, 02:09 AM

Ok I just took 30 second for some experimentation to figure this out. This is how it works.

The Fob is required to transmit the electronic key wirelessly to the ECU. The car will not start unless it has a signal from the fob with the right electronic key or "password" if you will.

The Fob performs the remote functions such as locking/unlocking the doors, rolling the windows down or setting off the alarm. It needs the battery to perform that function.

With the battery in the Fob can transmit the electronic key (or "password") over several feet (have the fob in your pocket/purse/backpack, etc).

If the battery dies the fob is unable to transmit the electronic key because it is not a passive RFID - it requires power to transmit the electronic key. To prevent you from getting stuck Nissan has engineered the fob so that it has a loop of wire on the PCB (printed circuit board) opposite to the end that the keys attach (under the Nissan or Z logo). Open the fob and you'll see it. By placing the fob inside the fobgina the coil in the fobgina will induce a current in the coil in the fob giving it power to transmit the electronic key. Its simply a power port for the fob.

So for those of you wondering why the fob is needed its simply because the electronic key or "password" needs to be transmitted from the fob to the ECU. Without the correct "password" your car will not start. The fobgina is just a power outlet to power the fob up. You can use the fobgina with a good battery (which is pointless) a dead battery or no battery - the fobgina becomes the power source. There is no switch inside the fobgina to start the car (there is a switch to turn the power on to the fobgina's inductive coil though).

Also the coin cell in the fob is probably the most common coin cell in the world - a 2032. You should be able to get them anywhere, they are cheap and change it yourself in two seconds flat.

03-12-2010, 02:09 AM	#59 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 229	Ok I just took 30 second for some experimentation to figure this out. This is how it works. The Fob is required to transmit the electronic key wirelessly to the ECU. The car will not start unless it has a signal from the fob with the right electronic key or "password" if you will. The Fob performs the remote functions such as locking/unlocking the doors, rolling the windows down or setting off the alarm. It needs the battery to perform that function. With the battery in the Fob can transmit the electronic key (or "password") over several feet (have the fob in your pocket/purse/backpack, etc). If the battery dies the fob is unable to transmit the electronic key because it is not a passive RFID - it requires power to transmit the electronic key. To prevent you from getting stuck Nissan has engineered the fob so that it has a loop of wire on the PCB (printed circuit board) opposite to the end that the keys attach (under the Nissan or Z logo). Open the fob and you'll see it. By placing the fob inside the fobgina the coil in the fobgina will induce a current in the coil in the fob giving it power to transmit the electronic key. Its simply a power port for the fob. So for those of you wondering why the fob is needed its simply because the electronic key or "password" needs to be transmitted from the fob to the ECU. Without the correct "password" your car will not start. The fobgina is just a power outlet to power the fob up. You can use the fobgina with a good battery (which is pointless) a dead battery or no battery - the fobgina becomes the power source. There is no switch inside the fobgina to start the car (there is a switch to turn the power on to the fobgina's inductive coil though). Also the coin cell in the fob is probably the most common coin cell in the world - a 2032. You should be able to get them anywhere, they are cheap and change it yourself in two seconds flat. __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra // Last edited by FricFrac; 03-12-2010 at 02:51 AM.