Reprogramming Car Keys
Car keys with transponders are believed to make cars more secure and are harder for thieves to duplicate. A key may have to be reprogrammed in case of damage or lost.
You can reprogram your key fobs at home, but you need to know the right process. You must have these things to ensure the best results:
Keys
Nearly all modern vehicles require some kind of transponder fob or transponder keys to operate, ensuring security and protection against theft. The keys must be programmed to your particular car and its systems by a certified locksmith or dealer. They can be costly to replace if they are lost therefore, you should keep extras handy. You will also find replacement key fobs in various online stores and in many brick-and mortar auto shops. How can you ensure that the key you purchased is authentic? Are you able to tell whether the unit has been programmed to work with another vehicle or if yours can be programmed again?
If you're looking to program an entirely new key the first step is to make sure that your car is running. Insert the key that you wish to reprogramme into the ignition, but do not turn it. There are only a few seconds before the system resets all commands and leaves the programming mode. Therefore, it is important to move fast and not be able to wait between steps. Turn off the engine to stop this. You can test the car's system by turning the key to the "on" position and then back to the "off" position. You should hear a chime signalling that the procedure was successful. The door locks will cycle.
Some newer cars use a rolling key technology, which stops thieves from using stolen cars' key to start it. This technology is still vulnerable to a technique known as a replay attack that allows thieves to record the signal of the vehicle's key fob, then reproduce it to open the car. To prevent this, manufacturers added a security feature known as the CAN bus protocols to ward off hacking.
Certain manufacturers employ a specific encryption on their keys that cannot be decoded using an ordinary program. It is best to only attempt this process if your experience is in electronic devices. Refer to the manual for your car or look up the website of the manufacturer for information on how to program it. The steps to follow will differ according to the type of vehicle.
Transponder chips
Car keys with transponder chips require a specific reprogramming to work. Any hardware store can offer you a new car key but the real challenge is in making it work with your car. A key that has been reprogrammed will need to be matched with the specific identification number of your vehicle, or it won't start the engine.
Transponder chips, used to prevent car theft are a standard feature of modern automobiles. The chip is a microcircuit which transmits a radio frequency signal when the key is inserted into the ignition. The car then scans for the signal and begins the engine if it is in line with the original signal that was programmed into the vehicle. The car will also shut down if the frequency is invalid. This makes it much harder for novice car thieves to wire a vehicle and start it.
A circuit board equipped with an induction coil connects the chip to the key. When the key is placed in the ignition, it creates an electromagnetic field around the transponder. This generates a signal that gets absorbed by the coil, which then transmits it to key's identification number. The ID number of the key is then sent back to the vehicle and if it is in line with the engine will start.
There are many ways to program a transponder, however all require the use of a specific tool. You can purchase these tools online or at most locksmiths in the automotive industry. They are not cheap, but they are vital for programming the chip into your car.
You may also use a resettable key that was programmed for another vehicle. In this instance you'll need to make sure that the key isn't damaged or the transponder has been altered in any way. To check this, you'll need scanners or computers equipped with a USB port to read the chip and determine its identity.
The process of reprogramming the transponder key is easy, but it will require special software and a scanning tool. If you're new to the process, it's best to seek the assistance of an auto locksmith. Avoid buying used keys because they could already be programmed, and they won't work with your car.
EZ Installer
In the past, car owners who wanted to replace their keys were required to visit an agent to have it electronically paired with the vehicle. This is because in order to make modern keys work they have to be "paired". This required expensive and complex equipment that was only available to dealers. The EZ Installer by Car Keys Express simplifies the process of pairing up modern keys to vehicles for locksmiths and retailers.
The EZ Installer, a simple "plug-and-play" OBD device, pairs new keys with vehicles without the use of complex equipment or tokens for programming. It connects directly to the vehicle's standard OBD port and utilizing a mobile app to provide easy-to-follow instructions. The EZ Installer works with most modern vehicles that include proximity keys or push-button start. Visit the compatibility guide on Tom's website to determine if your vehicle is compatible.
If the device fails to program a remote or a key purchased from Tom's into a vehicle that is compatible the full refund will be available.
In contrast to traditional programming equipment that costs key professionals thousands of dollars in typical per-key "token" charges, the EZ Installer Pro doesn't charge any fees which means it can be used for as long as a key professional would like to keep it. The EZ Installer eliminates the need for costly monthly service contracts and software updates. This allows retailers to save money while giving their customers the same high quality service as OEM equipment. It also offers a leading warranty that covers hardware and software for the duration of your life.
Tools
Locksmiths, auto mechanics and vehicle owners can use car key programming tools to program new keys for cars. These tools can communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer system to create new keys and remote controls. These tools can be used to create duplicates and duplicate keys. These tools are a valuable tool for those who own a car.
One of the most well-known car key programming tools is the Autel Maxisys MS906BT. This vehicle diagnostic scanner is compatible with all major brands and offers advanced OE features. It has a key programming feature and can back up current key data. It is also capable of resetting the immobilizer as well as clearing immobilizer fault codes.
The OTOFIX Im1 is an important tool for reprogramming keys for cars. This auto diagnostic scanner comes with advanced OE-level functions and can read passwords from most major brands. It also performs online calibration and customization as well as reading EEPROM. It also comes with the ability to bypass a BMW or Mercedes PIN code. It also has the ability to read EEPROM, car MCU, and CAN EEPROMs for the majority of major models.
The XToolUSA Bidirectional Scanner is another option for reprogramming vehicles. This is a fantastic tool for auto repair shops as well as locksmiths as it can read key data and codes from the majority of vehicles in a matter of seconds. It also has a live test feature that helps determine the cause quickly.
There are a variety of ways to reprogram your car. It is important to have the proper tools, and also to know how they work. Uncorrect programming can cause damage to the immobilizer of the vehicle and stop it from starting. Before attempting to reprogram your car's key, it is recommended to consult a professional.
You can also purchase a kit that includes a key programmer, remote control key, and transponder chip. This will ensure that you are supplied with everything you need to reprogram your car key. This method takes longer and requires a basic understanding of soldering and electronics.