The Evolution Of Renault Trafic Key Fob

The Story of the Renault Card Key

The hands-free card is one of the most important inventions ever to change the way people use their cars. Pascaline, Head Cross-Cutting Products for Renault Group Products, walks us through the history and development of this small device.

The history behind the card

A key part in the daily lives of car owners, Renault's hands-free card has been a huge hit worldwide. It was first designed over in the year 2000 it's one of the most innovative innovations of the company. Pascaline the Head of Cross-Cutting Products at the Products division, takes us on a journey to discover the history behind this handy accessory.

It was in 2001 when the Laguna II, a saloon designed to embody 'lifestyle' driving, was introduced into production. It was a period that saw great innovation, including an array of new technology capabilities that enabled customers reap the full benefits of their car.

The occupants still had to use keys to open and close their doors. Renault engineers realized that this was a huge problem for many.

The result was that they decided to put a keycard that is contactless into their vehicles and develop the system that would allow drivers to unlock and start their cars with just a wave of hands. The result is the card key which is now present on a majority of Renault vehicles. If it's located in the ignition barrel, or on the centre console the car will open when the card is near and lock automatically when it is removed. This is an original Renault remote control card (without blade). It comes individually packed and is ready to be programmed 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. Unfortunately, these items are prone to failure due to wear and tear or simply being dropped. It can be a frustrating experience when this occurs. There are a variety of ways to replace your Renault key card. Contacting your dealer is an alternative. However, renault replacement key card may take a long time, and it could be costly. A professional locksmith is another option.

SR Key Solutions is fully equipped to design and program Renault keys and cards and keys. We can replace your keys at a price that is less expensive than what a dealer would charge. Additionally, we can do the job much quicker than a dealer would.

This product is compatible with Renault Laguna II, Espace 4 and Vel Satis keycards (keyless entry system). It helps protect your card and gives it a beautiful appearance. It comes in two colors and can be personalized by adding your VIN or a logo. It can be used with a standard keychain or placed inside a key case. This is a genuine Renault part that can only fit the vehicle ordered. Please provide your VIN when ordering to ensure the correct key is delivered.

The technology

Renault key cards come with transponder chips, as well as a low-frequency communication feature. This enables the card to communicate with your car. The chips are susceptible to cracking because of use and it could be expensive to get them repaired or replaced at a dealership. We can repair or replace your Renault key card for just a fraction of the retail price.

The first hands-free card was introduced in 2001, on the Laguna II saloon. This car was conceived as the car that would be the most desirable of the 21st Century. But, despite a thorough design brief that was based on more than thousands of customer interviews, which examined their lifestyles, habits and expectations, Renault ran out of time to develop prototypes and test all possible applications.

Bernard Dumondel was the product lead on Laguna II at the time. He used his hotel room key to unlock his car. He was of the opinion that the car key could be made with the same magnetic strip as the key.

In the years that followed the card was seen as an invention that revolutionized the world and is now present on two out of three Renault vehicles. Although smartphones appear to be close to replacing it, Renault has chosen to make use of these new features without leaving the hands-free cards off the radar.

The keyless entry system

Renault's hands-free card was a groundbreaking piece of technology when it was first introduced 20 years ago. The exterior is identical but the technology has been upgraded to make it easier to use and more secure to hack.

Firstly, it can't be used to open the doors or start the engine from outside the vehicle unless it is activated by the driver. The reason is that the radio signal antennas "around" the vehicle are programmed to detect whether the key is located outside or inside the car. The key can still turn on the ignition from a distance however, it won't unlock the doors. This is for your safety.

The second is that the system's wireless remote control transmissions utilize a rolling code. This reduces the chance of the security being breached by someone who intercepts and retransmits an authorization message to gain access, but isn't a guarantee of avoiding the threat completely. [1]

If the key fob on your Megane suddenly stops working, especially after you've dropped it to the floor It could be a sign the receiver module is damaged. If this is the situation, you'll need replace it with an authentic 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 trade account, and enjoy special pricing.