Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming car keys is a great way to ensure that you are not locked out of your car in the future. It can be costly based on your car.
Luckily, 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 vehicle from some distance
You need a programmed key to start your vehicle. The key must be equipped with a microchip that is read by the receiver inside the ignition. When the key is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an encoding signal to the receiver. If the signal matches, the car will begin. This technology is more secure than other methods of locking your car, as the code changes constantly and cannot be guessed.
It used to be possible to wire a car and drive away, but with the introduction of programmable keys it's now impossible. Additionally, many of these vehicles come with proximity sensors that stop the car from starting if it is not within reach of the key. The newest keys are even capable of warming up your car from some distance making it easier to travel 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 a distance. This kit allows you to bypass your car's anti-theft system and enter the programming mode of new key for your car. It is important to note that this kit will not work with all vehicles, and you should consult your owner's manual to determine what it can do for the model you have chosen for your vehicle.
The procedure for programming keys is not difficult, however it requires a lot of patience and attention to details. To program your car successfully using a new model, you must follow a specific process. The steps needed to accomplish this are in the manual of your car or online by searching for "onboard programming step X vehicle." Make sure to keep the ignition and key fobs secured while you are trying to program them, as the inability to wait too long between actions could cause the car to reset its commands and leave the programming mode.
2. You can unlock all of the doors at once.
If you're in the midst of a rush and don't want to be waiting for your friends or family, you can use an auto key that can be programmed to unlock all of the doors simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature for those who are often late for appointments or are having trouble finding their cars in crowded parking areas. This is a great idea for those who have elderly or young children who require assistance in getting into their car.
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys with grooves and cut-outs that fit into the lock cylinder of your vehicle's ignition and door locks, a programmable key has an embedded computer chip that is linked 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 vehicle. This procedure is typically more complex than creating an exact copy of a traditional car key. It takes longer and is more expensive. There are ways to cut costs on this service.
Local locksmiths can program programmable keys for less than the dealership and often quicker. You'll need two working keys to the locksmith to link your new key with the computer in your car. In addition, many contemporary cars come with advanced anti-theft transponders that need to be specifically programmed for your vehicle by a certified locksmith or dealer.
The process of reprogramming your car key isn't a simple process but there are a few techniques you can try at home. However, programing car keys to refer to the owner's manual or search the Internet for the exact steps for your specific car's brand and model. 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 to assist in this. You could harm the electronic system in your car if you try to program your key on your own. This could be costly to repair, so it's wise not to take the risk.
3. You can lock your vehicle from a distance
Car thieves usually target drivers as they attempt to unlock their cars. They are aware that it takes a few seconds to take the keys out of your purse or pocket, and then put them in the ignition. So they wait for you to be vulnerable. Luckily, you can prevent this by locking your car from a distance with a programmable car key. This feature is especially useful for those who live in a congested area or do not want their keys to be lost.
You can only use this feature only if your vehicle is compatible with it. You can check with your auto locksmith or the manufacturer to confirm whether your car is compatible. To remotely unlock your car you will require an iPhone 11 or later and the Apple Watch Series 6 or later and you must be within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.
If you lose your programmable car key it is essential to have a spare. It is possible that you will need to replace the transponder chip in case you don't. This can be expensive, so it is best to keep an extra key in your possession. You can also get the key reset by an auto locksmith or a dealer. However doing it yourself is risky. It is safer to have it done professionally, so that others cannot reprogram your key and take your car.
There are a lot of car owners who attempt to program their own programmable car keys by following the online instructions. It's quite simple when you are familiar with the procedure however it is difficult to master on your own and can be a bit confusing if you aren't familiar with the procedure. Additionally, this method could be risky and not work properly in some cases. It is possible that key reprogramming could erase all of your other keys, causing them to stop working. You can avoid this by making sure that you have two keys that work in your possession prior to starting. Make sure your vehicle is turned off before you attempt to program your third keys.
4. You can unlock your door faster
The main benefit of a programmed key is that it can unlock your doors quicker. Traditionally to unlock a door, you'd need to remove your key from your pocket, purse or wallet, then put it in the ignition, and turn it. A programmable key enables you to open your car door by pressing an icon on the key fob. This is quicker and safer. It also means that you don't have to keep your family members or friends in your car while you look for your keys.
It is easier to replace a programmable lock in the event that you break or lose one. In many cases you can purchase an alternative key and then have it reprogrammed by a locksmith. This will ensure that the new key will work with your vehicle and function as you would expect it to. This is a far simpler procedure than attempting to replace the key head itself and it will usually save you some money.
Certain vehicles may require a specialized programer to reprogramme a key. These advanced devices are expensive and are usually only accessible to professional locksmiths. These devices are expensive and require a great deal of experience to use. Some locksmiths employ a method called "EEPROM Programming" to read the transponder's code.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it's recommended to keep a spare handy. Lost car keys are very common, and can be an absolute headache to replace. Plus, you never know how easy it would be for a thief to gain entry into your vehicle and steal it.
You can avoid these issues by ordering a spare programmable key in advance. Pop-Alock can create you a programmable car key at an affordable price. It's much cheaper and less stress-inducing than buying a new car if you lose your original keys.