Precious Dunn
Blog entry by Precious Dunn
Reprogramming Car Keys
Transponder keys are said to be more secure for vehicles and more difficult to copy by thieves. Keys may need to be reprogrammed in the case of damage or lost.
You can reprogram your key fobs at home, however you must know the right process. For the best results you must have the following items:
Keys
Modern cars require a transponder key to operate. This provides security and anti-theft protection. The keys are programmed by a locksmith or authorized dealer to work with the car's systems and the specific model. They are expensive to replace if they are lost therefore, you should have spares in your car. You can also find replacement key fobs in various online stores and in many brick-and mortar auto shops. How can you be sure that the key you purchased is authentic? Can you tell whether it was programmed to work with another vehicle or if it can be programmed to work with your car?
If you are planning to program an entirely new key first, you need to ensure that your vehicle is operating. Insert the key you want to reprogram into the ignition without turning it. You will only have a few seconds before the car's system resets commands and exits programming mode. It is essential to move quickly and don't wait between each step. To prevent this from happening, shut off the engine. You can test the car's system by turning the key to the "on" position and back to the "off" position. The door locks should be able to cycle, and you'll hear a chime to indicate that the process was successful.
Some newer vehicles use rolling key technology to prevent thieves from using stolen keys to open the vehicle. This feature is still vulnerable to a technique dubbed replay attack which allows thieves to record the signal from the vehicle's key fob and then replicate it to open the car. To stop this, manufacturers have added an additional security feature known as the CAN bus protocol to thwart attacks on hacking.
Certain manufacturers also employ special encryption on their key fobs, that cannot be decoded with an ordinary program. These types of cars require programming by a professional, and you should only attempt this process with someone who has experience with electronics. It is a good idea to refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle or look up the manufacturer online, as the steps differ based on vehicle type.
Transponder chips
Car keys with transponder chips need special Reprogramming Car Key to work. While any hardware store can cut a new key for you, the biggest issue is how to integrate it in conjunction with your particular car. The key needs to be programmed to match the exact identification number of your car, otherwise it will not start.
Transponder chips, used to protect cars from theft are a standard feature of modern cars. The chip is a microcircuit that transmits a radio frequency signal when the key is put in the ignition. The car detects the signal, and starts the engine only if the signal matches the one programmed in the vehicle. The car will also shut down if the frequency is not valid. This makes it more difficult for thieves with no experience to connect a vehicle to a hot wire and then turn it on.
A circuit board equipped with an induction coil that connects the key to the chip. When the programing key is put in the ignition the magnetic field is created around the transponder. This creates a signal which is received by the coil and sent to the key's identification. The key's identification number is sent back to the car and the engine will start when the identification number is in line with.
There are a few different ways to program a transponder key, however, they all require an instrument that is specifically designed for the purpose. These tools are available online or from most automotive locksmiths. These tools are not cheap but are essential to program your car's chip.
You may also use a reprogrammable key that was previously programmed for a different vehicle. In this scenario you'll need to make sure that the key has not been damaged or the transponder been altered in any way. To check this, you'll need a scanner or a computer equipped with a USB port to read the chip and determine its identity.
Reprogramming an transponder is a simple procedure, but requires specific software. It also requires a scanner tool. If you're a beginner, it's best to seek help from an auto locksmith. You should also avoid buying second-hand keys, since they're probably already programmed and won't work with your car.
EZ Installer
Prior to recently those who wanted to replace their key fob had to visit a dealer to have it digitally paired to the vehicle. This is because modern keys require to be "paired" to the vehicle of the owner in order to work in a way that required the use of expensive and complex equipment that only dealers could access. The EZ Installer from car keys cutting and programming Keys Express solves this issue for locksmiths and retailers by easing the process of pairing modern keys with vehicles.
The EZ Installer, a basic "plug-and-play" OBD device, connects new keys to vehicles without the need for complicated equipment or tokens for programming. It connects directly to the standard OBD port on the vehicle, and runs an application that is mobile to provide easy to follow instructions. The EZ Installer is compatible with all modern vehicles with proximity keys or push-button start. Check the compatibility guide at Tom's website to see whether your vehicle is compatible.
A full-money-back guarantee is provided if the device does not successfully program a remote or key purchased from Tom's for a compatible vehicle.
Contrary to conventional programming equipment that can cost retailers and key professionals thousands of dollars through typical per-key "token" charges, the EZ Installer Pro doesn't charge these fees at all which means it can be used for as long as a key professional wishes it to be. The EZ Installer eliminates the need for expensive 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 an industry-leading warranty that includes all software and hardware for the life of the product.
Tools
Locksmiths, auto mechanics and owners of vehicles can utilize car key programming tools to create new keys for vehicles. These tools connect to the vehicle's immobilizer system to create new keys and remote controls. These tools can be used to create duplicate keys and to make keys cloned. These tools are a valuable tool for anyone who has a vehicle.
Autel Maxisys MS906BT is among the most well-known tools to program keys for cars. This scanner for vehicle diagnostics has advanced features that are OE-grade and is compatible with the majority of the major brands. It features an essential programming feature that allows you to backup the current key information. It is also capable of resetting the immobilizer and clearing immobilizer fault codes.
Another tool that is essential for reprogramming car keys is the OTOFIX IM1. This auto-diagnostic scanner has advanced functions that are OE-level and can read passwords from most major brands. It is also able to perform online calibration as well as customization and reading EEPROM. It also comes with an option that allows it to bypass a PIN code for BMW and Mercedes. It also has the ability to read EEPROMs, car MCUs and CAN-EEPROMs for most major models.
The XToolUSA Bidirectional Scanner is another popular choice for reprogramming car key cars. This tool can read codes and key information from most vehicles in a few seconds which makes it a perfect tool for auto shops and locksmiths. It also features an active test function that allows you to determine the cause quickly and efficiently.
There are a variety of ways to reprogram a car it is crucial to select the appropriate tools and to know how to utilize them. Incorrect programming could cause damage to the vehicle's immobilizer system and prevent it from starting. It is best to seek advice from a professional prior to trying to reprogram your car key.
You can also purchase a kit which includes keys, a key programmer, remote control key and transponder chip. This will ensure that you're equipped with everything you need to reprogram the car key. However, this process will take more time and requires some knowledge of electronic circuits and soldering.