Code
B1A0A
MITSUBISHI
B — Body
KOS key3 performance
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Weak or dead key fob/transponder battery
- Damaged or mis-programmed key/transponder
- Faulty KOS antenna/reader (start button or receiver module)
- Wiring fault (power, ground, signal) to KOS module or antenna
- Interference or poor RF coupling between key and vehicle
- Faulty KOS/immobilizer ECU or software error
Symptoms
- Intermittent or failed recognition of one key (key3)
- Vehicle refuses to start or immobilizer warning lamp illuminates
- Start/stop button requires close contact or specific position to start
- Warning message about key or check key fob displayed
- Inconsistent behavior between different keys (one works, one doesn't)
What to check
- Read freeze frame data and related codes with a scan tool
- Verify which key(s) fail by testing all known keys (spare keys)
- Check key fob battery voltage
- Inspect antenna/reader and connector at start button and KOS module
- Measure supply voltage and ground at KOS module and antenna
- Check for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged wiring in harness
Signal parameters
- Key RF field strength (dBm) or RSSI read by receiver
- Transponder ID and match status
- Key response timing / handshake latency
- Module supply voltage (V) and ground integrity
- CAN/LIN message presence, frequency and error counters
- Antenna impedance / continuity (ohms) where applicable
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve DTC and freeze frame with manufacturer-grade scan tool; record related codes and timestamp.
- Confirm which physical key (key3) is reported. Test operation with that key and a known-good spare key to establish symptom consistency.
- Check and, if low, replace the key fob/transponder battery. Re-test key recognition.
- Visually inspect antenna/reader, connectors and wiring at the start button and KOS module. Repair any damaged wiring or corroded connectors.
- Measure supply voltage and ground at the KOS module and antenna during attempted recognition. Repair low supply or poor ground conditions.
- Use a diagnostic tool or RF tester (if available) to verify RF signal strength/reception from the key at the vehicle. Move key around start area to check for dead zones.
- Check for and clear related communications codes (CAN/LIN). If communication faults exist, diagnose the network wiring and nodes per network diagnostics.
- If the key fails but spare works, reprogram or relearn key3 per manufacturer procedure; if reprogramming fails, suspect the key or KOS module.
- If tests point to a faulty antenna/reader or KOS module, replace the defective component and perform required registration/relearn procedures.
- After repair, clear codes and verify repeatability of the fault-free operation with all keys; road/test as needed.
Likely causes
- Key fob battery low for the specific key (key3)
- Antenna or reader near the start button faulty or misaligned
- Poor ground or low supply voltage to KOS module
- Corroded connector or damaged coax/wiring to antenna
- Key encoding or transponder ID not learned or corrupted
- Intermittent wiring or connector connection in harness
Fault status
Status
KOS key3 performance — key recognition/performance out of range. Check key, antenna, wiring, and KOS module.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for MITSUBISHI
406
Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
MITSUBISHI
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MITSUBISHI: 2024
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Outlander
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- Platinum Edition
- Platinum Edition
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
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Outlander PHEV
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MITSUBISHI: 2023
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Mirage
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Mirage G4
-
Outlander
- 40th Anniversary
- 40th Anniversary
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- Ralliart
- Ralliart
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
-
Outlander PHEV
-
MITSUBISHI: 2022
-
Eclipse Cross
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- LE, AWD
- LE, AWD
- LE, FWD
- LE, FWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
-
-
MITSUBISHI: 2021
-
MITSUBISHI: 2020
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