The convenience of a push-to-start vehicle quickly becomes a nightmare when you suddenly realize that your fob battery ran out or that you can’t get a replacement for it as if it was an ordinary metal key, therefore we came up with this step by step guide to how smart key systems function and what should you do if yours refuses to cooperate.
How do proximity systems function
Your smart key constantly communicates a signal to the vehicle when it is nearby, causing it to unlock and allowing the ignition to work. There is nothing complicated about the process, it’s all in the handshaking communication, rather than an actual key blade fitting into a lock, this convenient feature is what makes the proximity system the most widely used in the relay attacks.
When your smart key battery dies
It doesn’t leave you without any means of accessing the vehicle, because all push-to-start vehicles have another access method built into them, usually it includes a physical key that lies inside of a smart key and starting the car by placing the fob against the designated area. The procedure is explained in the owner’s manual.
Smart key vs. transponder vs. key only
They are completely different things. In our transponder key vs regular guide we cover the second one, while a smart key is just a combination of both. You’ll definitely want to know the differences to find the correct key replacement procedure.
What does a replacement require
First of all, cutting the blade and syncing with the vehicle‘s security system must be done properly. It requires the specific equipment and sometimes, a bit of patience, especially if you drive foreign vehicles. For the mobile locksmith, it will not cause any problems at all.
If your smart key misbehaves
Before assuming the worst, go back to the basics and check out our guide for fob checks, changing the battery and a quick reprogemming will solve the issue.
Having trouble with your car smart key ? We at Vortex Car Locksmith pair and replace proximity car keys at your desired location across the Valley. Request a quote or call (623) 691-9172.
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