Automotive Locksmith Key Programming: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Automotive Locksmith Key ProgrammingModern vehicles require some form of key programming. Depending on the vehicle's make and model, the process can be as simple as programming onboard using a spare working key or as complex as EEPROM or OBD2 programming.
The majority of US and Asian car makers use the same programming protocols as auto tool manufacturers to allow them to develop tools and hardware for automotive locksmiths to use.
Transponder Chips
Most newer cars use what are called transponder chips in order to prevent theft. These are microchips in the form of computers that emit radio signals at a low level. They have a unique serial number that authenticates the key to your vehicle when it is connected to the ignition barrel. If your vehicle doesn't recognize the signal it will shut down the engine. This technology has been extremely successful in preventing car theft. It has also saved many car owners a significant amount of money as they don't need to replace their vehicles.
The principle of the transponder system is to make it difficult for thieves to open the doors of your vehicle without a valid key. In the past, car thieves would force the ignition switch of your car into the "on" position with an ordinary screwdriver or hot-wire the car to bypass the system altogether. These types of thefts have drastically decreased with the introduction of the transponder chip.
When you insert the transponder key in the ignition the signal is received by an antenna hidden around the barrel. This antenna is programmed so that it can read the specific frequency of the chip within the key. The car's onboard computer will recognize that the key is genuine and allow fuel to flow, turn up the starter, or even begin it.
Based on the manufacturer, some vehicles will only recognise the specific type of transponder chip. This is why it's important to ensure that your automotive locksmith has the right equipment to program your car's keys and fobs correctly.
A good automotive locksmith will utilize a multi-vehicle programmable tool that can be used on a variety of different car models and manufacturers. This is a much cheaper option than buying individual tools for each brand of vehicle. These aren't as popular, but there are specialised automotive key programmers that are able to only be used on a specific type of vehicle. The best automotive locksmiths have the tools to work on any vehicle. Make sure you select an established company that has this type of equipment.
Key FOBs
As the name implies, key FOBs house the programmable transponder chips that allow your vehicle to recognize and open the doors, or start the engine with a push-button ignition. You can also press buttons to trigger features such as trunk releases, door locks or fuel flap controls. Certain fobs can be controlled using buttons. For example an "smart key" that allows you summon your car to parking spaces, such as the Genesis GV60 or a Tesla or Genesis GV60.
You can program some replacement key fobs yourself with the help from an instruction manual, however you will need to call an automotive locksmith in the event that yours has stopped functioning. A professional is better equipped to connect the computer of your vehicle to the OBD port located under the steering wheel.
Today, most key fobs come with security features that make it difficult for hackers to clone or replicate the signals they transmit. Some key fobs have pseudo-random code generators which generate a unique unlock code each time you press the button. This is to prevent attackers from capturing and playing back the unlock signal to gain access to your car.
In many cases, you can purchase a replacement key fob from the dealership or another retailer and have it programmable by a locksmith for your vehicle to work with your specific vehicle. This is because the majority of major US and Asian automakers have key-fob programming protocols with third-party companies that make the tools used by auto locksmiths to program their customer's keys.
Certain aftermarket key fobs can be advertised as compatible with any vehicle. However, automotive locksmiths advise against using them since they're more likely to perform poorly or not at all. They suggest buying fobs designed specifically for your vehicle to ensure they function properly and are less prone to issues such as interference or incompatibility. This will save money over time read more by avoiding costly repairs or replacements of your fobs.
Vehicle Manufacturers' Programming Tool
The automotive industry has made great strides in the last few decades. Today's vehicles are computer-driven. One key element of this technology is a transponder chip which requires to be programmed to the vehicle by an expert locksmith or dealer/mechanic in order to work. Key fobs with embedded security features that prevent hot-wiring (like in a movie) and the car won't start if it doesn't have the proper key.
These key fobs can be slightly more complicated than a conventional mechanical key. This is why they're usually in the hands of seasoned, professional auto locksmiths. The cost of the car key fob is according to the model and type of key, but is typically between $85 to $400. This includes the cost of labor to program the keyfob, as well as any replacement parts.
To make the process more difficult to make the process more complicated, these key fobs for cars utilize a specific software system to communicate with the car's onboard computer. The software prevents unauthorised access by only allowing keys that have been programmed for a specific vehicle to function. If you decide to replace your keys, you'll have to program the new key fob in the car in order for it to function.
This is accomplished by using a tool for programming keys for cars that are compatible with the brand of your vehicle. This tool allows locksmiths to connect to the OBD port in the vehicle and then enter the programming mode. The key programming device can be an handheld device that is inexpensive or one that is extravagant and can do more than just program keys (like reading the eeprom file in the ECU).
Although some people might attempt to program their own keys with these tools, this is a job best left to a professional auto locksmith. It is easy to make mistakes with the software systems if you don't know the intricacies. This can lead to damage. The most important thing to remember is that a professional with experience can help you avoid these issues.
On-Board programming
If your car is old enough that you'll have a traditional key made of metal that you can use to open the doors and turn over the ignition. Modern vehicles have transponders that need to be recognized and accepted by the computer system to start. This is an additional layer of security to keep thieves from stealing the car and then driving off with a stolen vehicle. A certified locksmith has the tools and software to program a new key that is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
Your locksmith will first need to purchase an uncut key that is that is compatible with your car's model and make. Once your locksmith has the key, he'll connect the scanner for programming to the diagnostic port of your vehicle. This will put your car into a special programing mode, which will allow locksmiths to connect the key to the system.
The key scanner is programmed to communicate with the computer in the car to send the code. The computer will recognize the code and add it to the list of approved keys. In some cases the scanner will also erase keys that were stolen or lost.
You can also program new keys by using EEPROM. It is more complex and requires an in-depth understanding of how electronic systems operate. It is best to leave it to a professional with experience with these systems.
Onboard programming is the quickest way for a locksmith to program the new key. It can take as little as an hour if everything is done correctly. If the key isn't in proper state or the procedure isn't followed exactly, it can take up to a half hour.
There are a variety of key programmer scanners on the market that can be used with different vehicle models and makes. The Smart Pro and the Autel IM608 Pro are both popular with locksmiths since they support a broad range of automobile models. The system cannot program every vehicle. Additionally, these devices are expensive. It is recommended to purchase one that will receive regular updates from the manufacturer when new technologies are released. If not, your computer will become obsolete quickly.