Reprogramming Car Keys
Transponder keys are thought to be more secure for cars and harder to copy by thieves. However, keys may need to be reprogrammed when it becomes damaged or lost.
You can change the programming of your key fobs at home, however you need to be aware of the correct procedure. For the best results, you'll need the following items:
Keys
Nearly all modern vehicles require some kind of transponder key or fob in order to operate, ensuring security and protection against theft. These keys must be programmed to the specific vehicle and its features by a certified locksmith or dealer. It's expensive to replace them if they become lost, so it's better to have spares available. You can purchase key fobs that can be replaced in online stores as well as many brick-and mortar auto shops. How do you ensure that the key fob you bought is genuine? Do you know whether the unit has been programmed to work with another vehicle or if yours can be programmed again?
To program a new car key you must first verify that your vehicle is running. Insert the key you wish to program into the ignition without turning it. There are only just a few seconds before the car's system resets the commands and leaves programming mode. For this reason, it is important to be quick and not be able to wait between steps. To prevent this from happening, turn off the engine. You can test the car's security system by turning the key to the "on" position, then back to the "off" position. You should hear a chime to indicate that the process was successful. The door locks will cycle.
Certain vehicles of recent years use rolling keys to keep thieves from using stolen keys to start the car. This feature is still vulnerable to a technique known as replay attack, which allows thieves to record the signal from the vehicle's key fob and then replicate it to unlock the car. To combat this, manufacturers added the security feature known as the CAN bus protocols to stop hackers from gaining access to the vehicle.
Some manufacturers use a special encryption on their keys, which cannot be decoded by an easy program. These types of cars require to be programmed by a professional, and you should only attempt this process if you have experience working with electronics. Consult your car's manual or go to the website of the manufacturer to learn how to program it. The steps to follow will differ according to the type of vehicle.
Transponder chips
Car keys that feature transponder chips require a special reconfiguration to work. While any hardware store can cut keys for you, the main problem is to make it work to work with the specific car you own. The key has to be programmed to match the exact identification number on your car, otherwise it won't be able to start.
Transponder chips, used to protect cars from theft are a standard feature of modern cars. The chip is a microcircuit which transmits a radio frequency signal when the key is placed into the ignition. The car detects the signal, and starts the engine only if the signal matches the original that was programmed into the vehicle. The car will also shut down if a frequency is not valid. This makes it more difficult for car thieves with no experience to hot wire a vehicle and then start it.
The key and the chip are connected via a circuit board that includes an induction coil. When the key is placed in the ignition, it creates a magnetic field around the transponder. This creates a signal that is amplified by the coil which transmits it to the key's identification number. The key's identification number is returned to the car and the engine will start if the identification number matches.
There are a variety of methods to program a key transponder, however all require a special tool. These tools can be bought online or from most automotive locksmiths. They're not cheap, but they are crucial for programming the chip to your vehicle.
You may also use a reprogrammable transponder key that was previously programmed for a different vehicle. In this instance, you must make sure the key hasn't been damaged or that the transponder is not altered in any way. You can read the chip using a scanner, or a computer equipped with the USB connector.
Reprogramming an transponder's key is easy, but it will require special software and a scanning tool. If you're a beginner it is recommended to seek help from an auto locksmith. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing second-hand keys as they're likely to be programmed and won't work with your vehicle.
EZ Installer
For a long time, car owners who required replacement of their key fob had no other choice than to visit a dealership to have their key electronically linked to their vehicle. This is because in order to make modern keys function, they need to be "paired". This required expensive and complicated equipment that was only available 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 with vehicles without the need for complex equipment or programming tokens. It connects directly to the standard OBD port on the vehicle and utilizes a mobile application to provide easy to follow instructions. The EZ Installer is compatible with the majority of newer vehicles that include proximity keys or push button start. Go to the compatibility guide on Tom's website to see whether your vehicle is compatible.
A full money-back guarantee is offered in the event that the device fails to successfully program a remote or key purchased from Tom's for a vehicle compatible.
Contrary to conventional programming equipment that costs key professionals thousands of dollars with typical per-key "token" charges, the EZ Installer Pro doesn't charge any fees, so it can be used for as long as a key professional would like to keep it. The EZ Installer also eliminates the need for costly monthly service contracts and updates, meaning that it can save retailers money while providing the same quality service as OEM equipment. It also comes with a renowned warranty that covers hardware and software for the rest of your life.
Tools
Car key programming tools can be utilized by auto technicians, locksmiths and even owners of vehicles to program new keys for their automobiles. These tools connect to a vehicle's immobilizer to create new keys, and are remotely controlled. They can also be used to duplicate existing keys and create duplicates. These tools are an invaluable tool for anyone who owns a car.
One of the most well-known car key programming tools is the Autel Maxisys MS906BT. The scanner for diagnostics of vehicles is compatible with all major brands and offers advanced OE features. It also comes with an option for key programming and is able to backup current important information. It is also capable of resetting the immobilizer and clearing immobilizer fault codes.
Another important tool for re programming car key s is the OTOFIX Im1. This auto-diagnostic scanner has advanced OE-level functions and can read passwords from most major brands. It can also perform online calibration, customization, and EEPROM reading. It also comes with an option to bypass the BMW or Mercedes PIN code. It also has the ability to read EEPROM, car MCU and CAN EEPROM for most major models.
The XToolUSA Bidirectional Scanner is another option for reprogramming vehicles. This tool can read key information and codes from most vehicles in a few seconds which makes it a perfect tool for auto shops as well as locksmiths. It also features an active test feature that helps identify the issue quickly.
There are a variety of ways to reprogram your car, it is important to use the right tools and to know how to use them. Incorrect programming can cause damage to the car's immobilizer system and prevent it from starting. It is advised to seek advice from a professional prior to trying to reprogram a car key.
Another option is to buy a kit that includes the key programmer, a remote control key, and transponder chips. This will ensure that you have everything you need to reprogramme your car key. This method, however, takes longer and requires some understanding of electronics and soldering.