CAL Automotive Locksmith Security & Anti-Theft Technologies 2

Question 1

What is the primary function of a vehicle's immobilizer system?

Accepted Answer

Prevent unauthorized engine start without a valid transponder signal

Answer

An immobilizer prevents the engine from starting unless the ECU receives a valid transponder code from the key.

Question 2

Which cryptographic algorithm is commonly used in HITAG2 transponders found in many European vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Proprietary 48-bit cipher

Answer

HITAG2 uses a proprietary 48-bit cipher that has been shown to be vulnerable to certain cryptanalytic attacks.

Question 3

A customer's car with a Megamos Crypto transponder will not start after a key was cloned. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The crypto challenge-response was not captured correctly

Answer

Megamos Crypto transponders require a valid challenge-response exchange; an incomplete capture during cloning results in authentication failure.

Question 4

What does 'dealer-level programming' refer to in automotive locksmith practice?

Accepted Answer

Using OBD-II or proprietary software to write new key data directly to the vehicle's ECU

Answer

Dealer-level programming uses OBD-II or proprietary interfaces to add or replace key data in the vehicle ECU, matching what a factory dealer can do.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a 'rolling code' (hopping code) in remote keyless entry systems?

Accepted Answer

A pseudo-random code that changes with each button press and is synchronized with the receiver

Answer

Rolling codes use a synchronized pseudo-random sequence so each transmission is unique, preventing replay attacks.

(CAL) Certified Automotive Locksmith Practice Test