Automotive Locksmith Key Programming
Modern vehicles require some form of key programming. Depending on the car's maker and model, the procedure could be as simple as onboard programming with a spare working key or as complicated as EEPROM or OBD2 programming.
Most US and Asian car makers share their programming protocols with auto tool manufacturers to allow them to develop hardware and software for locksmiths working in automotive vehicles.
Transponder Chips
Transponder chips are found in a lot of modern cars to guard against theft of vehicles. These are microchips in the form of computers that emit low-level radio signals. They have a unique serial number that authenticates the key to your vehicle when it is plugged into the ignition barrel. If your vehicle does not recognize the signal and the engine is shut down. This technology has proved to be an enormous success in preventing auto theft. This technology has also saved car owners a great deal of money since they don't have to purchase new cars.
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, thieves used an ordinary screwdriver to force the ignition switch in your car to go into "on" mode, or wire it hot to get around the system. These types of thefts have been dramatically decreased with the introduction of the transponder chip.
When you insert the transponder keys in the ignition the signal is picked up by an antenna that is hidden within the barrel. The antenna is programmed with the frequency of the chip inside the key. The car's onboard computer will then recognize that the key is genuine and allow fuel to flow, turn up the starter or begin it.
Depending on the manufacturer some vehicles will only recognise certain types of transponder chip. This is why it is crucial to make sure that your automotive locksmith has the appropriate equipment to program your car's keys and fobs properly.
A reputable locksmith for automotive needs to have a multi-vehicle key programming device that works with different models and car brands. This is a far cheaper option than buying individual tools for each brand of vehicle. They are not as common, but there are specialised automotive key programmers that can only be used on a specific brand of vehicle. The best automotive locksmiths will have the right tools to deal with any kind of vehicle, so ensure you choose a reputable business with these kinds of tools.
Key FOBs
The name implies that key FOBs house the programmable transponder chips that enable your vehicle to recognize and open the doors, or start the engine with a push-button ignition. You can also use the buttons to activate features like door locks, trunk releases or control of the fuel flap. Some fobs can be controlled using buttons. For example the "smart key" that allows you summon your car to tight parking spaces, like the Genesis GV60 or a Tesla or Genesis GV60.
You can program some replacement key fobs yourself with the help from the user guide, however you'll need to contact an automotive locksmith if the one you have has stopped working. This is because an expert locksmith has the equipment that is specialized and access to the tools for programming needed to connect your car's computer via the on-board diagnostics (OBD) port that is located under the steering wheel.
The majority of key fobs come with security features to make it harder for attackers duplicate and copy the signals they transmit. They include pseudo-random generators that generate a fresh unlock code every time you press the key fob's button. This stops attackers from recording and replaying the unlock signal to gain access to your car.
In most cases you can buy an additional key fob at the dealership or another retailer and have it programmed by a locksmith for your vehicle to work with your specific vehicle. This is due to the fact that most of the major US and Asian car manufacturers have key fob programming protocols with third-party companies that produce the tools auto locksmiths utilize to program keys for their customers.
Some aftermarket key fobs may be advertised as compatible with any vehicle. However, automotive locksmiths recommend against using them because they're more likely to perform poorly or not work even work at all. They recommend buying fobs made specifically for your vehicle to ensure they work correctly and are less prone to issues like interference or incompatibility. This will save here money over time by avoiding costly repairs or replacements of your fobs.
Vehicle Manufacturers' Programming Tool
The automotive industry has made great advances in the last couple of decades. Today's vehicles are computer-driven. One key element of this technology is a transponder chip that must be programmed into the vehicle by a locksmith or dealer/mechanic in order to work. These key fobs are equipped with security features to stop hot-wiring, like in a movie. The car will not start if the keys are not correct.
These key fobs are a bit more complicated than a traditional mechanical key and are the reason you'll typically find them in the hands of a reputable, professional auto locksmith. The cost of the car key fob can vary depending on the type and model of key, but is usually between $85 and $400. This includes labor costs to program the keyfob and any replacement parts.
The car key fobs are more intricate due to the fact that they use software that interacts with the computer onboard of the car. The software blocks access to unauthorized users by only permitting the key to function if it has been programmed to the car in question. If you replace your keys, you will need to program the new key fob into the car in order for it to work.
This is done by using a programming tool for keys for cars that are compatible with your vehicle's brand. This tool allows a locksmith to connect to the OBD port on the vehicle, and then enter the programming mode. The key programming device can be a handheld device that is cheap or fancy and can do more than just programming keys (like reading the eeprom file inside the ECU).
Although some people might attempt to program their own keys using these tools, it's an activity best left to an experienced auto locksmith. Unless you're familiar with all the aspects of the various software systems, it's easy to make a mistake and alter settings that could potentially damage the vehicle. It's important to remember that an experienced professional will assist you in avoiding these issues.
On-Board Programming
If your car is old enough that you'll have a traditional metal key to open the doors and turn on the ignition. Modern cars come with transponders that must be recognized and accepted by the computer system in order to start. This adds another security measure to prevent car thieves from starting and driving away with a stolen vehicle. A locksmith 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 require an uncut key that is compatible with the make and model of your car. Once your locksmith has the key, he'll connect the programming scanner to the diagnostic port of your vehicle. This will put the vehicle into an exclusive programming mode that will allow the locksmith to add a new key into the system.
To accomplish this, the key programming scanner will communicate with the car's computer and send a specific code. The computer will be able to recognize this code and add it into the list of keys that are authorized. In some instances the scanner will be able to erase keys that have been stolen or lost from the system.
You can also program new keys using the EEPROM. It is more complicated and requires a deep understanding of how electronic systems work. This is why it should be left to a professional that has extensive experience working on these types of systems.
Onboard programming is the quickest way for a locksmith to program an entirely new key. It takes as little as a minute when everything is executed correctly. If the key isn't in the correct condition or the procedure isn't being followed precisely, the procedure could be as long as half an hour.
There are numerous key programmer scanners that support various models and makes of vehicles. The Smart Pro and the Autel IM608 Pro are both extremely well-liked by locksmiths due to the fact that they support a broad range of vehicles. However, neither can be programmed for every vehicle on the market. These machines are also quite expensive. It is best to buy a programmer which will receive regular updates from the manufacturer when new technologies are introduced. Your computer's programming software will soon become obsolete if you do not take this step.