Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming car keys is a great way to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future. However, it can be quite costly depending on the vehicle you own.
Sanabria says there are tools to assist shops, and even DIY customers, programme replacement keys and restore data from immobilizers.
1. You can start your vehicle from some distance
To start your vehicle, you'll need a key that is programmed to work with it. The key should have a microchip that can be read by the receiver inside 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, since the code is always changing and cannot be deciphered.
With the advent of programmable keys, it's now impossible to connect your car to the hot-wire and drive away. A majority of these vehicles have proximity sensors which prevent the car from being started if the key is not within reach. The most recent keys are capable of warming up your car from an infinity distance making it easier to drive on cold 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 lets you bypass your car's anti-theft system and enter the mode of programming new set of keys for your vehicle. This kit is not compatible with all cars. You should check your owner's guide to see 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 procedure. You can locate the steps in your car's owner's manual or 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 unlock the doors simultaneously
When you are in the midst of a rush and don't want to wait for your friends or family, you can use an auto key that can be programmed to open all doors at the same time. This is an excellent feature for those who always arrive late for appointments or have trouble to locate their car in crowded parking areas. This is a great idea for those with elderly or young children who require assistance in getting into their vehicle.
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys that have grooves and cuts that fit into the lock cylinder of your car's ignition and door locks A key that is programmable has a computer chip inside which is connected to the car's computer systems. This chip is programmed by a locksmith or dealer, or auto manufacturer depending on the model and brand of your car. In general, this procedure is more complicated than creating a duplicate of a traditional key. It takes longer and costs you more. There are, however, ways to reduce the cost of this service.
Local locksmiths can program your programmable keys at a lower cost than dealerships and often faster. But, you'll need to have two working keys to allow the locksmith to link your new key to the computer system of your car. Modern cars are also equipped with sophisticated anti-theft devices that need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
The process for reprogramming a car key isn't exactly straightforward however there are some tricks you can try at home. It is recommended to read the owner's manual of your particular model of car or look up online for the steps. Certain manufacturers use proprietary technology that prevents you from being able to reprogram your key. This is why you should consult an expert locksmith or dealer who is experienced to get help. In the event that you attempt to program your personal key can cause damage to the car's electronic systems. It's expensive to fix so it's recommended to avoid this risk.
3. You can lock your car from a distance
Car thieves usually target drivers as they attempt to gain entry into their vehicles. They know that it takes a minute for you to pull your keys out of your purse or pocket to place them in the ignition, and they're waiting for you at the exact moment when you are most vulnerable. Luckily, you can prevent this from happening by locking your car from a distance by using a programmable car key. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in a congested area or are worried that their keys could be lost.
You can only use this feature only if your vehicle is compatible with it. To make sure your car is compatible, check with the manufacturer or an auto locksmith. To unlock your car remotely you need an iPhone 11 or later and the Apple Watch Series 6 or later and you must be within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.
It is important to keep a spare if you lose your programable key. It is possible that you will need to replace the transponder chip in case you don't. This can be costly and it is recommended to keep an extra key in the house. You can also have your key reprogrammed. This can be done by a dealer or an auto locksmith. Reprogramming your own car keys could be risky. car key programming is best to hire a professional to perform the task so that others cannot reprogram your keys and then steal your car.
There are a lot of car owners who try to program their own car keys that are programmable by following the online instructions. It's not difficult when you are familiar with the procedure however it is difficult to learn on your own and may be somewhat confusing if you aren't experienced with the procedure. This method is not only risky, but it could be ineffective in certain situations. It is possible that the reprogramming process will erase your other keys, causing them to cease working. This is prevented by having two working keys ready prior to beginning. You should also ensure that your car isn't running while you attempt to program your third key.
4. You can unlock your door faster
The primary benefit of a programmed key is that it can unlock your doors faster. Traditionally, you needed to take the key out of your pocket or purse, put it in the ignition, turn it on, and then unlock each door manually. With a programmable car key it is possible to just push the button on the fob of your key to open the door, which is much faster and more secure. You don't need to leave your family or friends outside your car while you search for your keys.
If you own a programmable car key, it is also simpler to replace it in the case of a damaged or lost one. In many cases you can order an alternate key and have it reprogrammed at an locksmith. This will ensure that the new key is compatible with your vehicle and will work exactly as you intended. This is a much simpler procedure than attempting to replace the head of the key, and will typically save you some money.
For certain vehicles, a specially-designed programmer is required to reprogramme the new key. These advanced devices are expensive and are typically only available to locksmiths who are professionals. These devices are expensive and require a lot of knowledge to use. Some locksmiths will even use the method known as "EEPROM programming," which is a more sophisticated method of reading the code of the transponder in your vehicle.
It is a good idea, regardless of the type of key to always have a spare on hand. Lost car keys are frequent, and they can be quite a pain in the neck to replace. You don't even know how easy it is for a criminal will find it to steal your car.
You can avoid these issues by purchasing a spare programmed key in advance. Pop-A-Lock can create an auto key that is programmable at a reasonable price. This will be far cheaper and less stress-inducing than buying an entirely new car when you lose your original keys.