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FDU - Authorization has Expired Troubleshooting

Updated

FDU — Authorization Has Expired

Issue

If you swipe or tap your keycard on the encoder and receive the message “Authorization has expired” or “Invalid keycard”, your FDU authorization may no longer be valid and access must be restored. This issue most commonly affects GMA (General Manager Authorization) cards because they are used most frequently.

Important: If no GMA keycards are working on the FDU, contact dormakaba Technical Support immediately at 1-800-999-6213 (Option 1). Support will generate a GMA 200 so you can regain access. After access is restored, use the steps below to create additional authorizations if needed.

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1 — Access the FDU

  • Use a working GMA keycard to open the FDU (swipe or tap the card on the encoder).

FDU Staff Keycard menu

Figure 1: FDU Staff Keycard Menu

Step 2 — Open the Staff Keycard Menu

  • Press 6, or use the Down Arrow and press Enter to select Staff Keycard.

Step 3 — Open FDU Authorization

FDU Authorization menu

Figure 2: FDU Authorization Menu
  • Press 2, or use the Down Arrow and press Enter to select FDU Authorization.

Step 4 — Create or Authorize a New Keycard

Create or authorize keycard screen

Figure 3: Create or Authorize Keycard
  • Select the correct keycard type to authorize for FDU access.
  • Enter the authorization number that will be assigned to the card.
  • The authorized card can now be used to open the FDU and create additional keycards.

Recommendation: Label new authorization cards for easy identification.

Step 5 — Assign a PIN (Optional but Recommended)

Assign PIN screen

Figure 4: PIN Assignment
  • If prompted with Assign PIN?, use the Left/Right Arrows to select YES.
  • The FDU will suggest a secure PIN based on system security rules.
  • To enter your own PIN, select PIN Code and enter a 4–8 digit code.

Authorization Type Overview

Front Desk — Access to the Guest Keycard Menu only. No access to other FDU functions.

Bellman’s Master — Allows creation of 24-hour bellman keycards for guest room locks.

Programming — Access to Guest Keycards, Lock Action Cards, Reset Keys, and programming tools.

Master — Broad access to most FDU system functions.

General Manager (GMA) — Full administrative control of all FDU functions.

Security Notice: Written PIN values must be stored securely. GMA and Master keycards cannot be accessed using PIN code.

Creating Additional or Replacement GMA Keycards

  1. Open the FDU using a valid GMA keycard.
  2. Navigate to:
    • 6 — Staff Keycard
    • 2 — FDU Authorization
  3. Under Type, select General Manager.
  4. Valid authorization range: 181–200 (up to 19 GMA cards).
  5. Enter the desired authorization number (example: 199).
  6. Press Enter twice to confirm.

Result: GMA 199 has been successfully created.

Warning: Two GMA cards cannot share the same authorization number. Creating a duplicate will cause one card to be overwritten.

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