The Story of the Renault Card Key
The hands-free card is one of the most significant inventions ever to change the way that people use cars. Pascaline is the head of Cross-Cutting Products at Renault Group Products walks us through the history of this simple device.
The origins of the card
A key part in the daily lives of car owners the hands-free card from Renault has become a worldwide hit. The first time it was designed, around 20 years ago it is among the top innovations from the company. Pascaline who is the Head of Cross-Cutting Products in the Products division takes you on a journey of discovery in order to understand the origins of this useful accessory.
In 2001, the Laguna II, an executive saloon that embodies 'lifestyle driving", went into production. It was an era of incredible innovation, with various new equipment options that allowed customers to enjoy their vehicle to the fullest.
The occupants still had to use the keys to open and close their doors. This was a huge stumbling block for many people and Renault engineers were determined to tackle it.
In the end, they decided to include a contactless keycard in their vehicles and develop the system that would allow motorists to open and start their cars with just a wave of the hand. The key card is now found in two of three Renault vehicles. If it's inside the ignition barrel or in the centre console the car will be unlocked when the card is in close proximity and will lock 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 a remote car key, is a wonderful convenience to have in our daily lives. Unfortunately, these products are susceptible to malfunction due to wear and tear or dropping. renault key replacement can be frustrating when this happens. Thankfully, there are several ways to replace your Renault key card. Contacting your dealer is an alternative. It can take a long time and can be costly. Another option is to go to an expert locksmith.
SR Key Solutions is fully equipped to design and program Renault keys and cards. We can provide you with an alternative to your current key at a lower cost than dealers would charge. We can also do it quicker than dealers.
This product is compatible for the Renault Laguna II (keyless entry), Espace 4 (keyless entry) and Vel Satis (keyless entrance system). It protects your card while giving it a beautiful appearance. It comes in two colors and can be customized with your VIN or logo. It can be put into the key case or with a standard keychain. This is an original Renault part that can only fit the vehicle that you ordered. Please provide your VIN to ensure that the correct key has been sent.
The technology
Renault key cards contain transponder chips within and feature an option for low frequency communication that allows the card to communicate with your car. These chips can break due to regular use, and are very expensive to repair or replace them at an auto dealer. We can repair or replace your Renault key card at just a fraction of the retail cost.
The hands-free card first appeared in 2001, on the Laguna II saloon. This car was designed to be the car for lifestyle in the 21st Century. Renault was unable to test every possible use despite a detailed design brief which was based on more than 6,000 conversations with customers.
Bernard Dumondel was the product leader of Laguna II at the time. He used his hotel room keys to unlock his car. He thought that keys for cars could be created using the same magnetic strip used for the key.
In the years following, the card was hailed as an innovative technology and is now offered on two of three Renault vehicles. Although smartphones appear to be in the process of replacing it, Renault has chosen to harness these new capabilities without having the hands-free card go by the wayside.
The keyless entry system
The hands-free card of Renault was a revolutionary piece of technology when it was introduced twenty years ago. Its design is the same, but the technology inside has had some improvements to make it more user-friendly as well as harder to hack.
It can't be used from outside to unlock doors or start the car unless the driver is able to activate it. The reason is that the radio signal antennas "around" the car are designed to determine whether the key is in or inside. The key will still start the ignition from a distance, but not unlock the doors. This is to ensure your safety.
The second aspect is that the system's wireless remote control transmissions make use of a rolling code. This reduces the likelihood of someone intercepting the control message and retransmitting it in order to gain access, but does not remove it. [1]
If your Megane's key fob suddenly stops working - particularly after you've dropped it on the floor - it could be a sign the receiver module has developed a fault. If this is the situation, you'll need replace it with a genuine Renault replacement. For more information you can click on the 'Key Programming Information tab above. Customers who are in the locksmith or motor trades can sign up for a special trade account and enjoy a discount pricing.