How to Program Keys For Cars
Locksmiths or automotive specialists are typically the ones who reprogram car keys. They can make use of a specific software to program your new key with your old one.
This involves reprogramming a blank chip in the replacement key so that it is compatible with the current settings of your vehicle. Some manufacturers make this easy however others require a dealer or locksmith.
Self-programming
As technology for cars has improved over time, the ignition keys have also evolved too. The days of basic mechanical keys you could buy from the hardware shop for less than $10 are long gone. Modern models come with computers that offer improved anti-theft protection. These cars require a transponder-chip-integrated key to be programmed by a professional locksmith mechanic or dealer to function properly.
There are a few different kinds of car key programming that can be accomplished by professional locksmiths. Some are very complex and require sophisticated tools. These tools are generally not available to the general public and are used only by professionals. This type of programming is referred to as EEPROM Programming. It requires the ability to solder, electronic skills and a lot of time.
Other types of key programming can be done by anyone. These are usually done by using the onboard diagnostics port which can be accessed with an instrument for programming keys. Locksmiths can carry out this procedure with the help of an online guide and the owner's manual.
Most professional locksmiths can program a brand new or replacement car key fob fast and accurately. This is the ideal option for owners of vehicles as they can offer a full range of services. They also can provide an affordable price and peace of mind that the replacement key will work correctly.
Remember that most vehicles can only accept a single programmed car key. If you want to save some money, it's a great idea to get a spare key fob that works and then have it programmed. This way, you can ensure that the new key has been programmed to your car and that it works. In the event that it doesn't, you'll need to pay the dealer for replacement keys and programming services.
Key Programmers
Modern vehicles require a key-programming method to set up their systems and then start the vehicle. In some instances the key needs to be programmed by an auto locksmith or a dealer. The key might not function properly or it may not even start the car at all. The reason for this is that the new key has not been programmed to the automobile's system, and this could be quite costly. It is best to have two keys that work for the modern automobile so that you can program the replacement key when required.
A keyprogrammer can reprogram the transponder chip of an entirely new mechanical key or key fob. It can also clone the data of an existing key in order to create duplicates. These are handheld devices that connect to a car's On Board Diagnostics (OBD port). They are equipped with diagnostic software that allows them to communicate with a computer. They also have a bidirectional interface that works with an immobilizer system.
There are a myriad of types of keyprogrammers on the market. They come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Some are affordable and others are advanced and can cost thousands of dollars. Some are specifically designed for certain types of cars and can provide advanced diagnostics for the electronic systems of the car.
Consult your owner's guide to learn how to program a key for your vehicle. Some manufacturers use proprietary software that only allows dealers to create new keys. Other manufacturers make it easy for anyone to complete.
If you are unable to program a new key yourself You can ask the dealership to program it for you, but it will cost a lot. You can also purchase a keyprogrammer on the internet. They are less expensive than visiting a dealer however, they aren't cheap. Before purchasing one do some research on the seller. Some aren't trustworthy and could cause damage to your vehicle.
Transponder Chips
If your car was built in the past 20 years, then it has a transponder inside of it. It's a small piece of plastic inside the head of your key that contains an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip with a unique code for your specific vehicle.
When activated by an electro-magnetic field, the chip emits a low level signal. This signal is then taken up by an antenna attached to the ignition barrel. This allows the vehicle's computer system to verify that the transponder chip that is in the key is the correct one for your specific vehicle.
This prevents the vehicle from being started by hot-wiring, or by altering the key. The chip inside the car key ensures that the owner is the one who owns the vehicle. This can reduce car theft.
Transponder keys that are regular in shape like regular keys and have an outer layer of plastic. The chip is contained within the plastic part of these keys. There are a variety of cuts such as a standard cut Laser cut (also called a sidewinder or Ford Tibbe) and a Ford Tibbe.
When the transponder key is placed in the ignition barrel, a circuit within of the induction coil sends out the signal. The signal will then get absorbed by the chip and cause it to transmit a signal to the car. If the computer onboard the car recognizes the signal as being correct it will turn off the vehicle immobilizer to allow the engine start.
If the vehicle does not recognize the transponder signal as being the correct one, it will keep the engine from starting and will alert you by flashing its lights and sounding siren. This is designed to discourage people from trying to tamper with the vehicle, but it isn't a foolproof security measure. A skilled and determined thief might be able bypass this system by employing a device designed to detect the signal.
As you can see there are quite few advantages to getting transponder keys. Every car owner should take this into consideration when they want to safeguard their investment and reduce theft risk.
Key Fobs
In addition to locking and unlocking doors, launching the car remotely or making sound chirps to help locate the car in a parking lot, today's key fobs can also turn on a heated steering wheel, or open all windows with just a single press. These extra features can make it difficult to find your car keys.
Key fobs communicate with one other and with the car through radio frequencies that are transmitted through a small antenna located in the middle of the key. The transmission is encrypted, which helps keep others from stealing and re-transmitting the signal.
There are several ways to program a key fob based on your vehicle's make and model. You can sometimes do this yourself, but the majority of newer automobiles require a locksmith shop or a professional to program a replacement or a second fob.
When you hit the button on a key fob it transmits an encoded code to the car's receiver that it is paired with. The receiver compared the information with the 'allowed signals' stored on the key fob and then opens or locks the car's door. If the information isn't in line the signals, a chirping sound can be heard and the car isn't allowed to function.
Once the car has been connected to a specific fob, it will only accept signals from the device. In turn, other fobs won't work with the vehicle, even though they appear similar. This is to safeguard the integrity of the car's computer system and to prevent unauthorized key fobs from gaining control over the vehicle.
Most dealerships with newer cars will only deal with cars with original fobs, or genuine replacements supplied by the manufacturer. This is because the only place with the knowledge to create a replacement fob is in the service department of the dealer. However, some aftermarket fobs -- usually those for older models with less sophisticated systems -- can be programmed by consumers without the need for an authorized dealer.