Renault Clio Replacement Key Card
A locksmith can change your Renault key card at just a fraction of what it would cost to do so. A locksmith who is certified has the expertise, experience and the right equipment to create various keys and key cards.
Renault key cards are electronic devices that can be more than just used to unlock doors and start the engine. They can store information and even act as a 'car passport'.
The history and evolution of the hands-free card
The hands-free card is just one of the inventions that have changed how people use cars. The hands-free card is a small device, no bigger than a standard credit card, that has revolutionized how we drive, unlock the car and get in, change the music, and even the temperature. This is the story of how a small device brought about major changes and how it is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.
Renault's first hands-free card was introduced in 2001. It was designed to be a smarter alternative to the traditional key. It was said to offer greater safety and comfort in use, as well being able to reduce time spent in the workshop as it allows technicians to monitor the status of their car 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 recognize the card and send an access code if present. This unlocks the doors and activates the immobiliser. If the card is no longer in range, it will ping it regularly to check if it has the access code - it could take as little as 80 milliseconds, or less than the blink of an eye.
But the system was not without its imperfections. Some customers complained that washing the cards an absolute hassle. If the card was placed in your trouser pocket, it is possible to sit on it. This can cause it to become deactivated.
To address these issues, the Renault engineers and designers "reworked the design from top to bottom", to ensure that it was watertight. They added an additional layer to protect against unintentional lockouts: the card had an electronic switch that activated or deactivated the immobiliser when it came into contact with or left a vehicle.
The second generation of the hands-free card was incorporated into Laguna II and Clio IV. It helped to further improve the quality of Laguna II, which went to be awarded a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. It also made its way into the third generation Clio, which was an automobile that was bigger and more spacious, and was equipped with several features specifically designed to attract young drivers.
The hands-free card in the Espace V
Renault's Douai factory is striving to implement new procedures to ensure the best quality for its customers. This, in turn, has also enabled craftspeople to look afresh at their skills. They now benefit, for example from a process known as full kitting. This means that every technician is equipped with the parts needed to fix the vehicle they work on.
The simple plastic case conceals an advanced electronic core. It is programmed so that it constantly 'communicates' with the car with which it is paired. It emits a confirmation signal whenever the driver approaches the car. If the card responds positively it opens the door automatically.
The seats can be folded away in a single piece or as an entire unit with one button press. The system is easy to use, similar to dominos. It can be used even when the headrests are in place. The seats then disappear into the floor, leaving behind an area that is perfect to transport luggage.

The Espace V is not only innovative in its seating, it also comes with a variety of clever storage solutions. A practical Renault Easy Life drawer transforms the glovebox that is located opposite the front seat passenger into a large storage solution with 12 litres of capacity that is attractive and easy to access. The centre console also offers an ample compartment hidden away that houses the hands-free card and mobile.
Renault has decided to keep the hands-free card in its current form despite the fact that smartphones are poised to replace them. This is because the accessory has numerous advantages over its smartphone counterpart. One of them is that it can be used in adverse weather conditions. Another benefit is that it is less susceptible to hacking. It is a secure code that only the vehicle is able to be aware of. The hands-free card is compatible with all Renault models including the ZOE, Clio, Scenic, Kadjar and Megane.
The hands-free card is offered in the Laguna II
Initially seen as an item worthy of 007, the tiny object - just larger than a credit card has changed the way we use cars. The hands-free card has become a symbol of Renault and is one of its most innovative products.
The minimalist plastic case lies an intricate electronic core. It is programmed to continuously communicate with the car it is paired with. The card emits an access code every time the car is near. The car will then open the doors when it recognizes the card. The entire process takes less than eight milliseconds.
The cards are also able to store details about the serial number, registration, owner, equipment, and the mileage of the car. This can reduce the amount of time it must spend in the workshop if something goes wrong. The mechanic can also pinpoint the problem simply by looking up the information on the card.
Unfortunately, like any electronic component that is connected to the internet, the hands-free card can be prone to problems and some of them could be very serious. The memory of the hands-free card could be lost if the car hasn't been driven for a long time. This can prevent it from opening the door locks or starting the engine. The ignition key will also no longer work. The hand-free card can be reset to correct these problems but it cannot prevent future malfunctions.
A lack of buttons is another frequent issue with hand-free cards. Many drivers tend to accidentally lock or unlock the doors by placing the card in their pockets, and this can be frustrating when they wish to leave their vehicle without using their hands. This problem can be solved by programming a second key for the hands-free cards, however finding a card that is compatible and affordable isn't always easy.
Renault have recently changed the design of their hands free cards to ensure they are more durable. The new Renault Megane and Renault Laguna have cards that are more resistant to being damaged. There are a few Renault hands-free cards that do not work. Contact us if the card you have is no longer working. The Keylab will be able to offer and program a new one for you.
The hands-free card in the Clio
Renault has worked for years to improve the hands-free card in terms of its appearance as well as the technology within. The cards are so easy to use that even younger drivers do not have any issues using them. The most recent models are more effective in detecting the presence of drivers. The aerials are more effective and can detect the card holder in any area of the car. They also have a welcome sequence that is triggered when the car senses the card's proximity. The flush door handles, which are normally hidden within the body of the car and then emerge. The cover for the charging port is also unlocked automatically.
The card will contact the vehicle when it is close enough. The car then examines the code and, if it matches, the vehicle unlocks and the doors and boot shut. This all happens in just 80 milliseconds, which is faster than the blink of an eye. The computer on board will continue to ping the chip on regular intervals if the card is moved away from the car. If the card does not respond the doors and boot are locked again.
Many other functions can also be triggered by the presence of a hands-free card, including locking the doors, triggering the horn and lights, and lower the windows. The card can also store information like the serial number, registration, owner information, equipment, and mileage. It's sort of like a car passport.
While the Renault hands-free card is a convenient and safe method of controlling the car's functions however, it should not be placed in the vicinity of children or animals, because they could pose a danger risk by activating the engine or devices like the electric windows. The hands-free card shouldn't be placed in hot, humid or cold conditions because it could damage the circuitry.