Automotive Locksmith Key Programming
Most modern-day cars require some kind of key programming. Based on the car's make and model, the procedure can be as simple as onboard programming with a spare key that works or as complicated as OBD2 or EEPROM programming.
The majority of US and Asian automakers have a programming protocol that they share with auto tool makers, which means they can design software or hardware for automotive locksmiths.
Transponder Chips
Transponder chips are found in a variety of newer vehicles to prevent car theft. These are small computer microchips that emit radio signals at a low level. The microchips are equipped with an unique serial number that authenticates your key whenever you connect it to the ignition barrel. If your vehicle doesn't recognize the signal and the engine is shut down. This technology has been an enormous success in preventing auto theft. It has also saved many car owners a significant amount of money because they don't have to replace their cars.
The principle of the transponder system is to make it hard for thieves to get into your vehicle without a valid key. In the past car thieves would use a flat screwdriver to force the ignition switch of your car into the "on" mode, or hot-wire it to get around the system. Transponder chips have drastically reduced the number of thefts.
When you insert the transponder keys into the ignition, the signal is received by an antenna that is hidden within the barrel. The antenna is programmed with the frequency of the chip in the key. The car's computer onboard will recognize that the key is valid and allow fuel to flow, turn up the starter, or even begin it.
Depending on the manufacturer certain vehicles can only recognize certain types of transponder chip. It is therefore essential that your locksmith in the automotive industry is equipped with the correct equipment to program your keys and remotes for your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith for cars should have a multi-vehicle key programming tool that works with different models and manufacturers of cars. This is a cheaper solution than buying individual tools for every brand of vehicle. They are not as common, but there are specialised automotive key programmers that are able to only be used on a specific model of vehicle. The top automotive locksmiths have the proper tools to deal with any kind of vehicle, so make sure you choose a reputable business that has these types of tools.
Key FOBs
The name implies that key FOBs are home to the programmable transponder chips that allow your car to recognize and unlock the doors or start the engine using push-button ignition. You can also use the buttons to trigger features such as trunk releases, door locks or controls for the fuel flap. Certain fobs can be controlled by pressing buttons. For example the "smart key" that allows you summon your car to parking spaces, like a Tesla or Genesis GV60.
You can program some spare key fobs by yourself with the assistance of an instruction manual, however you'll need to call an automotive locksmith if the one you have isn't working. This is because a professional locksmith has the equipment that is specialized and access to the programming tools needed to connect your car's computer to the on-board diagnostics (OBD) port located beneath the steering wheel.
Today, most key fobs have security features that make it difficult for attackers to clone or replicate the signals they transmit. They include pseudo-random generators that generate an entirely new unlock code every time you press the button on the key fob. This prevents attackers capturing and playing back the unlock signal in order to gain access to your car.
In most cases you can buy a replacement key fob from the dealership or another retailer and have it programmed by a locksmith for your vehicle to fit your particular vehicle. This is because the majority of major US and Asian auto manufacturers have key-fob programming protocols with the third-party companies who produce the tools used by auto locksmiths to program their customers' keys.
While some of the aftermarket key fobs are marketed as being compatible with all vehicles, most automotive locksmiths do not recommend using them because they're likely to work poorly or not at all. They recommend buying fobs made specifically for your vehicle to ensure they function properly and are less susceptible to issues such as interference or incompatibility. This will save you money in the end by avoiding costly repairs or replacing the fobs.
Toolkits for Programming Vehicles of Manufacturers
The automobile industry has made significant advancements in the past few decades. Today's vehicles are computer-driven. One of the key components of this technology is a transponder chipset that must be programmed into the vehicle by an auto locksmith or dealer/mechanic order to work. These key fobs have built-in security features that stop hot-wiring (like in a film) and the car will not start if you don't have the correct key.
Key fobs are a little more complex than your traditional mechanical key, which is why you'll typically find them in the hands of a skilled, professional auto locksmith. The cost of a key fob may vary based on the vehicle model and the type of key however, they generally cost between $85 and $400. This includes the cost of labor to program the keyfob and any replacement parts.
Car key fobs are more complex because they utilize software that interacts with the onboard computer of the car. The software blocks unauthorized access by allowing the key to function if it has been programmed for the specific car. This means that if you need your keys replaced, you'll need to have the new key fob programmed to the car in order for it to work.
This is accomplished by using a tool for programming keys for cars that are compatible with the brand of your vehicle. This tool allows the locksmith to connect to the OBD port (OBD) within the vehicle and then enter the programming mode. Key programming devices can be a handheld device that is affordable or sophisticated and capable of doing more than just program keys (like reading the eeprom file inside the ECU).
While programming car key may try to program their own keys with these tools, this is something best left to an experienced auto locksmith. If you're not familiar with the aspects of the various software systems, it's very easy to make a mistake and alter settings that could cause damage to the vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a skilled professional can assist you in avoiding these issues.
On-Board Programming
If your vehicle is of a certain age, you'll still have a traditional metal key to use to unlock the doors and turn on the ignition. Modern vehicles have a transponder that must be acknowledged and accepted by the computer system in order to start. This is an additional layer of security that prevents thieves from starting and driving away with a stolen car. A locksmith who is certified will have the tools and software needed to program a key that can be compatible with your car's security system.
The locksmith will need to get an uncut key that is compatible with the model and make of your vehicle. Once the key is in hand the locksmith will connect the scanner that is used for programming to the diagnostic port of your car. This will put your car in a special programming mode, which allows the locksmiths to add a key to the system.
The key programmer scanner communicates with the computer in the car to send the code. The computer will be able to recognize the code and add it to the list of keys that are approved. In certain situations the scanner will also remove keys that have been stolen or lost.
You can also program new keys by using EEPROM. It is more complex and requires a deep understanding of electronic systems. This is why it should be left to a professional who has a lot of experience working on these types of systems.
Locksmiths can program a key quickly using onboard programming. If everything is done correctly it can take as little as one minute. If the key isn't in the right condition or the procedure isn't being followed exactly, the process can be as long as half an hour.
There are numerous key programmer scanners that can be used with different car models and makes. Both the Smart Pro and Autel IM608 Pro are very popular with locksmiths due their broad range of models for vehicles. There is no system that can program every vehicle. In addition, these machines are quite expensive. It is recommended to purchase a programmer which will receive regular updates from the manufacturer whenever new technologies are released. If not, your computer will be obsolete in a short time.