The keyless entry system is part of many a car alarm system that allows motorists access to their vehicle through a remote control and the push of a button instead of using actual mechanical keys.
Some cars even dispatch of the keys altogether, with its doors accessible only through remote. The electronic lock reacts to the remote through radio frequencies designated with a distinct digital identity code to prevent other remotes from opening your car.
There are even cars that can be activated without car keys but instead the push of a button, but that's a separate technology altogether. The keyless entry system has become so sophisticated nowadays that the car computer requires programming with the key to work.
What Can Be Expected from Keyless Entry Systems
- Programming Early Keyless Entry Remotes: The earliest infrared keyless remotes from around 1998 to 2012 allow for individual programming by the motorist. This involves pressing a button on the remote, starting your car, and then you're done. Since 2013 though, these fobs require locksmith or dealership programming through the car computer with special software involved. Model 2013 cars and their car computers now serve as the central hub for activating and programming radio frequency keyless fobs or remotes.
- The Modern Way of Programming: The programming of the remotes or fobs is typically done by the automobile manufacturer inasmuch as doing so is a propriety technical process. This procedure involves putting the car computer in programming mode first before it saves the code and the car is taken out of the mode. This typically involves engaging the car's power several times while holding a lever or button. This can also include removing fuses or opening doors.
- RKS Fobs and the Secondary Market: As RKS fobs or remotes have become more ubiquitous in the car industry, a secondary market for unprogrammed devices has come up. There are websites out there that sell fobs for programming in case you lost or irreparably damaged your original remote. They then sell or provide for free steps for programming remotes for individual car models as well as accessory kits to remotely activate your other car devices.
- Fixing a Damaged Keyless Entry System: To fix the keyless remote, you need to check its batteries first before getting a replacement for the remote itself through your dealership. You should also go to your nearest mechanic in order to see if the fob can still be salvaged. Usually, if the remote doesn't work even after replacing the batteries, then it's dead for sure. The remote can also break or lose its case, which is cheaper to replace and can be bought online.