How Does Car Key Programming Work?

Modern car keys are a tiny radio transmitter. The key works by transmitting a code to a receiver in your car that will unlock the doors on receipt of the correct code. The transmitter (key) and receiver (car) must be synchronised. If your key is damaged, it may not be able to transmit the signal to your car and you will be locked out. A locksmith can program a replacement key for you. Here’s how car key programming works.

A Short History of Car Door Locking 

Older readers of this blog may recall a time when the locking or unlocking of a car involved walking around the vehicle inserting a key into each door. There was then a brief period when power-locking – locking all four doors from a single turn of a key in the driver’s door – was the dominant technology. Eventually, with the near universal take-up of transponder keys, we were able to unlock all of our car doors at the touch of a button on a key fob. The next phase is already being rolled out – some car manufacturers are doing away with all that tedious button-pressing and just unlocking the car doors and triggering the ignition whenever the transponder is in range.

Early Remote Entry Keys

Remote entry transponder keys have been around for decades. But the security on them has been significantly improved. Early versions were common as garage door openers in the 1950s and 60s. The shortcoming of this early remote system was that all the doors operated on the same code. If you owned the same remote as your neighbour, you would be able to open their door. 

Modern Remote Entry Keys

Modern car keys are much more secure, they randomly choose between about a trillion possible codes. This is why it is important that the key and the receiver in your car are synchronised. The receiver will only unlock the car if it is receiving the signal it is expecting. This is a very secure way of making sure that nobody else’s key will open your car. However, if you damage your key, you may find yourself in need of a replacement.

Programming Car Keys

At PT Lock & Safe, we offer a full auto locksmith service that includes regaining you access to your car and the programming of any replacement keys. Different manufacturers have different systems for programming keys. Some require proprietary software that we have access to. Whatever the make of your car – we can have you driving again in no time.

If you require the programming of a car key or need any of our other services, call us on 01603 812613 or email admin@ptlockandsafe.co.uk.

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