A locksmith can repair your Renault key card for just a fraction of what it would cost to do so. A locksmith equipped with the right tools and expertise can create any kind of key or key card.
Renault key cards are electronic devices that can do more than just unlock doors and start the engine. They can store information and act as a 'car passport'.
The history and evolution of the hands-free card
The hands-free card is just one of those inventions that has changed how people use cars. The hands-free card is a small device, about the size of the standard credit card that has revolutionised how we drive to unlock the car, enter to change the music and even the temperature. This is the story of how this little object brought great changes and is constantly evolving to meet changing requirements.
The first hands-free card from Renault was introduced in 2001. It was designed to be a smarter replacement for the traditional key. renault clio key fob was claimed to provide greater security and comfort when employed, and less time spent in a shop, by allowing technicians to monitor car status remotely.
To do this, it emits a radio signal when the driver approaches the car, which is detected by receiver-transmitters located throughout the vehicle. The car will identify the card and transmit an access code if present. This activates the immobiliser and unlocks the doors. If the card is no longer in range and is not in range, it will ping it on a regular basis to check if it has the access code - this could take only 80 milliseconds or less than the blink of an eye.
But the system wasn't without its flaws. Some customers were unable to wash the cards. If the card was kept in a trouser pocket, it was easy to accidentally be sat on, which caused it to be deactivated or locked in error.

Renault engineers and designers "reworked" the design to make it waterproof. They added an additional layer to protect against unintentional lockouts. The card contained a microswitch which activated or deactivated the immobiliser whenever it approached or left a vehicle.
The second generation of hands-free card was incorporated into Laguna II and Clio IV. It improved the quality of Laguna II which was awarded 5 stars in Euro NCAP's crash tests. It also made its way into the third generation Clio, which was a model that was both bigger and more spacious, and included various features that were specifically designed to attract young drivers.
The hands-free card in the Espace V
To ensure its customers the best level of quality, Renault's Douai plant has worked to establish new methods. This work, in turn, has allowed artisans to take a fresh look at their abilities. They now benefit, for example from a method known as full kitting. This ensures that each technician is equipped with parts needed to fix the vehicle they work on.
The simple plastic case conceals an advanced electronic core. It is programmed to constantly communicate with the car it is paired with. It emits a confirmation signal each time the driver comes near to the vehicle. If the card responds positively it opens the door automatically.
The seats can also be folded away in a single piece or as an entire unit, with one button press. The system is simple to use, much like dominos. It is also compatible with the headrests still in place. The seats then disappear into the floor, leaving the space to transport luggage.
The Espace V is not only innovative in its seating design, but also has a number clever storage solutions. A practical Renault Easy Life drawer transforms the glovebox in front of the seat passenger into a large storage solution that has a capacity of 12 litres that is both attractive and easy to access. The center console also features an enormous compartment that houses the hands-free cards as well as mobile.
Renault has decided to keep hands-free cards alive despite the fact that smartphones are poised to replace them. This is because the card accessory has numerous advantages over its smartphone counterpart. It can be used in bad weather. It is also less vulnerable to hacking. This is due to the fact that it has a unique identification code, which only the vehicle knows. The hands-free card can be used with all Renault models, including the ZOE Clio Scenic Kadjar Megane.
The hands-free card is offered in the Laguna II
This small device that is no bigger than a credit-card-sized, has revolutionised how we use cars. The hands-free card has become a symbol of Renault and is one of its most innovative products.
The simple plastic case lies an intricate electronic core. It is programmed so that it continuously communicates with the car with which it's paired. The card emits an access code every time the car is within. The car will unlock the doors if it recognizes the card. The entire procedure takes less than eight milliseconds.
The cards that are free of charge also contain information regarding the serial number, registration, owner, the equipment and the mileage of the car. This reduces the time spent in the workshop, if there is any issue. The mechanic can also identify the problem simply by reading the data on the card.
Hands-free cards are prone to problems and some can be serious. If the vehicle isn't driven for a long amount of time, the card could lose its memory, resulting in it no longer being able to open the door or start the engine. The ignition key could also cease to function. The hand-free card can be reset to correct the issue, but it will not prevent future malfunctions.
The absence of buttons is another frequent issue with cards that do not require hands. It is typical for drivers to lock or unlock their doors accidentally by putting their card into their pockets. This can be extremely irritating when they try to get out of their car without using their hands. It is possible to solve this problem by programming a second button on the card that allows hands-free operation, but it can be difficult to find a card that is compatible at a reasonable cost.
Renault has recently enhanced the durability of their hands-free cards. The new Renault Megane and Renault Laguna come with cards that are more resistant to damage. There are still Renault hands-free cards that aren't working. Call us if yours is not working anymore. We will offer and program a new one for you.
Clio's hands-free credit card
Renault has been working for years to improve the hands-free cards both in terms of its appearance as well as the technology inside. Their efforts have paid off, as the cards are now so user friendly that even younger drivers are able to use them without difficulty. The most recent models are more effective at detecting presence of a driver. The aerials are more efficient and are able to detect the card holder in any part of the vehicle. They also have a welcome program that kicks in when the car detects the card approaching. The flush door handles are normally concealed inside the car body, then emerge. The cover for the charging port is also automatically unlocked.
When the card is close to the vehicle, it sends a ping to the vehicle with an access code. The car then scans the code and, if it matches the car unlocks and the doors and boot shut. This all happens in 80 milliseconds which is more than a blink of an eye. If the card is moved away from the vicinity of the car the computer onboard continues to ping the card on regular intervals to determine whether it is still in the area. If the card does not respond, the doors and boot are locked again.
The presence of the hands free card can also activate a variety of other functions, such as locking doors and activating the horn lighting and lowering windows. The card can also store details like the serial number, registration number, owner's details, equipment and mileage. It's sort of like a car passport.
While the Renault hands-free card is a convenient and safe way to control the car's functions, it should never be placed in the vicinity of animals or children as they could pose a security risk by initiating the engine or activating devices such as the electric windows. The hands-free card shouldn't be kept in hot, humid or cold weather because this could cause damage to the circuitry.