Renault Clio Replacement Key
Renault cars use a different key system that is different from other car makers. Instead of a key that is turned into a lock to open the doors and start the engine they have a keycard that slot into a dash panel reader and a button that needs to be pressed to activate.
It can be a long-winded and costly to obtain a replacement key from the main dealer, especially if you only have one Renault key. We have Renault keys and cards in our inventory to get you back in the car in a short time.
Transponder Chips
Renault offers a range of immobilisers and keys locks. The latest systems, which were introduced in 2000, all have transponder chips. These are tiny circuits that are embedded into the key. They transmit signals to the computer system of the car. If the signal isn't received the engine won't be able to start. This is a great security measure to ensure that your car isn't taken away and only you are able to start it.
A replacement key with chip is slightly more expensive than a standard key. This is due to the extra manufacturing costs that are associated with the micro-circuit. However, you won't be required to shell out an arm and leg. Locksmiths can make a key with a Transponder Chip for a lower price than what you would pay at an auction.
Many Renault owners who have lost their keys or cards think that the only solution is to visit their dealer. This can be a long and tedious process, and you could need to wait for a while to get your new key. Instead, contact a locksmith to make the replacement Renault Key at only a fraction of the price it costs and takes an appointment at a dealership.
Keys and key cards may be damaged or even fail, usually due to the internal workings of the card being bent and cracking over time. Key cards can be repaired by certain Renault key repair technicians, however this is only a temporary fix and the card will likely fail again in the future. A professional locksmith can remove the chip from your old key and then program a new Renault key with laptop software. This will allow your remote to function again and allow you to start the vehicle as normal. This will also keep your vehicle safe from theft, as only the correct keys can start the ignition immobiliser.
Immobilisers

Immobilisers protect your vehicle from being hot-wired or driven without the correct key. Since 1998, they are required in the UK for all new cars. They are built into the keys or fobs of your vehicle. When the key is pressed it sends a code to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). If the code isn't the same then the ECU disables certain components needed to start the engine and drive away the car.
This prevents criminals from using specialized equipment that copies the signal generated by your key and transmits it to the ECU of the car to allow it to start. This technology has reduced car thefts by a significant amount since it is very difficult to steal a vehicle that has this technology installed. Insurance companies often offer discounts on premiums when you have it installed.
The immobiliser system is usually concealed within the head of your car key. It consists of a microchip that is activated when the key is inserted into the ignition barrel. A coil inside the barrel detects the chip and transmits an indication to the ECU that can only be deactivated with an authorised key or removing the chip from the key.
The earliest Renault models had static codes that were easily copied by special devices. More recent versions use changing or rolling codes that can only be duplicated with the proper technology. This has significantly increased the effectiveness of these systems and is the reason it is vital to have these kinds of anti-theft devices installed by Thatcham Research approved professionals.
If you have a renault Clio key or card that isn't working it might be necessary to reprogram it. At The Keylab keep all Renault keys and cards in stock, and can cut and program the new key while you wait, usually within an hour of receiving your call.
Our team recognizes that your time is valuable and will endeavor to make the process as smooth as we can. We will contact you to inform you how long the process is likely to last, so you can plan according to your needs. We will make sure that our work is done to the highest standard to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your new key for your renault.
Key Cards
The hands-free card is an integral feature of Renault's vehicles. The small device can be used to unlock the vehicle and start it, but also allows drivers to control other functions such as the welcome lighting and the sound sequence. It could even replace an old-fashioned key when the driver's not driving. The hands-free card was initially created in 2001, when Renault prepared to launch the Laguna II saloon. Bernard Dumondel was in a hotel and was amazed at how easy it was to lock a room with the use of a magnet card. He took the concept and further developed it and eventually made it an integral feature of Renault's models.
To utilize the hands-free cards, you need a card reader that is mounted in the centre console of the vehicle. The reader and the key card can be programmed using the AVDI or PROTAG software available from Abrites.
Remote Buttons
Renault has an established reputation for innovation. It was the first company to develop a "hands free card', a tiny device that allows you to unlock your car and start it without touching the handle. It was the first such technology that automobile manufacturers could offer to customers and changed the way that people drive. Its design made it simple to get in and out of cars. It is one of the most popular features of a car today.
How does it work? The key card itself has an extremely tiny microprocessor that needs to be programmed to the specific vehicle. This is accomplished using a special tool such as the AVDI or PROTAG programmer. The key can also transmit its own identification code that is used to communicate with the immobiliser system of the car.
When you press a button on your remote, the chip inside the key recognises this and informs the car to respond the same way. This can include anything from opening the doors to changing the radio station or setting the temperature control. This is what makes a Renault a very technologically advanced piece of equipment.
The "hands-free card" was the idea of a design team led by Bernard Dumondel. He was working on the Laguna II, a saloon that was said to embody the car that is a lifestyle vehicle of the 21st century. He was staying in a hotel and tried to use the keys in his room. He realized that he could create an ignition key that could secure the vehicle and then start it by simply pressing it.
The key is made up of an outer casing (usually black), buttons that are black, a chip transponder, and an aluminum blade. The case can be swapped by using a key with the transponder chip from a different Renault remote key. This is easy to do and a good option if the key has had some serious damage, for example if the buttons have broken off or have worn away. If you do have a new key and it won't start your car it could be because the immobiliser hasn't been transferred over. To test this, simply hold the old key to the new one and your car should start.