Bling Rings

An example of a Bling Ring

A “Bling Ring” is a cosmetic add-on typically used to spruce up a start/stop button. However, the issue comes with how a Bling Ring can change how the vehicle responds to a proximity fob during programming and/or emergency start usages.

The Bling Ring may look harmless, but in reality it will interfere with proximity programming. Because of (signal reflection/diffusion) its location over the transponder ring area of a proximity start/stop button, it can also affect the emergency start function on some proximity fobs.

The Bling Ring should not interfere with slot proximity usage and programming since the design would not interfere with the slot in any way. There have also been several instances of a “Bling Ring” interfering with regular transponder programming and usage.

For example, a 2008 Honda Civic transponder model, originally purchased for a customer’s daughter, began having issues after a week. As a result, the vehicle sat for 8 months and a repair shop blamed the keys as faulty. The locksmith came out and found the keys worked intermittently at best. After speaking with tech support, it was discovered that a Bling Ring was installed on the vehicle. After removing the Bling Ring, all keys functioned properly and a new key programmed on the first try.

In short, Always inspect the vehicle for anything out of the ordinary.

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