The Story of the Renault Card Key
The inventions that have transformed the way we drive but none has made such a huge difference to the lives of drivers like the hands-free card. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products at Renault Group Products talks us through the history of this tiny device.
The origins of a card
The hands free card of Renault is a global success. It has become an integral element of the everyday life of car owners. First designed 20 years ago and is now one of the top innovations from the company. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division takes us on a journey to learn the story behind this useful accessory.
In 2001 the Laguna II, an executive saloon that is a symbol of 'lifestyle driving', went into production. It was a period of great innovation, with many new features. capabilities that enabled customers get the maximum benefits of their car.
The occupants of the homes had to use keys to open and shut their doors. This was a real obstacle for many and Renault engineers determined to address it.
They decided to incorporate the contactless card into their vehicles, and devise the system that would allow drivers to unlock and begin their vehicles by shaking their hands. The result is the card key, that is now found on a third of Renault vehicles. Whether it's in the ignition barrel or in the center console the car will be unlocked when the card is in close proximity and lock automatically when it is moved away. This authentic Renault remote control key card (without 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, is a great feature to have in our daily lives. Unfortunately, these products can fail due to ware and tear or simply being dropped. It can be quite frustrating when this happens. There are a variety of ways you can replace your Renault keycard. One option is to contact your dealer. This may take a while and can be costly. renault key card not working after battery change is an alternative option.
SR Key Solutions is fully equipped to create and program Renault keys and cards and keys. We can offer you the replacement for your current key at a lower cost than the dealer would charge. Additionally, we can do the job much quicker than a dealer.
This product is compatible with the Renault Laguna II (keyless entry), Espace 4 (keyless entry) and Vel Satis (keyless entrance system). It shields your card and gives it a beautiful appearance. It comes in two colours and can be customized with your VIN or logo. It can be tucked away in a key case or used with a standard keychain. This is a genuine Renault item that will only fit the vehicle ordered. Please provide your VIN to ensure that the correct key has been supplied.
The technology
Renault key cards are equipped with transponder chips inside. They also have a low frequency communication feature that allows the card to communicate with your car. The chips are susceptible to cracking because of use and it can be expensive to get them repaired or replaced at a dealership. We can repair or replace your Renault key cards for just a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
The hands-free card first launched in 2001 on the Laguna II saloon, which was designed to be the "lifestyle" vehicle of the 21st century. Renault could not test all possible uses despite a detailed design brief which was based on more than 6,000 conversations with customers.
Bernard Dumondel was the product leader for Laguna II at the time. He used his hotel room keys to unlock his car. The key he was using had a small magnetic strip, he thought that it would be possible to make a car key that functioned similarly.
In the years following, the card was praised as a revolutionary invention, and it is now available on two out of three Renault vehicles. Renault has decided to make use of the latest features of smartphones to improve the hands-free card, even though it appears that they are about to replace it.
The keyless entry system
Renault's hands-free card was an innovative piece of technology when it was first introduced 20 years ago. Its exterior is the same but the technology inside has seen some upgrades to make it more user-friendly as well as harder to hack.
It's not able to be used from outside to unlock doors or start the car unless the driver activates it. The reason is that the radio signal antennas "around" the vehicle are programmed to detect the presence of the key outside or inside. The key will work from a distance to start the ignition of the car, but not to unlock the doors. This is for your security.
The wireless remote control transmissions of the system use the rolling-code. This decreases the risk of security being compromised by someone intercepting and retransmitting the control message to gain access but isn't a guarantee of avoiding the possibility completely. [1]
If the key fob on your Megane suddenly stops working, particularly after you've dropped it to the floor, it could be a sign that the receiver module is damaged. If this is the situation it is necessary to replace the key fob with an original Renault replacement. Click the 'Key Programming Information' tab above to find out more. Customers who are in the motor or locksmith trade can register for a trade account to receive a discount on prices.