The Story of the Renault Card Key
In all the inventions that have altered the way we use cars but none has made such a huge difference to the lives of drivers like the hands-free card. Pascaline, Head Cross-Cutting Products for Renault Group Products takes us through the background and development of the device.
The history behind the card
The hands free card of Renault is an international success. It's now an integral element of the daily lives of car owners. It was first developed twenty years ago and is now among the most popular innovations within the company. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products in the Products division takes you on a the journey of discovery to understand the origins of this handy tool.
In 2001, the Laguna II, a saloon that was designed to reflect a lifestyle driving, entered production. It was a time of great innovation with numerous new technology features which helped customers enjoy their car to the fullest.
However, the people who occupied these cars were still required to use their keys to open and close their doors. This was a real problem for many and Renault engineers were determined to tackle it.
In the end, they decided to put a contactless keycard in their vehicles and create a system that would enable users to unlock and start their vehicles by simply waving hands. The result is the card key which is currently found on a third of Renault vehicles. The car will be unlocked automatically when the card is close to the ignition barrel or the centre console. This authentic Renault remote control key card (without the blade). It comes in a clamshell and is ready to be programmed using Abrites Diagnostics for Renault/ Dacia Software with the ProTAG Programmer.
The design
A Renault key card or even a remote car key, can be a great convenience to have in our daily lives. Unfortunately, these products are susceptible to malfunction due to wear and tear or dropping. It can be very frustrating when this occurs. There are a variety of ways you can replace your Renault keycard. Contacting your dealer is one option. renault key card may take a while and can be costly. Another option is to see an expert locksmith.
SR Key Solutions has the necessary equipment needed to program and produce Renault keys and cards. We can replace your keys for less than the price a dealer would charge. We can also do it quicker than dealers.
This product is compatible with the Renault Laguna II, Espace 4 and Vel Satis keycards (keyless entry system). It protects your keycard whilst providing a stylish design. It comes in two colors and can be customized with your logo or VIN. It can be used with a regular keychain or put inside the key case. This is an authentic Renault part that is only compatible with the vehicle for the model for which it was ordered. Please supply your VIN at the time of ordering to ensure the correct key is provided.
The technology
Renault key cards come with transponder chips and a low frequency communication feature. This allows the card to talk to your car. These chips are prone to cracking from general use and it could be costly to have them repaired or replaced at a dealership. We can repair or replacement your Renault key cards for less than the dealer.
The hands-free cards were first launched in 2001 on the Laguna II saloon, which was designed to represent the 'lifestyle' car of the 21st century. Renault could not test all possible uses, despite having a detailed design guideline based upon over 6,000 interviews with customers.
Bernard Dumondel was the product leader for Laguna II at the time. He utilized his hotel room key to unlock the car. As the key featured the small magnetic strip the product lead thought it might be possible to create a car key that worked similarly.
In the years that followed, the card was hailed an invention that revolutionized the world and is now present on two of three Renault vehicles. While smartphones seem to be in the process of replacing it, Renault has chosen to take advantage of the new technology without letting the hands-free card fall off the radar.
The keyless entry system
The hands-free card of Renault was a groundbreaking piece of technology when it first came out 20 years ago. Its design is the same but the technology inside has received some upgrades to make it more user-friendly as well as harder to hack.
It can't be used from outside to open doors or start the car unless the driver has activated it. This is because radio antennae "around the car" are programmed to detect whether the key is inside or outside. The key can still turn on the ignition from a distance, but will not open the doors. This is to ensure your safety.
The second is that the wireless remote control transmissions of the system utilize a rolling code. This minimizes the possibility of someone intercepting an informational message and transmitting it to gain access, but doesn't completely eliminate it. [1]
If the key fob on your Megane suddenly ceases to function, particularly after you've dropped it to the floor it could be an indication that the receiver module is damaged. If this is the case you'll need to replace your key fob using an original Renault replacement. Click the Key Programming Information' tab above to learn more. Customers working in the locksmith or motor trade can sign up for a special trade account and enjoy a discount pricing.