The Story of the Renault Card Key
The hands-free card is one of the most significant inventions to have ever changed the way people travel in cars. Pascaline Head Cross-Cutting Products for Renault Group Products, walks us through the background and development of this tiny device.
The origins of the card
A vital part of the lives of car owners Hands-free cards from Renault have become a global hit. It was first designed around 20 years ago and is now among the most important innovations of the company. Pascaline, Head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division takes us on a journey to discover the story behind this useful accessory.
It was in 2001 when the Laguna II, a saloon that aimed at capturing the essence of 'lifestyle' driving, entered production. It was a time of tremendous innovation, featuring an array of new technology features that helped customers reap the full benefits of their vehicle.
The occupants still had to use the keys to open and close their doors. This was a huge problem for many and Renault engineers determined to fix it.
They decided to integrate the use of a contactless card into their vehicles and to develop an system that allows drivers to enter and unlock their vehicles by simply hand gestures. The result is the key card, which is currently found on the majority of Renault vehicles. It's either in the ignition barrel or in the centre console the car will be unlocked when the card is in close proximity and close automatically when it's removed. This authentic Renault remote control keycard (without the blade). It comes individually clam-packed 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 remote car keys is a great feature to have in our daily lives. However, these devices are susceptible to malfunction due to wear and tear or being dropped. If this happens, it can be quite stressful. There are replacement key for renault clio that you can replace your Renault keycard. One option is to contact your dealership. However, this could take a long time, and it could also be expensive. Another option is to contact a professional locksmith.
SR Key Solutions is fully equipped to make and programme Renault keys and cards. We can repair your key at a lower cost than the price a dealer would charge. We can also provide it faster than an agent.
This product is compatible with the Renault Laguna II, Espace 4 and Vel Satis keycards (keyless entry system). It protects your keycard whilst creating a beautiful design. It comes in two colors and can be personalized with your logo or VIN. It can be used with a regular keychain or put inside a key case. This is an authentic Renault item and is only compatible with the vehicle for the reason for which it was purchased. Please supply your VIN at the time of ordering to ensure the correct key is provided.
The technology
Renault key cards have transponder chips and a low frequency communication feature. This allows the card to communicate with your car. The chips are susceptible to cracking because of use and can be extremely expensive to have them repaired or replaced at a dealership. We can repair or replace your Renault key card for less than the dealer cost.
The hands-free card first launched in 2001 on the Laguna II saloon, which was designed to represent the "lifestyle" car of 21st century. Renault could not test every possible use despite an extensive design brief that was based on over 6,000 interviews with customers.
Bernard Dumondel was the product leader of Laguna II at the time. He utilized his hotel room key to unlock his car. Since the key was tiny magnetic strips, the product lead thought it might be possible to create a car key that worked in a similar way.
In the years following, the card was hailed as a groundbreaking invention and is now accessible on two out of three Renault vehicles. Renault has opted to use the latest features of smartphones to enhance the hands-free card, even although it appears they are soon to replace it.
The keyless entry system
Renault's hands free card was a revolutionary piece of technology when it was introduced 20 years ago. Its exterior remains similar, but the technology inside has had some improvements to make it more user-friendly as well as harder to hack.
First of all, it cannot be used to unlock the doors or start the engine from outside the vehicle unless it is activated by the driver. That's because radio signal antennas "around" the vehicle are programmed to detect the presence of the key outside or inside it. The key will still start the ignition from a distance however, it won't unlock the doors. This is to protect you.
The second thing is that the system's wireless remote control transmissions utilize a rolling code. This minimizes the possibility of someone stealing a control message and transmitting it to gain access, but it does not completely eliminate the possibility. [1]
If your Megane's key fob suddenly stops working, especially after you've dropped it on the ground - it could be a sign that the receiver module has developed a fault. If this is the case then you'll need to replace your key fob using an original Renault replacement. Click the 'Key Programming Information tab above to find out more. Customers in the motor or locksmith trade can sign up for a special trade account and receive preferential pricing.