Renault Keys - How They Work
Renaults have a sophisticated system of immobilisers and keys. This could result in replacing keys taking a long drawn out process. Unless you have access to the vehicle and are able to bring it in to us to make a code using the diagnostic socket, it can be very time-consuming.
Keys
The Renault group is perhaps best known for its manufacturing of buses, vans, Lorries and tractors however they also make cars. It was founded in 1899 and is a huge and well-established company that offers an extensive selection of cars. You'll require a replacement key in the event that you lose or damage your keys to your car. Rather than waiting for your local dealer to order a brand new one for you, only to wait for even longer to see it arrive, why not let us take care of it? At KeyNOW we can replace your remote or smart key for you quickly.
If you need a Renault Clio V, Captur 2 or New Zoe spare key we can provide you with a mechanical code number to purchase a new key through the dealer. We can also reset your Renault Kangoo Traffic or Master key.
Renault has a long and rich history of innovation. It was the first company to have used remote central locking on a production car. Paul Lipschultz invented this technology for Niemens which is an automotive supplier of security components. This breakthrough was a huge leap in the direction of safety for cars.
Remotes
The hands-free cards of Renault are still used extensively in their vehicles despite the fact smartphones are replacing them. In fact, two out of three Renault vehicles are equipped with hands-free card. Their usage has also increased in recent years. In this video Pascaline from the Products Division of Renault explains how these cards work.
Renaults have an immobiliser system which is quite complicated. It is essential to know the basics before you try 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 an unreliable key or battery running out. This is an excellent option for those who don't want to pay for a locksmith.
You'll need a tool, such as a slim jim or a pump-up if you want to remove the key fob. If you don't have these tools, you could have to use the screwdriver and hammer to remove the cylinder.
You should be able get to the door for the passenger and see a tiny lock that is inserted into the driver's side panel next to the handle. This is a safety feature to keep people from locking themselves inside their own vehicle or accidentally stealing a neighbor's. This is a simple but efficient security feature that will save you time and hassle when you need to quickly get into your vehicle.
Transponders
Transponders are a common feature in modern vehicles to guard against theft of vehicles. These small devices are fitted to the key fob, and they contain an electronic chip that communicates with the car when it is within range. The chips utilize a unique code to identify the key, and also tell it what vehicle it is associated with.
renault clio car key transmits an electronic signal to a pair of coils which are placed around the ignition barrel of the vehicle. The coils are activated once the key is within reach and transmit a pulse of electromagnetic energy to the transponder chip. The chip responds by sending a unique identification to the car. The unique code is used to unlock the doors and begin the engine.
A similar technology was used in military aircraft during the World War 2 era to aid air traffic controllers in identifying them on radar. The aviation industry is still using this type of chip message.
Up until recently they were believed to be clone-proof. 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 was enhanced, and they are no longer clone-proof. This has prompted many auto locksmiths to upgrade their knowledge by learning how to read and write code for these more advanced chips.
Immobilisers
Renaults are a bit complicated when it comes to the immobilisers and key systems. There are two major systems in use that effect the method by which a replacement key is programmed to the car. The older system utilizes a "kill switch" to disable a vital element of the car's starting mechanism if the proper key is not present. These are delicate devices that require a technician to assess and repair if they fail.
The newer system is much easier to use. It utilizes rolling security code and advanced cryptography to prevent copying of the code from the key or ECU. This is the code that will be used to replace keys we supply.
Some models will even use an exclusive ring antenna that can't be identified by standard transponder scanners and is unique to the vehicle. This is extremely effective in blocking hotwiring, and is very hard to bypass with a standard key or a transponder emulator. We have a specific product dubbed the Renault Antenna Emulator (RAE) that can be used to circumvent this kind of immobiliser on Renault Clio phase 2 models, as well as in some Renault commercial vehicles equipped with ID46 transponders. It works by mimicking the operation of a functioning transponder inside the ring antenna and can be used for failed keys or lost keys without removing the ECU. It is tested and approved by Thatcham in order to provide further peace of mind for motor insurance customers.