The Story of the Renault Card Key
The hands-free card is one of the most significant inventions to ever change the way people use cars. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products at Renault Group Products talks us through the history of this little device.
The history behind the card
A crucial part of the car-owner’s daily life The hands-free card of Renault has become a global phenomenon. Since its first introduction twenty years ago it is among the company’s most popular innovations. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division is taking us on an exploration to discover the story behind this helpful accessory.
In 2001 the Laguna II, an executive saloon which embodies ‘lifestyle-driven driving”, entered production. It was a period of tremendous innovation, featuring an array of new technology attributes that enabled customers get the maximum advantages of their vehicle.
The occupants were still required to use keys to open and shut their doors. Renault engineers were determined that this was a huge issue for many people.
They decided to incorporate a contactless card in their vehicles, and devise an system that allows drivers to enter and unlock their cars simply by waving their hands. The card’s key is found in two of three Renault vehicles. The car will unlock automatically when the card is placed near the ignition barrel, or on the central console. This is a genuine Renault remote control keycard (without the blade). It is supplied individually clam packed and ready to programme using Abrites diagnostics for Renault/ Dacia software with the ProTAG programmer.
The design
A Renault key card or even remote car keys is a wonderful convenience to have in our daily lives. However, these devices are prone to failure due to ware and tear or simply being dropped. It can be a frustrating experience when this occurs. Thankfully, there are several options to replace your Renault key card. One option is to contact the dealership. However, this could take a long time and it could also be costly. A professional locksmith is another option.
SR Key Solutions has the necessary equipment to program and make Renault keys and cards. We can replace your keys at a lower cost than what a dealer will charge. We can also do it faster than dealers.
This product is compatible for the Renault Laguna II (keyless entry), Espace 4 (keyless entry) and Vel Satis (keyless entrance system). It is designed to protect your keycard while providing a stylish design. It comes in two colours and can be personalized with your VIN, logo, etc. It can be used with a standard keychain or placed inside the key case. This is a genuine Renault item and will only work with the vehicle for the model for which it was ordered. Please provide your VIN to ensure that the correct key is delivered.
The technology
Renault key cards are equipped with transponder chips and a low-frequency communication feature. This enables the card to communicate with your car. These chips can crack from regular use, and are costly to replace or repair them at an auto dealer. We can repair or replacement your Renault key cards at less than the dealer.
The hands-free card was first introduced in 2001 on the Laguna II saloon, which was designed to represent the “lifestyle” car of 21st century. However, despite a comprehensive design brief based on more than 6,000 customer surveys that looked at their lifestyles, habits, and expectations, Renault ran out of time to design prototypes and test all possible use-cases.
Fortunately, the lead of the product on Laguna II, Bernard Dumondel, was staying in a hotel at the time. He was using his room key to unlock his car. Seeing that the key had the small magnetic strip the product lead thought it might be possible to create a car key that functioned similarly.
In the years to come the card was seen as an innovative invention and is now found on two out of three Renault vehicles. While smartphones may be nearing the point of replacing it, Renault has chosen to utilize these new technologies without leaving the hands-free cards to the side.
The keyless entry system
The hands-free card from Renault was a revolutionary piece of technology when it first came out 20 years ago. Its design is the same but the technology inside has seen some improvements to make it more user-friendly and less difficult to hack.
It can’t be used from outside to unlock doors or start the car until the driver turns it on. This is because radio antennae “around the car” are set up to determine whether the key is inside or outside. The key can still function from a distance, allowing you to start the ignition of the car, but not to unlock the doors, which is for your safety.
renault megane key card replacement cost is that the wireless remote control transmissions of the system utilize a rolling-code. This minimizes the possibility of security being compromised by someone who intercepts and retransmits a control message to gain access, but does not eliminate the threat completely. [1]
If your Megane’s key fob suddenly stops working – particularly after you have dropped it on the ground – it could be an indication that the receiver module has developed an issue. If this is the situation, you will need to replace your key fob with an original Renault replacement. To learn more about key programming, go to the Key Programming Information tab’ above. Customers who are in the locksmith or motor trade can sign up for a trade account, and enjoy special pricing.