The Story of the Renault Card Key
In all the inventions which have changed the way we drive, none has made such a huge difference to the daily 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 small device.
The origins of a card
Renault's hands free card is an international hit. It's now an integral element in the lives of car owners. First designed around 20 years ago it is among the most innovative innovations of the company. Pascaline, Head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division takes us on an exploration to discover the story behind this helpful accessory.
In 2001, the Laguna II, a saloon designed to embody 'lifestyle' driving, went into production. It was an era of a lot of innovation with numerous new technology attributes that helped customers enjoy their vehicle to the fullest.
The occupants were still required to use keys to open and shut their doors. Renault engineers were determined that this was a major issue for a lot of people.
They decided to put a contactless card in their vehicles, and devise an system that allows drivers to unlock and begin their vehicles by simply waving their hands. The card's key is found in two of three Renault vehicles. renault clio spare key located in the ignition barrel, or in the center console the car will unlock when the card approaches and secure itself automatically when removed. This is an original Renault remote control card (without blade). It comes in a clamshell and is ready to be programmed with Abrites Diagnostics for Renault/ Dacia Software with the ProTAG Programmer.
The design
A Renault key card, or even remote car keys, can be a fantastic convenience to have in our daily lives. Unfortunately, these items are susceptible to failure because of wear and tear or simply being dropped. It can be quite frustrating when this happens. Thankfully, there are several ways to replace your Renault key card. One option is to contact your dealer. But, this can take a long time and it could also be expensive. A professional locksmith is another option.
SR Key Solutions has the required equipment to program and create Renault keys and cards and keys. We can offer an alternative to your current key at a lower cost than a dealer would charge. We can also do it faster than an agent.
This product is compatible with the Renault Laguna II (keyless entry), Espace 4 (keyless entry) and Vel Satis (keyless entrance system). It will protect your card and gives it a beautiful appearance. It is available in two colors and can be personalized with your VIN or a logo. It can be placed in an accessory case for keys or with the standard keychain. This is a genuine Renault product that is designed to be compatible with the vehicle you have ordered. Please include your VIN when you place an order to ensure the correct key is delivered.
The technology
Renault key cards are equipped with transponder chips inside. They also have an option for low frequency communication that allows the card to communicate with your car. The chips are susceptible to cracking from general use and it can be very costly to have them repaired or replaced at a dealership. We can repair or replace your Renault key card for only a fraction of the dealer cost.
The hands-free card first appeared in 2001, on the Laguna II saloon. This car was designed as the car for lifestyle in the 21st century. However, despite a detailed design brief based on more than thousands of customer interviews, which examined their lifestyles, habits and expectations, Renault ran out of time to create prototypes and test all possible use-cases.
Bernard Dumondel was the product leader of Laguna II at the time. He utilized his hotel room key to unlock the car. He believed that a car key could be created using the same magnetic strip that was used to make the key.
In the years following the card was hailed as an innovative technology and is now offered in two out of three Renault vehicles. Although smartphones appear to be on the verge 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
Renault's hands-free card was a revolutionary piece of technology at its launch 20 years ago. Its exterior remains the same, but the technology inside has received some upgrades to make it more user-friendly and harder to hack.
It isn't able to 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 configured to detect whether the key is inside or outside. The key will still start the ignition from a distance but not unlock the doors. This is for your safety.
The second aspect is that the wireless remote control transmissions of the system utilize a rolling code. This decreases the chance of someone stealing a control message and transmitting it to gain access, but it does not completely eliminate the possibility. [1]
If the key fob on your Megane suddenly stops working, especially after dropping it to the floor it could be a sign the receiver module is damaged. If this is the situation, you'll need replace it with an authentic Renault replacement. Click the 'Key Programming Information above to find out more. Customers working in the locksmith or motor trade can sign up for a special trade account, and enjoy special pricing.