The 10 Scariest Things About Programmable Car Keys
Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming your car keys is a great option to prevent being locked out in the future. It can be costly based on your car.
There are tools available to help shops and DIY customers program replacement keys and restore data from the immobilizer, Sanabria says.
1. You can start your car from a distance
To start your vehicle, you'll need an ignition key that has been programmed to work with it. This means that the key needs to have a specific microchip in it that is readable by a receiver in the ignition. When the key is inserted it sends out a signal to the receiver that matches the code in the chip. If the signal matches with the chip, the car will start. This kind of technology is much safer than the other methods of locking your car, as the code changes constantly and is unable to be detected by thieves.
With the advent of programmable key, it's impossible to hot-wire your car and drive away. A majority of these vehicles have proximity sensors which prevent the car from starting when the key isn't within range. The newest keys are even capable of warming up your car from a distance making it easier to travel on cold days.
Using the EZ installer from Tom's Key Company it is now possible to program your new key and start your car from afar. This kit allows you to bypass the anti-theft system in your vehicle and enter the programming mode for a new key for your vehicle. It is important to remember that this kit does not work with all vehicles and you must consult the owner's manual to determine if it works with the model you have chosen for your vehicle.
The process of programming keys is not complicated, but it does require a lot of patience and attention to detail. You must follow a strict procedure in order to successfully program your car with a new key. You will locate the steps in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the internet for "onboard program step X vehicle." Keep the ignition and keys locked as you attempt to program them.
2. You can open all of the doors at once.
If you're in an urgent situation and don't want to be waiting for your family or friends, you can use a programmable car key to unlock all of the doors at once. This is a useful option for those who always arrive late for appointments or have trouble to locate their car in crowded parking lots. It's also a good idea for people who have children or elderly family members who require assistance getting into their car.
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys that have grooves and cuts that fit into the lock cylinder of your vehicle's ignition and door locks A programmable key comes with an internal computer chip which is connected to the car's computer systems. This chip is programmed by a locksmith or dealer, or auto manufacturer depending on the make and model of your vehicle. This process is usually more complicated than making an exact copy of a traditional car key. It takes longer and is more expensive. There are, however, ways to reduce the cost of this service.
Local locksmiths can program your keys for less than the dealership and are often faster. But, you'll require two working keys to allow the locksmith to connect your new key to your computer system of your car. Many modern cars also have advanced anti-theft transmitters that must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
The process of reprogramming a car key isn't easy but there are a few techniques you can try at home. It is recommended to read the owner's manual of your particular model of car key programmers or search online for the steps. Certain manufacturers have proprietary technologies that stop you from reprograming your own key, which is why it's important to seek out an experienced locksmith near me program key fob or dealer for assistance with this. You may damage the electronic system of your car if you try to program your own key. It can be expensive to fix so it's recommended to stay clear of this risk.
3. You can lock your vehicle from the distance
Car thieves target drivers as they try to open their vehicles. They know it takes you only a few seconds to retrieve the keys out of your pocket or purse and put them into the ignition. So they wait for you to be vulnerable. You can avoid this by using an electronic key that locks your vehicle remotely. This feature is especially useful for people who live in an urban area or if they don't want to risk losing their keys.
This feature is only available if your vehicle is compatible. To confirm that your vehicle is compatible, you can check with the manufacturer or an auto locksmith. You must possess an iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 6 and be within Bluetooth range to be able to unlock your vehicle remotely.
It is important to keep one spare in case you lose your programable key. You might require replacing the transponder chip if you don't. This can be expensive so it's best to keep an extra key in your possession. You can also have the key reset by an auto locksmith or a dealer. However, reprogramming a car key yourself can be risky. It is recommended to hire a professional to do the job so that other people aren't able to reprogram your key and steal your vehicle.
There are a lot of car owners who try to program their own programmable car keys (click this site) by following online instructions. It's quite simple to master the process if you're familiar with it, but it's difficult to learn on your own and can be somewhat confusing if you are not familiar with the procedure. This method is not only dangerous, but it may be ineffective in certain instances. It is possible that the reprogramming process will wipe out the other keys and cause them to cease functioning. This is avoided by having two working programing keys ready before you start. Make sure that your car is turned off when you attempt to program your third key.
4. You can unlock your door faster
The main benefit of having a programmable key is that you can unlock your doors faster. Traditionally, you needed to remove the key from your purse or pocket and place it in the ignition, turn it, and then unlock each door manually. With a programmable car keys it is possible to simply press a button on the fob of your key to open the door, which is much quicker and safer. It also means you don't have to keep your family or friends waiting outside your car while you search for your keys.
It is simpler to replace a programmable key in the event you lose or break one. In many cases, you can simply order an alternative key and have it reset by a locksmith. This will ensure that the new key will be compatible with your vehicle and works exactly as you intended. This is a easier process than trying to replace the head of the key and can save you some money.
For some vehicles, a special programer is required to reprogramme the new key. These devices are costly, and are typically only accessible to locksmiths. They also require extensive knowledge about how to use these devices. Some locksmiths will even use a method called "EEPROM programming," which is a more sophisticated method to read the code that is on the transponder in your vehicle.
Whatever type of key you own, however, it's a good idea to keep an extra in the case. Lost car keys are frequent, and they can be an absolute hassle to replace. Plus, you don't know how easy a thief will find it to steal your car.
Fortunately, you can get rid of all these problems by having an extra car key that can be programmed prepared in advance. Pop-A-Lock can create a programmable car key at a reasonable price. This is much less expensive and less stress-inducing than buying a new car after you lose your original keys.