Technology has been making our lives easier for decades, and starting and turning off your car is no exception when it comes to innovation. Nowadays, most cars won’t even start if you don’t have the correct computer chip or car key code. In fact, in some cars, you don’t even need to insert a key. In many contemporary vehicles, simply having the electronic key nearby allows you to start the ignition with the push of a button.
HOW KEYLESS ENTRY WORKS
With keyless entry, you only need to carry the key with you; you no longer need to press a button to open the door. As soon as you approach the vehicle, it recognizes the key via radio. Simply touch the door handle or press a button on the door handle to open the central locking system. Some of these features are available for an additional cost, while others are part of the standard equipment or are combined with driver assistance packages. No data “hacking” or even encryption is necessary to steal keyless vehicles. A simple range extender is enough. A stolen car will run without a key as long as there is fuel in the tank (or it is refilled) until the engine stalls or shuts off.
HOW TO PROGRAM YOUR KEY
The easy and convenient opening of the car door or tailgate and starting the car with the push of a button have long been standard in automotive equipment. It has truly become something most of us take for granted. At the latest, when the remote control’s battery dies, we relearn to appreciate this convenient function. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you think – or worse, the remote key stops working altogether after charging the key battery.
Here are a few simple steps to show you how to program a key code. It is important to note that some manufacturers use their own technology to ensure that only dealerships can make new keys, for security reasons. Make sure to check if this is the case before you begin. Here, we will give you some tips using VW and Audi as examples. First, we will show the practical DIY tips for older vehicles from the VW family (e.g., Audi TT 8N or Seat Leon 1M1 up to 2006). Then, we will show you how to synchronize the radio keys even on newer VW models (e.g., Audi A3 8P or Golf 6 type 5K1 2012 or newer).
1 – CODING A RADIO KEY FOR OLDER VW AND AUDI MODELS:
You will need at least one radio key and a mechanically fitting key duplicate for the vehicle to program it. Note: Purchasing a device for reading error codes is not absolutely necessary for this, but it helps with diagnosis and you can also use it in the future.
Insert the 1st key into the ignition lock of your vehicle (e.g., VW Golf or Audi A4) and turn on the ignition.
Insert the 2nd key through the open driver’s side window into the door lock from the outside and lock the car mechanically by turning the inserted key twice to the right towards the rear of the vehicle.
Now press the lower unlock button on the 1st key in the ignition switch once and wait about 10 seconds. Then, press the unlock button again until you hear the sound of the central locking system.
The radio remote control of the 1st key (in the ignition switch) is now programmed. You can now test the result.
Next, take the 2nd unprogrammed radio key and insert it into the ignition lock and turn on the ignition.
Insert the 1st programmed key through the open driver’s side window from the outside into the door lock and lock it mechanically by turning it twice to the right towards the rear of the vehicle.
Now press the lower button (unlock) of the 2nd key inserted in the ignition switch twice and wait about 6 seconds before pressing it again. Now you will hear the sound of the central locking system. Check the result of the 2nd programmed key. You have now completed the synchronization of the radio remote control for both keys.
2 – RADIO KEY PROGRAMMING FOR NEWER VW, AUDI, AND SEAT MODELS:
For the procedure, you need at least one radio key that is mechanically fitted to your vehicle.
Note: You don’t necessarily need a diagnostic device, even for programming the radio remote control of new models from the VW family, but it’s good to have one.
First, carefully remove the cap from the lock next to the door handle of your vehicle (e.g., VW Golf 7 or Audi A3) on the driver’s side. Note: Use your key or a Phillips screwdriver to pry open the cap – be careful not to scratch the paint. Now press the lower unlock button on your key once, then insert it into the door lock.
Manually turn the key once to the left towards the front of the vehicle (unlock) and once to the right towards the rear (lock). Turn it again 1x to the left towards the front and press the unlock button on the key once. Now you should hear the sound of the central locking system and your vehicle will open. The key programming is complete!
WELL-PROTECTED BY DIGITAL RADIO TECHNOLOGY
Cars equipped with keyless locking systems can be easily secured thanks to digital wireless technology. This technology uses ultra-wideband (UWB) computer chips in the locking system, which can be used to very accurately determine the distance of the key from the car based on the runtime of radio signals. When using a radio extender as is the case with this form of car theft, the car no longer responds. Fortunately, since 2018, Jaguar Land Rover has been the first car manufacturer to install this technology in new models. In addition to the Discovery, the same new keyless technology is also installed in the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport (each model year 2018), Jaguar E-Pace, and i-Pace models, according to the manufacturer.
CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER
Since the key systems of all cars do not work the same way, we recommend always consulting your manual or your car dealer before starting. This will save you time and effort in case your car’s keyless entry system differs from the models and procedure we have described.