Reprogramming Car Keys
Transponders in car keys are believed to make vehicles more secure and harder for thieves to duplicate. However, keys may need to be reprogrammed when it becomes damaged or lost.
You can reprogram your key fobs at home, but you need to be aware of the proper procedure. You must have these things to ensure the most effective results:
Keys
Most modern vehicles require a transponder fob or transponder keys to work, which provides security and protection against theft. These keys are programmed by a locksmith or authorized dealer to function with your car's systems and specific model. They can be costly to replace if lost, so you should keep extras handy. You can find key fobs that can be replaced in online stores and many brick and mortar auto shops. How can you ensure that the one you bought is genuine? Are you able to tell whether the unit has been programmed to work with another vehicle, or if it can be programmed again?
If you want to program a new key first, you need to make sure that your car is on and running. Insert the key that you wish to reprogramme into the ignition, but don't turn it. You will only have a few seconds before the car's system resets commands and leaves programming mode. It is important that you be quick and don't be patient between each step. To prevent this from happening, turn off the engine. Turn the key from "on" to "off" to test the system. The door locks should cycle, and you will hear a chime to indicate that the process was successful.
Certain cars with more modern technology have rolling key system, which prevents thieves from using a stolen car's key to start it. This feature is still susceptible to a technique dubbed replay attack. It allows thieves to record and later duplicate the signal generated by the vehicle key fob to open the car. To prevent this, manufacturers have added a security feature called CAN bus protocol to thwart attacks on hacking.
Certain manufacturers employ a specific encryption on their keys, which cannot be decoded by an ordinary program. You should only attempt this method if your previous experience is in electronics. Check the manual of your car or visit the website of the manufacturer to find out how to program it. The steps will vary depending on the model of vehicle.
Transponder chips
Car keys with transponder chips require a special reprogramming to work. Any hardware store can offer you a new car key but the real challenge lies in implementing it to your vehicle. The key has to be programmed to match the exact identification code on your car, or else it won't start.
Transponder chips are a common feature of modern automobiles and are designed to guard against car theft. The chip is a microcircuit which emits a radio frequency signal when the key is put in the ignition. The car then scans for the signal and then starts the engine if it matches the original frequency that was programmed into the vehicle. The car will also shut down if a frequency is invalid. This makes it more difficult for novice car thefts to hot-wire a vehicle and then start it.
The chip and the key are connected by an electronic circuit board that contains an induction coil. When the key is placed in the ignition it creates a magnetic field around the transponder. This creates a signal which is absorbed by the coil and then transmitted to the key's identification. The ID number of the key is then sent back to the vehicle and if it matches the engine will start.
There are a variety of methods to program a key transponder, however all require an instrument that is specifically designed for. These tools can be purchased online or from most automotive locksmiths. They are not cheap, but they are crucial for programming the chip into your vehicle.
You may also use a reprogrammable transponder key that was previously programmed for another vehicle. In this case, make sure that the key isn't damaged or that the transponder is not altered in any way. You can read the chip using a scanner, or a computer that has the USB connector.
Reprogramming the transponder key is simple, but it requires an expertly designed software and scan tool. If you're a beginner it is recommended to seek the assistance of an auto locksmith. Don't buy used keys since they might already be programmed and won't be compatible with your vehicle.
EZ Installer
For decades, car owners who required replacement of their key fob had no alternative than to visit a dealership to have their key electronically connected to the vehicle. This is because in order for modern keys to function they have to be "paired". This required expensive and complicated equipment that was available only to dealers. The EZ Installer by Car Keys Express simplifies the process of pairing modern keys to vehicles for locksmiths and retailers.
The EZ Installer is a simple, "plug and play" OBD device that pairs new keys to vehicles, without the need for complex equipment or programming tokens. It connects directly to the standard OBD port on the vehicle and uses an application that is mobile to provide easy to follow instructions. The EZ Installer works with all newer models that have proximity keys or push button start. Go to programing keys on Tom's website to see whether your vehicle is compatible.
A full money-back guarantee is offered if the device does not successfully program a remote or key purchased from Tom's for a vehicle compatible.
In contrast to traditional programming equipment, which can cost key professionals hundreds of thousands of dollars in "token" fees per key, the EZ Installer Pro does not charge these fees. It is able to be used as long as a key professional or retailer wants. The EZ Installer eliminates the need for expensive monthly service contracts and software updates. This allows retailers to save money while providing their customers the same high quality service as OEM equipment. It also comes with an industry-leading warranty that covers all hardware and software for life.
Tools
Locksmiths, auto mechanics, and owners of vehicles can utilize car key programming tools to program new keys for cars. These tools communicate with a vehicle's immobilizer to program new keys and control them remotely. They can also be used to duplicate existing keys and create duplicate keys. These tools are a useful tool for anyone who owns a car.
One of the most admired tools for programming keys to cars is the Autel Maxisys MS906BT. This scanner for vehicle diagnostics offers advanced OE-level features and is compatible with all of the top brands. It also includes a key programming function and is able to backup current important information. It also has the capability of resetting the immobilizer and clearing immobilizer fault codes.
The OTOFIX IM1 is an important tool to reprogramme car keys. This auto diagnostic scanner comes with advanced functions that are OE-level and can read passwords from the majority of major brands. It also has the ability to perform online calibration, customization and EEPROM reading. The program also has an option to bypass a BMW or Mercedes PIN code. It is also able to read EEPROMs, car MCUs and CAN-EEPROMs for most major models.
The Bidirectional scanner XToolUSA is a popular choice to reprogramme vehicles. This scanner can read codes and key information from most vehicles in just a few seconds and is a fantastic tool for auto shops as well as locksmiths. It also has an active test feature that can help identify the issue quickly.
While there are many different ways to reprogram a car it is important to use the right tools and to know how to utilize them. Uncorrect programming can damage the vehicle's immobilizer and prevent it from starting. Before attempting to reprogram your car's key, it's best to consult with an expert.
Another option is to purchase the kit that comes with the key programmer, a remote control key, and transponder chips. This will ensure that you are supplied with everything you require to reprogram your car's key. However, this method takes longer and requires a basic understanding of electronics and soldering.