Watch Out: How Programmable Car Keys Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming your car keys is a great solution to avoid being locked out in the future. However, it can be expensive depending on the vehicle you own.
There are tools that can assist shops and DIY customers program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data, Sanabria says.
1. You can start your vehicle from a distance
You will require a programmed key to start your car. This means that the key has to have a specific microchip inside it that can be readable by a receiver in the ignition. When the key is inserted into the ignition, it sends an encoded signal to the receiver. If automotive key programming is in line the code, then the car will start. This technology is more secure than other methods of locking your car, since the code is always changing and cannot be guessed.
With the advent of a programmable keys, it's now impossible to hot-wire your car and drive off. A lot of these cars come with proximity sensors that prevent the car from starting when the key isn't within reach. The most recent keys are capable of warming up your car from some distance, making it easier to get on the road on cold winter days.
Utilizing the EZ Installer from Tom's Key Company, it is now possible to program your own new key and start your car from an extended distance. This kit lets you bypass your car's anti-theft system and allow you to enter the programming mode of a new automotive keys. It is important to know that this kit will not work on all cars, and you should consult the owner's manual to find out if it works with your particular model of vehicle.
The process of programming keys isn't difficult, but it does require patience and concentration on the details. To program your car successfully with a brand new key program, you must follow a specific procedure. You will find the steps in your car's owner's manual, or look on the internet for "onboard program step X of your vehicle." Keep the ignition and keys locked as you attempt to program them.
2. You can unlock the doors at the same time.
You can use a key that is programmable to unlock the doors of your vehicle immediately if you're in an errand and don't have time to wait for friends or family members to arrive. This is an excellent feature for people who always arrive late for appointments or have trouble to find their car in busy parking areas. This is a great idea for those with elderly or children who require assistance in getting into their car.
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys which have cut and grooves that fit into the lock cylinder of your car's ignition and door locks A key that is programmable has an embedded computer chip which is connected to the car's computer systems. This chip is programmed by a locksmith, or dealer or auto manufacturer, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Typically, this process is more complicated than making duplicates of the traditional key. It takes longer and will cost you more. There are ways to save on this service.
car key programming can program your keys at a lower cost than dealerships and are often faster. You'll need two functioning keys to the locksmith to connect your new key to your car's computer. In addition, many modern cars have advanced anti-theft transponders, which must be programmed specifically for your vehicle by a trained locksmith or dealer.
The process of reprogramming your car key isn't a simple process, and there are some tricks you can try at home. It is best to consult the owner's manual for your specific car model or search online for the steps. Certain manufacturers employ proprietary technology which prevents you from being in a position to change the programming of your key. car key programming is why you should consult a locksmith or dealer who has the expertise to help you. Attempting to program your own key could cause damage to the car's electronics. This can be very expensive to repair, so it is recommended not to take this risk.
3. You can lock your car from the distance
Car thieves target drivers as they try to open their vehicles. They are aware that it takes just a few seconds to remove your keys out of your purse or pocket and then put them in the ignition. So they wait for you at times when you're the most vulnerable. Fortunately, you can avoid this by locking your vehicle from a distance with a programmable car key. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who live in a crowded location or don't want to risk losing their keys.
You can only use this feature if your vehicle is compatible with it. You can consult your auto locksmith or manufacturer to determine if your vehicle is compatible. To remotely unlock your car, you must have an iPhone 11 or later and the Apple Watch Series 6 or later and be within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.
It is important to keep one spare in case you lose your programmed key. You might have to replace the transponder chip if don't. It's expensive and it's advisable to have an extra key. You can also have your key reprogrammed. This can be done by a dealer or an auto locksmith. Reprogramming your own car keys can be dangerous. It is best to hire a professional to do the job so that other people can't reprogram your key, and then steal your car.
There are many car owners who attempt to program their own keys that can be programmed by following online instructions. It's not difficult if you already know the procedure. However, it can be confusing and difficult to learn on your own. This method is not only dangerous, but it might also not work in some situations. In fact, it's possible that the key reprogramming will erase your other keys and cause them to cease working. You can avoid this by ensuring you have two working keys at hand prior to starting. Also, ensure that your car is not running while you are trying to program your third key.
4. You can unlock your door faster
The main benefit of a programmable key is that you can unlock your doors faster. Traditionally to unlock a door you'd need to remove your key from your purse, pocket, or wallet, place it in the ignition, and turn it. With a programmable car key instead, you can just push the button on the fob of your key to open the door, which is much more convenient and safer. It also means that you don't have to keep your friends or family waiting outside your car while you search for your keys.
If you have a programmable car key, it's also simpler to replace it in the case of a lost or broken one. In most cases, you can request an alternate key and then have it reprogrammed 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 process than replacing the key head and will save you money.
For some vehicles, a special programmer is required to reprogramme the new key. These sophisticated devices are costly and are typically only available to professional locksmiths. They also require extensive experience in using them. Some locksmiths will even use methods known as "EEPROM programming," which is a more sophisticated way to read the code of your vehicle's transponder.
Regardless of what type of key you have though, it is always an excellent idea to have an extra in the case. It is not uncommon to lose your keys to your car. They can be a challenge to replace. You don't even know how easy a thief will find it to steal your car.
You can avoid these problems by purchasing a spare programmable key in advance. Pop-A-Lock can make you an programmable car key for an affordable cost. This is a less expensive and less stressful option than having to purchase a new vehicle after you have lost your keys.