Pandora Handsfree Locking Module

24 April 2020 | Admin

A feature which customers sometimes ask for is the handsfree locking feature or the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle through the Bluetooth or Pandora online app. We explain the difference in 2 bullet points below.

Handsfree... This is mainly for customers that don't have any form of keyless entry as standard, for example buttons on the vehicles door handle to lock / unlock the doors. The Pandora handsfree ability uses the tag to lock / unlock the doors. The locking feature is great simply walk away and the doors will lock and arm the alarm. However the unlock side of things will have a delay, as the alarm is armed and it enters sleep mode to be energy efficent the system can take longer to detect your in range with the tag to unlock the vehicle / you also have to remember original keyless vehicles have between 8-12 aerials all around the vehicle for the fastest response and the Pandora has only one built into the alarms ECU.

The problem arrises in most cases when the vehicle has had a security update for example the Ford Fiesta / Focus ST, BMW 3/4/5 & X5 models. This will allow the vehicle to lock via the handsfree locking in most cases. However the unlock signal will cause the factory alarm system to trigger ( causing a problem if you want the Handsfree unlock feature to work ) there are 2 methods which can be used to get round this problem. Either get the security update removed by the main dealer from the vehicles BCM OR we can install a Pandora handsfree locking module, you will need to give up a spare key because this will be placed inside the module, it will be hidden behind the vehicles dash. This means if you only have 1 key at present you would need to get a spare fully programmed in and then we can install it into the Pandora handsfree locking module. Once this key is placed into the module we solder directly to the board meaning the key will NOT be able to be used / removed in the future. Please be aware the Pandora handsfree module is expensive to add on so you need to strongly think about this feature and if it is required.

Smartphone lock / unlock... You may have seen the lock and unlock buttons at the bottom of the mobile smartphone app such as Pandora BT or Pandora Online. Many customers ask if they can be used. On many vehicles they can be used to simply lock the doors. however with regards to the unlock side of things it may set off the factory alarm when unlocking the doors. Almost the same applies to the handsfree locking feature, you can either get the security update removed by the main dealer from the vehicles BCM OR we can install a Pandora handsfree locking module, you will need to give up a spare key because this will be placed inside the module, it will be hidden behind the vehicles dash. This means if you only have 1 key at present you would need to get a spare fully programmed in and then we can install it into the Pandora handsfree locking module. Once this key is placed into the module we solder directly to the board meaning the key will NOT be able to be used / removed in the future. Please be aware the Pandora handsfree module is expensive to add on so you need to strongly think about this feature and if it is required,

Some examples below of when keyless locking works perfectly and others when it doesn't!

Fiat 500 - Doesn't work at all, but can be wired for an additional £50 cost.
Ford Fiesta ST - Will lock the doors, will not unlock the doors without triggering the factory alarm. ( additional Pandora handsfree locking module required )
Ford Focus ST - Will lock the doors, will not unlock the doors without triggering the factory alarm ( additional Pandora handsfree locking module required )
Mercedes Vito old & new shape - Works perfectly on all vehicles we have tested and at no extra cost.
Mercedes Sprinter 2006 - 2016 - Works perfectly on all vehicles we have tested and at no extra cost.
VW & Audi - Some models neither lock / unlock will work and an additional Pandora handsfree locking module required.
BMW - Will lock the doors on most models, will not unlock the doors without triggering the factory alarm. ( additional Pandora handsfree locking module required )

Some would ask what does the Pandora handsfree locking module do? The module speaks wirelessly to the main alarms ECU, when you use handsfree locking the Pandora handsfree locking module pulses 3.3volts on the lock or unlock on the original vehicle remote circuit board meaning the vehicle see's the command as the original vehicle remote being used. This allows flawless integration with your vehicle.

If you unsure on how handsfree locking or the mobile smartphone app would work on your vehicle check with your installer BEFORE getting the installation carried out. In Car Advancements do NOT include handfree locking as a part of any alarm feature on a standard installation. Please call us to find out more 07525068291.