20 Myths About Automotive Locksmith Key Programming Busted

Automotive Locksmith Key Programming
Most modern-day cars require some type of key programming. Based on the car's make and model, the process can be as easy as onboard programming with a spare working key or as complicated as OBD2 or EEPROM programming.
Most US and Asian automobile manufacturers share their programming protocols with auto tool manufacturers so that they can develop tools and hardware for locksmiths in the automotive industry to use.
Transponder Chips
Transponder chips are used in many newer cars to guard against theft of vehicles. These are tiny computer microchips that emit radio waves of low-level. 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 proven to be an enormous success in preventing theft of cars. It has also saved many car owners a significant amount of money since they don't need to replace their 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 would use the flat screwdriver to push the ignition switch in your car into the "on" mode or even hot-wire it in order to get around the system. These kinds of thefts have been drastically reduced thanks to the introduction of the transponder chip.
When you insert the transponder keys into the ignition, the signal is picked up by an antenna that is hidden within the barrel. This antenna is programmed to detect the particular frequency of the chip within the key. The car's onboard computer will recognize that the key is valid and allow fuel to flow, power the starter or start it.
Based on the manufacturer, certain vehicles can only recognize a specific type of transponder chip. It is therefore essential that your automotive locksmith is equipped with the right equipment to program your car's keys and remotes.
A good automotive locksmith should have a multi-vehicle key programming device that works with different models and manufacturers of cars. This is a less expensive solution than buying individual tools for every brand of vehicle. These are less common, but there are specialised automotive key programmers that are able to only work on a particular type of vehicle. The top automotive locksmiths have the tools to work on any vehicle. Be sure to choose an established company that has this kind of equipment.
Key FOBs
As the name implies, key FOBs contain transponder chips programmable that enable your car to recognize and unlock the doors or start the engine with a push-button ignition. They also have buttons that you can push to activate features such as door locks, trunk release or fuel flap control. Certain fobs can be controlled using buttons. For instance the "smart key" that lets you call your car to tight parking spaces, such as the Genesis GV60, Tesla or Genesis GV60.
While some replacement key fobs can be programmed by you with the help of a user manual however, you'll typically require an automotive locksmith to get a brand new one programmed if yours stops working. A professional is better equipped to connect the computer of your vehicle via the OBD port under the steering wheel.
The majority of key fobs today come with security features that make it difficult for criminals to clone or replicate 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 prevents attackers from capturing and replaying the unlock signal to gain access to your vehicle.
In most cases you can purchase an additional key fob at the dealer or from another retailer and then have it programmed by a locksmith for your vehicle to fit your particular vehicle. This is because the majority of major US and Asian auto manufacturers use the same key-fob programming protocol with third-party companies that produce the tools used by auto locksmiths to program their customers' keys.
While some of the aftermarket key fobs are advertised as compatible with all vehicles however, the majority of locksmiths for automotive do not recommend using them because they are likely to function poorly or not at all. They recommend buying fobs made specifically for your vehicle to ensure they function properly and are less susceptible to issues such as interference or incompatibility. This will save you money in the end by avoiding expensive repairs or replacing the fobs.
Toolkits for Programming Vehicles of Manufacturers
Automotive technology has progressed a lot, and today's vehicles require computers to function. One of the most important components of this technology is a transponder chip that needs to be programmed to the vehicle by a locksmith or dealer/mechanic in order to function. These key fobs have built-in security features that will prevent hot-wiring (like in a film) and the car won't start if it doesn't have the right key.
These key fobs are more complex than the traditional mechanical keys and are the reason they are usually in the hands of a reputable professional auto locksmith. automotive key programming of the car key fob is according to the type and model of key, but it is usually between $85 and $400. This includes the labor required to program the key fob and the costs for any required replacement parts.
To complicate the process to make the process more complicated, these key fobs for cars make use of a special software to connect to the car's onboard computer. The software blocks access by unauthorised persons by only permitting keys that have been programmed for a specific car to function. If you decide to replace your keys, you'll need to program the new key fob in the car for it to work.
This is done by using a programing tool for car keys that is compatible with the brand of your vehicle. This tool allows locksmiths to connect to the OBD port in the vehicle and then enter programming mode. The key programming device can be a handheld device that's inexpensive or one that is sophisticated and capable of doing more than just programming keys (like reading the eeprom files in the ECU).
While some people may attempt to program their own keys with these tools, this is something best left to a professional auto locksmith. Unless you're familiar with all the aspects of the various software systems, it's possible to accidentally alter settings that could cause damage to the vehicle. It's crucial to remember that a professional with experience will help you avoid these problems.
On-Board Programming
If your car is old enough, you'll still have a key from the past that you can use to open the doors and turn off the ignition. Modern vehicles have transponders that need to be acknowledged and accepted by the computer system to start. This adds an extra layer of security that prevents car thieves from starting a stolen car and then driving off with it. A certified locksmith will have the necessary tools and software to create a new key that works with the security system in your car.
The locksmith will require a blank key that is compatible with the model and make of your car. Once the key is received, your locksmith will link the scanner that is used for programming to the diagnostic port of your car. This will put your car in a special programming mode, which allows locksmiths to connect a key to the system.
The key scanner that is programmed communicates with the computer of the vehicle to send an electronic code. The computer will recognize the code and add it to the list of keys approved by. In certain situations, a scanner can also delete lost or stolen keys.
EEPROM programming is another method that can be used to program new car keys. It is more complex and requires a deep understanding of how electronic systems function. This is why it's best left to a professional that has years of expertise working on these types of systems.
Locksmiths can program a key quickly using onboard programming. When everything is done correctly it could take just one minute. However, if the key isn't placed in the correct situation or the procedure isn't followed exactly, it can take up to a half hour.
There are a variety of key programmer scanners which can work with various models and makes of vehicles. The Smart Pro and the Autel IM608 Pro are both very popular with locksmiths since they cover a wide range of vehicle models. No system can program every vehicle. They are also expensive. It's a good idea purchase a programer that will get regular updates as the manufacturer develops new technologies. In the event that your machine is not updated, it will be obsolete in a short time.