A remote keyless entry system is a type of electronic locking system used in modern vehicles to control access to the car. As the name suggests, the system uses a handheld device to lock or unlock the vehicle’s doors. Keyless entry systems can use traditional fob remotes or advanced smart keys.
What is a Remote Keyless Entry System and Do I Need Key Fob Programming?
Key fobs, also known as keyless entry remotes, are useful for controlling the locks, trunk, panic alarm, and even the remote starter of your car from hundreds of feet away.
Vehicle security has evolved significantly over the years. Early vehicles used mechanical locks and key combinations to unlock car doors. Nowadays, modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated locking systems that are safer than their predecessors. While the automotive industry is moving towards keyless entry systems, mechanical door locks are still widely used.
Like other mechanical locks, traditional car locks can be picked. On the other hand, keyless entry locks are harder to break because the locks are electronic and secured with codes that are difficult to decipher.
A more advanced form of keyless entry key allows the car owner to open the car doors and start the engine without physically pressing a button or inserting a mechanical key. These so-called “smart keys” rely entirely on sensors to unlock the doors and start the ignition. However, smart keys still use mechanical keys as a backup.
How the Remote Security System Works
The remote system affects two aspects of vehicle security: entry and ignition. The system uses transmitters, transceivers, or transponders. These devices communicate by emitting and receiving radio signals. When the onboard computer receives a signal from the receiver, it then sends a signal to the car door actuators to unlock or lock them.
All key fobs operate at a frequency between 300 and 400 MHz. To prevent other car owners from accessing your vehicle, the remote signals must be unique. The keyless entry system uses “rolling” or “hopping” codes to generate this unique signal. The codes are changed each time the remote is used. Hence the name rolling or hopping.
In addition to excluding other remotes, rolling codes deter thieves from using code grabber devices, as the codes are refreshed every time the remote is used. Key fob codes are also encrypted, making it extremely difficult for thieves to decipher the signals.
Some key fobs come with engine immobilizer devices for added security. The system is designed to prevent the engine from being hot-wired by preventing fuel from flowing to the engine. Just like the keyless entry system, the engine immobilizer works via radio signals and uses rolling codes that are refreshed with each use.
Immobilizer devices provide extra security, especially when the mechanical key provided with the key fob is duplicated. The duplicate key will not be recognized by the vehicle even if it is an exact copy. The key fob must contain the code that the vehicle’s ignition system identifies for it to work.
The more advanced smart key system works exactly like keyless entry remotes. Smart keys also use radio signals and rolling codes. However, the difference is that smart keys use sensors to detect the proximity of the smart key (and the person holding it) to the vehicle. The smart key system automatically unlocks the doors, disengages the immobilizer, and starts the ignition when it detects that the key is nearby.
What You Need to Reprogram When Key Fob Programming is Questioned (Software, Tools, etc.)
Replacing the remote is not as simple as replacing your TV remote. The remote must be reprogrammed for the onboard computer to recognize the new remote. You may also need to program new remotes that you want to use as spares.
Reprogramming your remote can be done manually or using programming devices. Most modern vehicles have built-in remote programming functions. The programming procedure may vary from model to model, but the crucial steps are the same. Basically, the car is manually set to programming mode to recognize the key fob to be programmed.
Key fobs can also be reprogrammed using dedicated key programming devices or software applications. (Provide examples of devices and software)
How to Reprogram Key Fob Remotes?
Before programming your remote, make sure its battery is sufficiently charged to power the device. To program remotes without an immobilizer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Enter your vehicle and lock the doors.
Step 2: Ensure the door locks are engaged to not disrupt the reprogramming process.
Step 3: Insert your car key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “ON” position.
Step 4: While the key is in the “ON” position, press the “Lock” button on the remote.
Step 5: Turn the key back to the “OFF” position.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 in quick succession, at least four times until you can hear the lock cycle.
Step 7: Test the reprogrammed remote to see if it works.
Step 8: If everything checks out, congratulations! You have successfully programmed your remote.
How to Reprogram Smart Key Fobs with Immobilizer Devices?
Reprogramming smart remotes with immobilizer devices is more challenging than standard keyless entry remotes. This is because the immobilizer system has its own security code. This is also true when programming remotes with duplicate mechanical keys.
Before programming your duplicate key fob, ensure the blank key blade is machined to match the profile of the original key. To program smart keys, follow these steps:
Step 1: Insert the unprogrammed duplicate key into the ignition switch,
Step 2: Connect your programming device to your vehicle’s OBD2 port.
Step 3: Run the programming software compatible with your vehicle and programming device. (See example above)
Step 4: Carefully follow the instructions provided by your programming device.
Step 5: Wait for the programming device to program your remote with a new code.
Step 6: Check if the key is recognized by your vehicle by starting the ignition.
Step 7: If everything is in order, you have successfully programmed your key.