Renault Keys - How They Work
Renaults have a complex system of immobilisers and keys. This could make the process of replacing keys very slow. If you don't have access to the car and are able to bring it in for us to make a code using the diagnostic socket, it could be a very lengthy.
Keys
The Renault group is perhaps best known as a manufacturer of buses, vans, Lorries and tractors however they do produce cars too. It was established in 1899, and is a large and well-established company with a huge range of car models. You'll require a replacement key if you lose or damage your car keys. Instead of waiting for your local dealer to order a brand new one for you, and then wait even longer to have it arrive, why not let us handle it? KeyNOW is the only place where you can get a replacement. KeyNOW we can replace your remote or smart key for you quickly.
We can provide the mechanical code needed to purchase an Renault Clio V spare key, Captur 2 spare key or New Zoe key from 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. Paul Lipschultz invented this technology for Niemens the automotive manufacturer of security components. This breakthrough was a massive leap for car safety.
Remotes
The hands-free cards of Renault are still widely used in their vehicles despite the fact smartphones are replacing them. In fact, two of three Renault vehicles come with hands-free cards. Their use has increased in recent years. In this video Pascaline from Renault's Products Division explains how these cards function.
Renaults have an immobiliser feature that is quite complex. It is crucial to know the basics before attempting to unlock a car without the use of a key. Some cars have an emergency lock on the door handle for passengers that can be used in the event a key failure or a battery failure. This is a good choice for those who don't want to hire a locksmith.
You'll also require access to a tool like the pump-up key or slim jim to remove the key fob and gain access. If you don't own these tools, you may require a hammer and screwdriver in order to take off the key fob.
You should be able to walk into the passenger door and find an unassuming lock that is inserted into the side panel of the driver next to the door handle. This is a precautionary measure to prevent individuals from accidentally stealing another vehicle or locking themselves inside their own. It's a simple, but effective security measure that can help you save time and stress should you need to enter your vehicle quickly.
renault trafic key fob of modern cars have transponders to deter theft of cars. These tiny devices are affixed to the key fob and contain a chip that communicates with the car whenever it is within range. These chips employ a unique code to identify the key and inform it which vehicle it is linked with.
The chip sends an electrical signal to two coils that are attached to the ignition barrel of the vehicle. The coils are activated by the key and send a pulse electromagnetic energy to the chip. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the car. The unique code is then used to unlock the doors and then start the engine.
During World War 2, a similar technology was employed to assist air traffic control identify military planes on radar. The aviation industry still utilizes this kind of chip message.
These systems were thought 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. But the technology behind these chips has been improved and they are now not completely clone-proof. This has led many auto locksmiths upgrade their skills by learning to read, program and write these newer kinds.
Immobilisers
The Renaults are a bit complex in the way they operate when it comes to their immobilisers and keys. There are two main mechanisms that affect how a new key is programmed into the car. The older one uses a "kill switch" to turn off a crucial element of the car's starting mechanism if the correct key is not present. These are very delicate and require a trained technician to correctly detect and fix the issue should they fail.
The newer system is much easier to use. It employs advanced encryption and rolling security codes to avoid copying the code from the ECU or key. This is the method that will be used in the replacement keys we supply.
Some models use an earpiece antenna that is specific to the vehicle and cannot be detected by standard transponder scanners. This is an extremely effective method to avoid hotwiring and it is also very difficult to bypass using the standard key or transponder emulator. We have a specialist product called the Renault Antenna Emulator (RAE) that can be used to bypass this type of immobiliser in Renault Clio phase 2 models and in some Renault commercial vehicles fitted with ID46 transponders. It mimics the operation of a key transponder that is valid inside the ring antenna. It can be used to replace lost or failed keys without the need to disassemble the ECU. It has been approved and tested by Thatcham to give peace of mind to motor insurance customers.