Renault Keys - How They Work
Renaults come with a complex system of keys and immobilisers. This can make replacing keys very slow. It could take a long time to program the car, unless you have access to it and bring it to us.
Keys
The Renault Group is more well-known for its vans, buses and tractors, but they also produce cars. It is a reputable company that was established in 1899. They offer a vast range of car models. If you lose the keys to your car, or have them damaged, you'll need a replacement key quickly. Instead of waiting for your local dealer to order a replacement one for you and then wait for it to arrive, it arrive, why don't you let us take care of it? We can replace your remote or smart key in a matter of minutes at KeyNOW.
If you require a Renault Clio V, Captur 2 or New Zoe spare key we can provide you with a mechanical code number to order your new key from the dealer. We can also reset a Renault Kangoo, Traffic or Master key.
Renault has a long tradition of innovation. It was the first company to have utilized remote central locking on a production vehicle. The technology was developed by Paul Lipschultz for his employer Niemens who supply security components to the automotive industry. This invention was a giant leap for car safety.
Remotes
Despite the fact that smartphones are on the verge of replacing them, Renault's hands-free cards continue to be used widely in their vehicles. In fact, they're included in two of the three vehicles Renault sells and their use rate has been rising in recent years. In this video, Pascaline of Renault's products division explains the most important components of these cards and explains how they work.
Renaults have an immobiliser feature that is quite complicated. It is important to understand the basics before attempting to unlock your car without the use of a key. Some vehicles have an emergency lock that is located on the door handle for passengers that can be used in the event of a key failure or a battery drain. This is an option for those who do not want to pay a professional locksmith.
You'll require a tool such as an ultra-thin jim or pump-up if you wish to remove the key fob. If you don't have the tools, it might be necessary to use a hammer and screwdriver to remove the cylinder.
You should be able to get to the door for the passenger and find a small lock in the driver's panel next to the handle. This is a security measure to stop people from locking themselves in their own vehicle or accidentally stealing a neighbour's. This is a simple but effective security feature that can save you time and stress in the event that you need to get into your car.
Transponders
Many modern cars use transponders to prevent car theft. These tiny devices, that are attached to the key fob, include a chip and can communicate with the car when it is within range. renault key use a distinct code to identify the key and then tell it which vehicle it is paired with.
The chip sends an electrical signal to two coils that are positioned around the ignition barrel of the vehicle. The coils are activated by the key and transmit an electromagnetic pulse to the chip. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the car. The unique code can then be used to unlock doors or start the car.
In World War 2, a similar technology was used to help air traffic control detect military planes on radar. This kind of chip code messages are still used in the aviation industry.
These systems were thought to be clone proof until recently. This was due to the fact that there were only 74 Quadrillion (74,000,000,000,000,000) possible codes for each transponder. The technology behind these chips has been improved and they no longer have clone proof. This has prompted a lot of auto locksmiths to upgrade their skills by learning to read and write these newer chips.
Immobilisers
The Renaults are a bit complex in how they operate when it comes to their immobilisers as well as keys. There are two main systems in operation that affect the way a replacement key is programmed to the car. The older system utilizes a "kill switch" that connects to one of the essential car's starter parts to turn it off if the correct key isn't present. These are delicate devices that require a technician to assess and fix them if they fail.
The latest system is simpler to use. It makes use of advanced encryption and rolling security codes to avoid copying the code from the ECU or key. This is what will be used on the replacement keys that we provide.
Certain models feature an earpiece antenna that is specific to their vehicle and is not detected by transponder scanners that are standard. This is a great way to prevent hotwiring, and it is also very difficult to disable using a standard key or transponder emulator. We have a specialized product called the Renault Antenna Emulator (RAE) that can be used to circumvent this kind of immobiliser in Renault Clio phase 2 models and in some Renault commercial vehicles fitted with ID46 transponders. It works by mimicking operation of a transponder that is valid in the ring antenna and can be used for failed keys that are lost or stolen without dismantling the ECU. It has been tested by Thatcham and certified to provide additional assurance for customers of motor insurance.