Five Smart Car Key Programming Projects For Any Budget

From Yuri Project

Vehicle smart 450 key programming Key Technology

The smart key technology in vehicles lets drivers unlock and start their car by simply touching the door handle or placing the key into the pocket. It also permits a variety of other adjustments, including seat positions and temperature settings inside the car, mirror position and stereo presets.

This could also raise security concerns.

Security

Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized that communicate with the vehicle via an embedded antenna to unlock doors and start the motor. In contrast to conventional keys that emit the same frequency signal each time they are press, smart key fobs transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the specific car they belong to. This makes it much more difficult for thieves who are tech-savvy to steal or spoof the signal and use the key to steal your car.

Mercedes' Keyless Go system, for example, has an internal transponder which identifies the driver's keys. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car it will automatically unlock the tailgate and door and starts the engine when a button on the key is activated.

Furthermore, some smart keys -- like those from BMW have their own user settings that let the driver adjust the mirrors, seat and steering wheel position and audio preferences at the click of the button. They also have a backup lock, which prevents the vehicle from starting if the key is not in the ignition.

This technology prevents drivers from getting their car locked accidentally especially when looking in backpacks or purses for keys in parking lots with strangers or a busy street where crime is high. Many systems will also inform motorists when the battery for their key is low, but this feature may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Convenience

If you're in a hurry get somewhere the smart key makes getting into your vehicle as easy as possible. You can unlock, lock and start your car simply by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. Key fobs can also connect to your phone to keep track of charging and location as well as other information about the vehicle, says Popular Mechanics.

You don't want to accidentally lock your keys inside the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine whether it's within the range. If not, the engine will not start. This can deter thieves who may take your vehicle and sell its parts.

BMW reports that the smart key uses rolling codes as well to protect against hacking and cloning. A computer inside the vehicle reads the code and confirms it prior to starting the engine. A majority of systems also have a mechanical backup that is an unnoticed key blade to be used for styling purposes.

How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can also detect when the key is when it is in use and adjust the vehicle settings in accordance with the key's use. If you switch on the vehicle while holding the key in your palm, for example windows and sunroof can be opened to allow fresh air to enter the interior. You can also set up an automatic speed limit that will only be used when the vehicle is powered by the chosen key. This feature is useful if you're loaning your vehicle to a driver with no experience.

Battery Life

If you're looking for a way to get more mileage out of your vehicle's smart key, or just want to make sure it won't die during a trip to the grocery store, you can activate an auto manufacturer-specific feature called Power Saving Mode. To do this you need to press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.

This will prevent your smart key fob's ability to send or receiving radio signals and will increase the battery's lifespan significantly. You can always reactivate this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons again.

Certain smart keys cars (learn more) keys have anti-theft features that stop them from being copied by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorized access to the vehicle. The computer in the car checks the code milliseconds after the smart key is placed. BMW offers a similar system with its Display Key, which includes a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key to make it easier and lets drivers lock, unlock, and start their vehicles without ever taking the key from their pockets.

Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery in the smart key fob you have or if you are thinking of purchasing a vehicle with a smart car key reprogramming-key. Our mobile locksmiths will change the battery on any smart key and help you set it up so that your car recognizes it.

Special Cases

Although smart keys aren't security-wise, they can be used to hinder thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to prevent hackers from hacking the system. When placed in the ignition of the car the computer checks the code in milliseconds. Mercedes-Benz invented this technology, which is now used by luxury car brands.

A smart key system will work even if you don't remember the key in your trunk or leave it in the restaurant. Certain systems will also inform the driver if the battery is running low. Certain brands have key covers specifically designed for smart keys to protect the fob from damage.