The Story of the Renault Card Key
In all the inventions which have changed the way we use cars, none has made such a huge difference to the daily lives of drivers like the hands-free card. Pascaline Head Cross-Cutting Products for Renault Group Products, walks us through the history and development of this tiny device.
The origins of the card
A key part in the car-owner’s daily life Hands-free cards from Renault have become a worldwide hit. First designed around 20 years ago and is now one of the company’s most popular innovations. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division is taking us on journey to learn the history behind this handy accessory.
In 2001, the Laguna II, a saloon designed to embody ‘lifestyle’ driving, entered production. It was an era of a lot of innovation with a variety of new equipment options that allowed customers to enjoy their car to the fullest.
The occupants had to use the keys to open and close their doors. This was a real issue for a lot of people and Renault engineers determined to do something about the issue.
They decided to put a contactless card in their vehicles, and then develop a system which would allow motorists to unlock and start their vehicles by simply using their hands. The result is the card key which is now present on the majority of Renault vehicles. The car will unlock automatically when the card is near the ignition barrel, or the center console. This is a genuine Renault remote control keycard (without the blade). It is supplied individually clam packed and prepared to be programmed using Abrites diagnostics for Renault/ Dacia software with the ProTAG programmer.
The design
A Renault key card or even a car remote key can be a huge convenience in our everyday lives. Unfortunately, these products can fail due to ware and wear or simply being dropped. If this occurs, it could be quite stressful. There are many ways you can repair your Renault keycard. Contacting the dealership is one option. This could take some time and can be costly. Another option is to visit a professional locksmith.
SR Key Solutions has the required equipment to program and create Renault keys and cards. We can replace your key at a cost that is lower than what a dealer would cost. We can also make it quicker than a dealer.
This product is compatible with the Renault Laguna II, Espace 4 and Vel Satis keycards (keyless entry system). It protects your keycard whilst giving it a nice design. It comes in two colors and can be printed with your VIN, logo, or other details. It can be tucked away in the key case or with a standard keychain. This is a genuine Renault item that will only be compatible with the vehicle you have ordered. Please provide your VIN to ensure that the correct key has been provided.
The technology
Renault keys have transponder chips and a low-frequency communication feature. This allows the card to communicate with your car. The chips are susceptible to cracking due to normal usage, and it can be costly to repair or replace them at an auto dealer. We can repair or replace your Renault key card for less than the dealer price.
The hands-free card was initially introduced in 2001 on the Laguna II saloon, which was designed to represent the ‘lifestyle’ car of the 21st century. Renault could not test every possible use despite a detailed design brief based upon over 6,000 interviews with customers.
Fortunately, the lead of the product on Laguna II, Bernard Dumondel was in a hotel at the time. He was using his room key to open his car. The key he was using had a small magnetic strip, the product lead thought it might be possible to make a car key that functioned similarly.
In the years to follow the card was seen as an innovation that was revolutionary and is now used on two of three Renault vehicles. While smartphones seem to be close to replacing it, Renault has chosen to utilize these new technologies without letting the hands-free card slip to the side.
The keyless entry system
Renault’s hands free card was a pioneering piece of technology when it was launched 20 years ago. The exterior is the same but the technology has been upgraded to make it more user-friendly and harder to hack.
It can’t be used from outside to open doors or start the car unless the driver turns it on. This is because radio antennae “around the car” are programmed to detect whether the key is inside or outside. The key will continue to turn the ignition from a distance but not unlock the doors. This is for your security.
The wireless remote control transmissions of the system employ the rolling-code. This lowers the likelihood of the security being breached by someone who intercepts and retransmits a control message to gain access but it does not eliminate the risk altogether. [1]
If the key fob on your Megane suddenly stops working, especially after you’ve dropped it on the floor It could be a sign the receiver module is damaged. If renault trafic key fob is the situation it is necessary to replace your key fob with an original Renault replacement. To learn more about key programming, click the Key Programming Information tab’ above. Customers who are in the locksmith or motor trade can register for a trade account and receive preferential pricing.
