Renault Keys - How They Work
Renaults have a sophisticated system for immobilisers as well as keys. This can make changing keys a lengthy process. It could take a long time to code the car unless you have access to it and can bring it to us.
Keys
The Renault group is perhaps better recognized as a producer of buses, vans tractors and Lorries although they do produce cars too. It was founded in 1899 and is a huge and well-established company that offers an extensive range of cars. If you lose your keys to your car or they are damaged, you will require a replacement key in a short time. Why not let us purchase one for you instead of waiting for your local dealer to make the order and then waiting for it to arrive? We can replace your smart key or remote very quickly 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 purchase your new key through the dealer. We can also reset keys such as a Renault Kangoo, Traffic or Master key.
Renault has a long tradition of innovation. It was the first company to use remote central locking in production vehicles. The technology was developed by Paul Lipschultz for his employer Niemens who supply security components to the automotive industry. This breakthrough was a massive leap for safety in cars.
Remotes
The hands-free cards of Renault are still widely used in their vehicles despite the fact that smartphones appear to be replacing them. In fact, two of three Renault vehicles are equipped with hands-free cards. The use of them has increased in recent years. In this video Pascaline from the division of Products at Renault explains how these cards function.
Renaults have an immobiliser system that is quite complex. It is important to understand the basics prior to trying to unlock a vehicle without a key. Some cars come with an emergency lock on the handle of the door for passengers that can be used in the event of an unreliable key or battery drain. This is an option for those who aren't able to hire a professional locksmith.
You'll also require access to a device such as the pump-up key or slim jim to take the key fob off and gain entry. If you don't own these tools, you may have to use a hammer and screwdriver in order to take off the cylinder.
You should be able to go into the passenger's side and find a small lock that is inserted into the driver's compartment next to the handle. This is a security measure to keep people from locking themselves inside their own vehicle or stealing the neighbour's. It's an easy, but efficient security measure that can help you save time and stress in the event that you need to enter your vehicle quickly.
Transponders
Transponders are installed on many modern cars to protect against theft of cars. These tiny devices, that are attached to the fob of the key, contain a chip that communicates with the car when it is within range. These chips use a distinct code to identify the key, and also tell it which vehicle it's paired with.
The chip emits a signal that is detected by coils that are positioned around the ignition barrel inside the vehicle. The coils activate when the key is within range and send a signal of electromagnetic energy to the transponder chip. The chip responds by sending back an unique identification code to the car. The unique code is then used to unlock the doors and begin the engine.
Similar technology was utilized in military aircraft during the World War 2 era to help air traffic controllers identify them on radar. The aviation industry is still using this type of chip code message.
These systems were believed to be clone proof up 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. However, the technology behind these chips has since been improved and they are now not completely clone-proof. This has led a number of locksmiths in the auto industry to improve their knowledge by learning how to read and write code for these newer chips.
Immobilisers
The Renaults are rather complex in how they function when it comes to keys and immobilisers. There are two major systems in operation that affect the method by which a replacement key will be programmed to the car. The older system uses an "kill switch" to disable a vital component of the car's start-up mechanism if the proper key is not present. These are delicate devices that require a professional to determine and fix if they fail.
The newer system is more user-friendly to use. It makes use of advanced encryption and rolling security codes to avoid copying the code from the ECU or key. This is the code that will be used to replace keys we supply.
Certain models have an antenna ring that is specific to the vehicle and is not detected by standard transponder scanners. This is extremely effective in stopping hotwiring and is extremely difficult to disable using a standard key or a transponder emulator. We have a special product called the Renault Antenna Emulator (RAE) that can be used to disable this kind of immobiliser in Renault Clio phase 2 models as well as some Renault commercial vehicles with ID46 transponders. It works by mimicking operation of a valid transponder in the ring antenna. It can be used to replace failed or lost keys without dismantling the ECU. renault clio car key battery has been tested and endorsed by Thatcham in order to provide further assurance to motor insurance customers.