A Trip Back In Time The Conversations People Had About Programmable Car Keys 20 Years Ago
Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming your car keys is an excellent solution to avoid being locked out in the future. However, it can be a bit pricey depending on the car you own.
Luckily, there are tools available to help shops and even DIY customers create replacement keys and restore the immobilizer's data, Sanabria says.
1. You can start your vehicle from an undetermined distance
You will require a programmed key to start your car. This means that the key needs to have a specific microchip in it that is accessible to a receiver in the ignition. When the key is put into the ignition, it sends an encoded signal to the receiver. If the signal matches, the car will begin. This technology is more secure than other methods of locking your car, because the code is constantly changing and cannot be deciphered.
It used to be possible to wire a car and drive away, however thanks to the introduction of programmable keys, this is now impossible. Additionally the majority of these vehicles are now equipped with proximity sensors that block the car from starting if it is not in reach of the key. The latest keys are capable of warming up your car from an infinity distance which makes it easier to get on the road on cold winter days.
With 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 of your car and allow you to enter the mode of programming new set of keys for your vehicle. It is important to know that this kit will not work on all cars and you must consult the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out whether it is compatible with your particular model of vehicle.
The procedure for programming keys is not difficult, however it requires a lot of patience and attention to the smallest of details. You must follow a specific procedure in order to successfully program your car with a new key. You can learn the steps in your vehicle's owner's manual, or look on the internet for "onboard program step X for your vehicle." Keep the ignition and keys locked when you are trying to program them.
2. You can also unlock the doors at the same time.
If you're in an urgent situation and do not want to wait for your friends or family, you can use a car key that is programmed to open all doors at the same time. This is a great feature for people who are always late for appointments or have trouble to locate their car in crowded parking spaces. This is a great idea for those who have elderly or young children who require assistance getting into their car.
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys with grooves and cut-outs that fit into the lock cylinders of your car's door locks and ignition A key that is programmable has an embedded computer chip that is connected to your car's computer systems. This chip is programmed by a locksmith or dealer, or auto manufacturer, based on the make and model of your car. In general, this procedure is more complicated than creating an exact duplicate of a traditional key. It takes longer and will cost you more. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost of this service.
A reliable locksmith in your neighborhood can program your programmable keys for a much lower cost than the dealership or auto parts store, and they can usually do it faster too. You'll need two working keys to the locksmith to connect your new key to the car's computer. In addition, many contemporary cars have advanced anti-theft transponders, which must be programmed specifically for your car by a professional locksmith or dealer.
There are some tricks you can use at home to reprogram your car key. It is recommended to refer to the owner's manual for the specific car model or search online for the steps. Certain manufacturers have proprietary technology that stops you from reprograming your key. This is why it is important to visit an experienced locksmith or dealer to assist with this. You could harm the electronic system in your car when you attempt to program your own key. This can be extremely costly to repair, so it's wise not to take the risk.
3. You can lock your vehicle from a distance
Car thieves target drivers as they try to unlock their vehicles. They know it takes you a few seconds to take your keys out of your purse or pocket, and put them into the ignition. They'll be waiting for you to be vulnerable. You can avoid this by using an electronic key that locks your vehicle remotely. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in a busy area or who do not want to risk losing their keys.
You can only use this feature only if your vehicle is compatible with it. To make sure automotive locksmith key programming is compatible, inquire with the manufacturer or an auto locksmith. You must possess an iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 6 and be within Bluetooth range to unlock your car remotely.
It is essential to have a spare if you lose your programmable key. You may require replacing the transponder chip in case you don't. This can be expensive and it is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession. You can also get the key reprogrammed by an auto locksmith or dealer. Reprogramming your own car key could be risky. It is best to do it professionally, so that others cannot reprogram your key and take your car.
Many car owners attempt to program their programmable keys on their own by following online instructions. It's not difficult when you are familiar with the process. However, it can be complicated and difficult to master by yourself. This method is not only risky, but it could also not work in some situations. In reality, it's possible that the key reprogramming will erase your other keys, causing them to stop working. You can prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have two keys that work on hand before beginning. Make sure that your vehicle is turned off before you try to program your third key.
4. You can unlock your door faster
The most obvious benefit of a programmable car key is that it will assist you in unlocking your door quicker. In the past, you had to remove the key from your pocket or purse and then put it in the ignition, turn it on, and then unlock each door manually. A programmable key allows you to open your car's doors by simply pressing the button on the key fob. This is faster and more secure. This also means that you don't have to leave your family or friends waiting outside your car while you look for your keys.
If you have a programmable car key, it is also simpler to replace it in the event of a broken or lost one. In most cases, you can simply order a replacement key and then have it changed by a locksmith. This will ensure that the new key is compatible with your vehicle and functions as intended. This is a far easier process than trying to replace the head of the key and can cost you less money.
For certain vehicles, a specialized programer is required to reprogram the new key. These advanced devices are expensive and typically only available to locksmiths who are professionals. They also require extensive expertise in the use of them. Some locksmiths may even employ methods known as "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 have however, it's recommended to keep an extra in the case. It is not uncommon to lose your keys to your car. They can be a challenge to replace. Also, you don't know how easy it is for a criminal will find it to steal your car.
You can get rid of these issues by ordering a spare programmable key in advance. You can do this at your local Pop-A-Lock locksmith for an affordable price. This is a much cheaper and less stressful alternative than having to purchase new automobiles after losing your original keys.