Finding Keyless entry system installation instructions? First, you should know about the system. Keyless entry system — it sounds like something out of a science fiction book from the 1940s. Yet, nowadays, it’s a pretty mundane thing.
Hundreds of thousands of cars across the globe now have doors that you can open without the need to stick the key in the lock. A simple button press and your car doors are unlocked and ready to open. Perfectly convenient and elegant for the modern car driver.
Of course, not all cars come with this feature. If your model happens to be such a car, is there a way that you can get a keyless entry system for your own car?
To any of our readers asking that exact question, this is your lucky day. In this article, we will provide you with the keyless entry system installation instructions. Reading the article, you will learn the basics of installing keyless entry systems and make your car that much more convenient to drive.
What is a Keyless Entry System?
As its name suggests, a keyless entry system is a way for drivers to access their cars without putting the key in the keyhole and turning it.
Of course, there is more than one way to access your car doors without a key, but generally speaking, these systems fall under two types:
- Passive keyless entry
- Remote keyless entry
Passive keyless entry refers to drivers unlocking their cars by simply being close to them. To be more precise, the key fob is what does the unlocking.
All the driver has to do is approach their car with the fob in their pocket, and it will unlock on its own. Furthermore, it will lock automatically when the driver moves away from the vehicle.
Remote keyless entry, on the other hand, is similar to passive entry but with some extra steps. It has ‘remote’ in its name because you use a button on the fob to unlock the car from a certain distance.
In other words, you’re unlocking the car remotely, AND you’re using a kind of ‘remote’ to do so.
How Does a Keyless Entry System Work?
While there are many different keyless entry systems out there, they generally work using the same principle. Namely, the fob you’re using has identity chips that pick up radio signals that your car broadcasts.
Since these signals only reach about 5 meters in radius, you have to be close to your car for the fob to work. So, if you approach a car and grab the door handle (or push a button, depending on the system), the signal is sent from your fob to the car and vice versa. The car automatically opens the door (or doors, again depending on your particular system) with the signals received and recognized.
Interestingly, there are even more advanced keyless entry systems out there.
For instance, some BMW 5 Series cars have sensors underneath the bumper, so if you want to open the door, all you have to do is wiggle your foot a bit.
Other modern BMW, as well as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and various Tesla models, can even store a version of your key on your smartphone, eliminating the need for a physical key or a fob in the first place.
Features & Usage of the Keyless Entry System
- Automatic unlocking without using a physical key
- Automatic locking when moving away from the vehicle
- Increased safety and security
- Ability to unlock and lock all doors at once
- Option to customize what you can unlock
- Option to link it with other automatic systems like car startup, seat heating, etc.
Step by Step Keyless Entry System Installation Instructions & DIY Guide
Prep Work
Before you spend a dime on a new keyless entry system, you need to figure out what exactly you want and, more importantly, if the system can even work with your specific car model.
As such, you will need to follow these specific steps:
- Research the product that you’ve had in mind and make sure it can fit your specific car model
- Decide on your option of choice (single-door unlocking, multi-door unlocking, trunk opening, smartphone app connectivity, transmitter range, alarm system, number of connected transmitters)
- Read the user reviews of the product (alternatively, ask around to see if any of your friends have a similar system installed, or talk to a few mechanics and ask for professional advice)
- Use trusted, high-ranking car part suppliers and avoid unknown, shady ones
Tools Needed
Installing a keyless entry system is not exactly easy, especially not for a complete beginner. However, if you have even a basic knowledge of mechanics, you will be able to pull it off.
All you need to do is follow the steps to the letter and use the proper tools.
Generally speaking, no matter what type of system you’re trying to install, you will need the following at your disposal:
- Wirecutter
- Stripper
- Electrical tape (black, if possible)
- Clamps
- Harness
- Soldering iron (with solder)
Needless to say, you ought to be careful when working with these tools and wear proper protection to avoid any accidents.
Step 1: Read the Manual Carefully
Every single keyless entry system that is sold out there comes with a manual. So, before you do anything, make sure to read through it carefully, so you don’t miss any steps.
If you can, try to find a YouTube video tutorial for your specific model.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery of Your Vehicle
Your keyless system will have to be electrically wired to your car, which means you will be tampering with various electrical connections.
Therefore, it is imperative to disconnect your car’s battery first. Otherwise, you risk getting electrocuted.
Step 3: Make the Necessary Wiring Connections
With your battery disconnected, check what kind of electric system your vehicle uses. You will need to remove the panels underneath the steering wheel and the dashboard to access the wires.
Use the stripper to remove some of the black wire covers to see each wire properly.
As stated, each car will have different wiring types, so that you would need your car’s wiring diagram. You can find it online by searching your car’s model, year of production, etc.
Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer directly for the specifics. If you don’t intend to use (pop off, trunk, auxiliary), cut them to about six inches in length, then tape them to the main harness using black electrical tape.
Then take the wires you’re going to use and bundle them together, but leave about four inches at the end to make the connections easily.
Making the connections themselves will require a few steps:
- Cutaway a bit of the covering from each wire
- Strip the ends of wires from the keyless system
- Connect the stripped wires from the system to the stripped wires from the car
- In terms of the order, first connect the parking light, the ignition wire, the main power wire, and the starter wire, and then focus on the locking system.
When you have everything in place, you can return all of the wires to the original. Once you have everything set, reconnect the power battery.
Step 4: Test the Keyless System
After you’ve installed everything, it’s time to test the keyless entry system. This step is especially crucial if you’re doing the installation for the first time, with very little mechanical knowledge.
If the system doesn’t work, one of a few things could be wrong:
- The battery on your key fob remote could be dead; if this is the case, replace it.
- Your remote might be programmed poorly; to reprogram it, you can use an online database.
- The fused relay needs fixing; you can fix it yourself, but it is a bit complicated, so taking the remote to a mechanic might be a better idea.
FAQs
How much does it cost to have power windows and locks installed?
The price will vary between different car models, and it will depend on how many locks and windows you want to connect to the system. It can typically cost anywhere between $100 and $600.
Can you add a push-button start to the keyless entry system?
It is possible to add a push-button start to a keyless entry system, but it may require some modifications to the vehicle’s electrical system and programming.
Adding a push-button start typically involves installing a push-button ignition switch and reprogramming the vehicle’s computer to recognize the new system.
This may require specialized tools and expertise, so it is important to consult with a professional automotive technician who has experience with this type of modification.
It is also important to ensure that the push-button start system is compatible with the vehicle’s keyless entry system and that it meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
Can I accidentally lock the key fob inside the car?
Yes, it is possible to accidentally lock the key fob inside the car. This can happen if you accidentally press the lock button on the key fob while it is still inside the car, or if you forget to take the key fob with you when you exit the vehicle.
In this situation, you may need to call for assistance from a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to help you unlock the car and retrieve the key fob.
It is important to take precautions to avoid this situation, such as always double-checking that you have the key fob with you before exiting the car.
Some cars also have features such as keyless entry or remote start, which can help to prevent accidental lockouts.
Is having a keyless entry system worth it?
Absolutely, since it eliminates the need to use keys, making your car entry a lot easier and more convenient than before, in addition, it’s also the safer alternative, since the car won’t open or even start without the fob being in a certain range.
What do I do if I lose the key fob?
If you lose the key fob, the first thing to do is not to panic. You will still have the key to open your door and start your car.
However, it would be a good idea to replace, reprogram, or remove the keyless entry system as soon as possible to prevent someone from finding and misusing your old fob.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, having a keyless entry system comes with plenty of pros and cons.
However, it’s definitely worth it as an investment, and if you install it properly, you can save yourself a lot of time, and each drive will be incredibly convenient, fast, and safe.
