Benefits of Programmable Car Keys
Preprogramming your car key is a great way to avoid being locked out of your car in the future. It could be costly depending on your car.
Luckily, there are tools to help shops and even DIY customers create replacement keys and restore immobilizer data, Sanabria says.
1. You can start your vehicle from an extended distance
To start your car, you need keys that are programmed to work with it. The key should have an embedded microchip that can be read by the receiver inside the ignition. When the key is put into the ignition, it transmits an encoded signal to the receiver. If the signal is in line, 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 deciphered.
It was once possible to connect a car's hot-wire and then drive away, but with the advent of programmable keys, this has become impossible. A lot of these cars have proximity sensors that stop the car from being started in the event that the key isn't within range. The latest keys can even warm up your car by remote, making it much easier to drive during cold days.
With the EZ Installer from Tom's Key Company, it is now possible to program your own new key and start your vehicle from the distance. This kit will allow you to bypass the anti-theft feature in your vehicle and go into programming mode for a new key for your vehicle. This kit is not compatible with all cars. It is recommended to check the owner's manual to determine if it will work with your vehicle.
The process of programming keys isn't difficult however it requires a lot of patience and concentration on the details. You must follow a specific procedure to successfully program your car with a new key. The steps to do this are in the manual of your car or online by searching for "onboard programming step X of your 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 open all of the doors at the same time
You can use a programmable key to unlock the doors of your car quickly if you're an errand and don't have time to wait around for your family or friends. This is an excellent feature for those who are frequently late for appointments or who have difficulties finding their vehicles in parking lots that are crowded. This is a great idea for those who have elderly or young children who require assistance getting into their car.
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, which have cut and grooves that fit into the lock cylinders of your car's door locks and ignition A key that is programmable has an internal computer chip that is connected to your car's computer systems. The chip is programmed by a locksmith or dealer or auto manufacturer based on the model and make of your car. In general, this procedure is more complex than making duplicates of the traditional key. It is more time-consuming and costs you more. There are ways to save on this service.
Local locksmiths can program your programmable keys at a lower cost than dealerships and can often do it quicker. You will need two working keys to the locksmith to connect your new key to your computer in your car. Modern cars are also equipped with sophisticated anti-theft devices that need to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer.
There are a few tricks you can use at home to re-program the car key. It is recommended to refer to the owner's manual of your specific car model or search online for the steps. Certain manufacturers have proprietary technologies that stop you from being able to reprogram your own key, which is why it's important to consult a knowledgeable locksmith or dealer for assistance with this. You could damage the car's electronic system when you attempt to program your key yourself. This could be costly to repair, so it is wise not to take the risk.
3. You can lock your car from the distance
Car thieves often target motorists while they try to gain entry into their vehicles. They know that it takes only a few seconds to take your keys out of your purse or pocket to put them in the ignition, and they're waiting for you at the moment when you are most vulnerable. You can avoid this by locking your vehicle from a distance by using the ability to program your car keys. This feature is especially useful for those who live in an urban area or who don't want to risk losing their keys.
This feature is only available if your car is compatible. To confirm that your vehicle is compatible, consult 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 vehicle remotely.
It is important to keep one spare in case you lose your programable key. You might need to replace the transponder chip if don't. It can be costly and it's advisable to have an extra key. You can also get your key reprogrammed, which can be done by an auto locksmith. Reprogramming your own car keys can be dangerous. It is recommended to have it done professionally to ensure that no one else can 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 easy to do when you are familiar with the procedure. However it can be confusing and difficult to learn by yourself. This method is not only dangerous, but it might also not work in some instances. It is possible that key reprogramming can wipe out all of your other keys, causing them to stop working. You can prevent this from happening by making sure that you have two keys that work at hand prior to starting. 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 main benefit of having a programmable key is that you can unlock doors more quickly. In the past, you had to take the key out of your pocket or purse and then put it in the ignition, turn it on, and then unlock each door manually. A key that is programmable allows you to open your car's doors by pressing an icon on the key fob. This is quicker and more secure. It also means that you don't have to keep your family or friends waiting outside your car while look for your keys.
It is easier to replace a programmable key in the event you lose or break one. In many cases you can request an alternate key and have it reprogrammed by a locksmith. This will ensure that your new key is compatible with your vehicle and function as you would expect it to. This is a much simpler process than replacing the head of the key and can save you money.
Certain vehicles will require a special programmer to reprogramme a new key. automotive key programming advanced devices are expensive and are typically only available to professional locksmiths. They are costly and require a great deal of experience to use. Some locksmiths may even employ methods known as "EEPROM programming," which is a more sophisticated way to read the code that is on the transponder in your vehicle.
It is a good idea, regardless of the type of key, to always have a spare key on hand. 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 burglar will find it to steal your car.
Fortunately, you can steer clear of all these problems by having a spare car key that is programmable created in advance. You can get this done at your local Pop-A-Lock locksmith for a low cost. This is a less expensive and less stressful option than buying a new vehicle after you have lost your keys.