The Story of the Renault Card Key
The inventions that have altered the way we drive, none has made such an impact on the lives of drivers as the hands-free card. Pascaline, Head Cross-Cutting Products for Renault Group Products talks us through the background and development of this tiny device.
The origins of a card
The hands free card of Renault is an international success. It’s now an essential element of the everyday life of car owners. The first time it was designed, 20 years ago it’s one of the company’s leading innovations. Pascaline the Head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division, takes us on an exploration to discover the story of this handy accessory.
In 2001 the Laguna II, an executive saloon that is a symbol of ‘lifestyle driving”, went into production. It was a time that saw great innovation, including numerous new equipment capabilities that enabled customers to enjoy the full benefits of their vehicle.
However, the people who occupied these cars still had to use their keys to open and close their doors. Renault engineers were determined that this was a significant issue for many people.
The result was that they decided to include a keycard that is contactless into their vehicles and develop a system that would enable users to unlock and start their cars with a simple wave of hands. The result is the card key, which is now present on the majority of Renault vehicles. The card can be found inside the ignition barrel or in the center console the car will unlock when the card is near and secure itself automatically when moved away. This is a genuine Renault remote control key card (without blade). It is supplied individually clam packed and ready to be programmed with 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 items can fail due to wear and tear or being dropped. If this occurs, it can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, there are many ways to replace your Renault key card. One option is to call the dealership. However, renault car key could take a long time, and it could also be costly. A professional locksmith is a different option.
SR Key Solutions has the required equipment to program and manufacture Renault keys and cards. We can offer a replacement for your existing key at a lower cost than dealers would charge. We can also do it much more quickly than a dealer.
This product is compatible with the Renault Laguna II, Espace 4 and Vel Satis keycards (keyless entry system). It protects your card while giving it a nice look. It comes in two colours and can be customized by adding your VIN or a logo. It can be put into the form of a key case or with an ordinary keychain. This is a genuine Renault item that will only fit the car you have ordered. Please include your VIN when you order to ensure that the correct key is sent.
The technology
Renault key cards contain transponder chips inside and have an option for low frequency communication that allows the card to communicate with your vehicle. These chips can crack from normal use, and it’s costly to replace or repair them at the dealer. We can repair or replace your Renault key cards at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
The hands-free card was first launched in 2001 on the Laguna II saloon, which was designed to represent the “lifestyle” car of 21st century. Renault was unable to test every possible use despite an extensive design brief built on over 6,000 phone calls with customers.
Bernard Dumondel was the product lead on Laguna II at the time. He utilized his hotel room key to unlock his car. He believed that a car key could be created with the same magnetic strip used for the key.
In the years that followed, the card was praised as a revolutionary invention and is now accessible on two out of three Renault vehicles. Although smartphones appear to be in the process of replacing it, Renault has chosen to utilize these new technologies without letting the hands-free card fall to the side.
The keyless entry system
The hands-free cards of Renault were an innovation in technology at its launch 20 years ago. The exterior is identical however the technology has been upgraded to make it easier to use and less vulnerable to hacking.
It isn’t able to be used from outside to open doors or start the car until the driver is able to activate it. This is because radio antennae “around the car” are designed to determine whether the key is inside or outside. The key can still turn on the ignition from a distance, however, it won’t unlock the doors. This is to ensure your safety.
The second aspect is that the system’s wireless remote control transmissions employ a rolling-code. This reduces the risk of someone stealing an informational message and transmitting it again to gain access, but doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility. [1]
If the key fob on your Megane suddenly ceases to work, particularly after you’ve dropped it to the floor It could be an indication that the receiver module has failed. If this is the case, you will need to replace your key fob with an original Renault replacement. To find out more about key programming, click the Key Programming Information tab above. Customers who are working in the locksmith or motor trades can apply for a trade account to receive a discount on prices.
