Automotive Locksmith Key Programming
The majority of modern cars require some form of key programming. Based on the car's make and model, the procedure can be as easy as onboard programming with a spare working key or as complicated as EEPROM or OBD2 programming.
Most US and Asian auto manufacturers share their programming protocol with auto tool manufacturers, so they can develop hardware or software for locksmiths in the automotive industry.
Transponder Chips
Transponder chips are in a lot of modern cars to guard against theft of vehicles. These are tiny computer microchips which emit low-level radio waves. They have a unique digital serial number that authenticates the key to your vehicle when it is plugged into the ignition barrel. If your vehicle doesn't recognize the signal and the engine is shut down. This technology has been an incredible success in preventing auto theft. It has also saved many car owners a lot of money as they don't need to replace their cars.
The basic concept behind the transponder system is to make it difficult for thieves to open the doors of your car without the right key. In the past, car thieves would simply force the ignition switch of your car into the "on" position using a flat screwdriver or even make use of hot-wires to bypass the system completely. Transponder chips have drastically reduced these types of thefts.
When you insert a transponder key into the ignition, it transmits an electrical signal that is received by a hidden antenna circling the barrel of the ignition. The antenna is programmed with the frequency of the chip within the key. The onboard computer in the car will then recognize the key as being valid and will allow fuel flow, power the starter or start the engine.
Based on the manufacturer, some vehicles will only recognise the specific type of transponder chip. This is why it's crucial to make sure that your locksmith for automotive is equipped to program your vehicle's keys and fobs correctly.
A reputable locksmith for cars should have an instrument for programming keys for multiple vehicles that is compatible with different car manufacturers and models. This is a much cheaper alternative than buying specific tools for each model of vehicle. They are not as common however, there are specialist automotive key programming tools that can only work on a specific type of vehicle. The best locksmiths for automotive have the tools to work on any vehicle. Make sure you select an established company that has this type of equipment.
Key FOBs
As the name implies, key FOBs house the programmable transponder chips that allow your vehicle to recognize and open the doors, or start the engine using push-button ignition. You can also press buttons to activate features like door locks, trunk releases or control of the fuel flap. Certain fobs can be controlled using buttons. For instance an "smart key" that allows you summon your car into tight parking spaces, such as a Tesla or Genesis GV60.
While certain replacement key fobs can be programmed by you using the help of a user manual but you'll usually require an auto locksmith to get a brand new one programmed if yours stops functioning. This is because a professional locksmith has the specialized equipment and access to the programming tools needed to connect your car's computer via the OBD (OBD) port that is located under the steering wheel.
The majority of key fobs come with security features to make it more difficult for criminals to duplicate and copy the signals that they transmit. These include pseudo-random sequence generators that generate an entirely new unlock code every time you press the button on the key fob. This blocks attackers from recording and replaying the unlock signal to gain access to your vehicle.
In some instances, you can buy an alternative keyfob from an auto dealer or other retailer. Your locksmith at your auto will then program it to work with your car. This is because the majority of the major US and Asian automobile manufacturers share their key fob programming protocols with third-party companies who produce the tools locksmiths employ to program their customers' keys.
While some aftermarket key fobs are advertised as compatible with any vehicle, most automotive locksmiths do not recommend using them as they're likely to work poorly or not at all. Instead, they suggest buying fobs designed specifically for your vehicle, so that you can be sure they'll function correctly and are less prone to issues like interfering or not working. This will save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive repairs or replacing your fobs.
Vehicle Manufacturers' Programming Tools
The automotive industry has made huge advances in the last couple of decades. Nowadays, cars are computer-driven. A transponder chip is an essential component of this technology. It has to be programmed by a locksmith mechanic, or dealer to work. Key fobs with embedded security features that stop hot-wiring (like in a film) and the car won't start if it doesn't have the correct key.
Key fobs can be somewhat more complicated than a standard mechanical key. This is why they are usually handled by experienced, professional auto locksmiths. The cost of a key fob may differ based on the vehicle model and the key type however, they generally cost between $85 and $400. This includes the labor to program the key fob and the costs for any necessary replacement parts.
These car key fobs are more complicated due to the fact that they use software that interacts with the computer onboard of the car. The software prevents unauthorized access by only allowing the key to function if it has been programmed to that specific car. If you change your keys, you will have to program the new key fob to the car in order for it to function.
The most common way to do this is by using an auto key programming tool that is compatible with the brand of the vehicle. This tool allows locksmiths to connect to the OBD port on the vehicle, and then enter the programming mode. The key programming device could be an handheld device that is affordable or fancy and can do more than just programming keys (like reading the eeprom files in the ECU).
Some people try to program their keys on their own using these tools. However it's best to leave this task to a professional auto locksmith. It's easy to make a mistake using the software systems if you aren't aware of the intricacies. This can lead to damage. It's crucial to remember that a professional with experience will help you avoid these issues.
On-Board programming
If your car is of a certain age that you'll have a key from the past that you can use to open the doors and turn off the ignition. Modern cars come with transponders that need to be recognized and accepted by the computer system to start. This is a further security measure to prevent car thieves from starting and driving away with a stolen car. A licensed locksmith has the tools and software to create a new key that will work with your car's security system.
First, your locksmith will need to get an uncut key that is compatible with the make and model of your vehicle. Once your locksmith has the key, he will connect the scanner for programming to the diagnostic port of your vehicle. This will put your vehicle into a specific programming mode, which will allow locksmiths to add keys to the system.
The key scanner is programmed to communicate with the computer in the vehicle to send an electronic code. The computer will detect this code and add it into the list of keys that are authorized. In certain instances the scanner may also be able to delete keys that have been stolen or lost from the system.
You can also program new keys with EEPROM. It is more complicated and requires a thorough 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 with onboard programming. When everything is done correctly it could take as little as one minute. If the key isn't in the correct condition or the procedure isn't being followed exactly, the process can take up to half an hour.
There are numerous key programmer scanners available that work with various vehicle models and makes. The Smart Pro and the Autel IM608 Pro are both popular with locksmiths since they cover a wide range of vehicle models. There is no system that can program every vehicle. They are also expensive. It is recommended to purchase a programmer which will receive regular updates from the manufacturer when new technologies are introduced. If not, your computer will be obsolete in a short time.