Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming car keys is a great option to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future. It can be expensive depending on the car you drive.
Luckily, there are tools available to help shops and even DIY customers program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data, Sanabria says.
1. You can start your car from some distance
You require a key that is programmed to start your vehicle. The key should have a microchip that is read by the receiver in the ignition. When the key is inserted, it sends out a signal to the receiver that is in line with the code on the chip. If the signal matches then the car will start. This method is more secure than other methods of locking your car, since the code is always changing and cannot be guessed.
It was once possible to wire a car and drive away, however with the introduction of programmable keys, this is now impossible. A lot of these cars have proximity sensors which prevent the car from being started when the key isn't within range. The latest keys can even warm up your car via remote, making it easier to travel in cold weather.
Utilizing the EZ Installer from Tom's Key Company, it is now possible to program your own key and start your car from the distance. This kit allows you to bypass the anti-theft feature in your car and enter the programming mode for a brand new key for your vehicle. This kit is not compatible with all vehicles. It is recommended to check the owner's manual to determine if it will work with your vehicle.
The key programming process is not complicated however, it requires a lot of patience and concentration on the details. To successfully program your car using a new model system, you need to follow a specific method. You can locate the steps in your car's owner's manual, or look online for "onboard program step X for your vehicle." Keep the ignition and keys locked when you are trying to program them.
2. You can open the doors simultaneously
You can use a programmable key to unlock the doors of your car quickly if you're a rush and don't have time to wait for friends or family members to arrive. This is an excellent feature for those who are often late for appointments or who have difficulties finding their vehicles in crowded parking lots. It is also a good idea for those with children or elderly relatives who require assistance getting into their car.
A car key that is programmable differs from a traditional mechanical key that has grooves and cuts that can be inserted into your car's ignition or door locks. It also comes with an electronic chip that is linked with the car's computers. This chip is programmed by a locksmith or dealer, or auto manufacturer depending on the model and make of your car. It is generally more complex than making an exact duplicate of a traditional key. It takes longer and costs you more. There are, however, ways to reduce the cost of this service.
A reliable locksmith in your neighborhood can program your programmable key at a lower cost than a dealership or an auto parts store, and they generally can do it quicker as well. However, you will need to have two working keys to allow the locksmith to link your new key to the computer system of your car. In addition, many contemporary cars come with advanced anti-theft transponders, which must be programmed specifically for your car by a professional locksmith or dealer.
There are a few tricks you can use at home to re-program a car key. However, it is recommended to refer to the owner's manual or search on the Internet for the exact steps for your car's model and brand. Some manufacturers have proprietary technology that prevents you from reprogramming your key. This is why it's important to visit an experienced locksmith or dealer for assistance with this. You may damage the electronic system in your car when you attempt to program your own key. This can be extremely costly to repair, so it's recommended not to take this risk.
3. You can lock your vehicle from the distance
Car thieves are often targeting motorists while they try to gain entry into their vehicles. They know that it takes a moment for you to pull your keys out of your pocket or purse and to place them in your ignition, so they're waiting for you at the moment when you are most vulnerable. You can prevent this with the use of a key that can be programmed to lock your car remotely. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in a dense area or do not want their keys to be lost.
This feature is only available if your car is compatible. Check with your auto locksmith or the manufacturer to see if your vehicle is compatible. To unlock your car remotely, you must have an iPhone 11 or later and the Apple Watch Series 6 or later and be within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.
If you have lost your car key that is programmable it is essential to have an extra. Otherwise, you may need to purchase a new transponder chip. It's expensive so it's recommended to have an extra key. You can also have the key reset by an auto locksmith or dealer. However, reprogramming a car key yourself can be risky. It is recommended to get a professional do the job so that other people can't reprogram your key, and steal your vehicle.
Many car owners attempt to program their own programmable keys by following the online instructions. It's not difficult when you are familiar with the procedure however, it can be difficult to learn on your own and can be somewhat confusing if you aren't familiar with it. This method isn't only dangerous, but it may also not work in some situations. In fact, it's possible that the reprogramming of keys will erase your other keys, causing them to cease functioning. You can avoid this by ensuring you have two keys that work in your possession prior to starting. You should also ensure that your vehicle isn't running while you are trying to program your third key.
4. You can unlock your door faster
The primary benefit of a car key is that it can help you unlock your door quicker. Traditionally, you had remove the key from your pocket or purse and place it in the ignition, turn it on, and then unlock each door manually. With a programmable car keys it is possible to simply push a button on the key fob to unlock the door, which is much faster and safer. It also means that you don't have to keep your family or friends waiting outside your car while hunt for your keys.
It is easier to replace a key that is programmable in the event that you break or lose one. In many cases you can just purchase a replacement key and have it reset by a locksmith. This will ensure that the new key will be compatible with your vehicle and will work as intended. This is a much simpler procedure than replacing the head of the key, and it will usually save you money.
For certain vehicles, a specialized programmer is required to reprogramme the new key. These devices are costly, and are generally only accessible to locksmiths. car key programming cost uk require a lot of experience in using them. Some locksmiths even employ methods known as "EEPROM programming," which is a more sophisticated method of reading the code of your vehicle's transponder.
It is a good idea regardless of the type of key, to always have a spare key on hand. Lost car keys are common, and they can be quite a headache to replace. Also, you don't know how easy it will be for a thief to get into your car and take it away.
You can avoid these problems by ordering a spare programmable key in advance. Pop-A-Lock can make you a programmable car key at an affordable price. This is a much cheaper and less stressful alternative than buying new automobiles after losing your original keys.