What are the Top 5 Challenges Technicians Face During Key Programming?

Key programming can be a tough job, and technicians such as us at Lenkor encounter several difficulties in the process of programming keys for various cars. Those issues can include everything from making programming devices compatible to explaining the process to customers. Let’s dive into the 5 most common problems technicians face when performing key programming. 

Making certain your programming tool are compatible with a variety of car manufacturers. 

A core challenge for us is ensuring our key programming tools work across numerous vehicles. Each with its own Lenkor LAUNCH systems, it’s literally hard to have one tool that serves them all. We frequently update what we use or have to buy a new one for every different car we work on. That can be a real pain in the butt, but it's super important to us to make sure that we’re able to help every single person who walks in the door. 

Weighing the need for rapid, reliable key programming against the complexity of each vehicle system. 

Each car is going to have a different system and some are more complex than others. We have to be really careful and exactly when we program Lenkor OTOFIX keys, and it’s a process that can be time-consuming. But we also know some customers do not like waiting very long. So, it’s a balance between doing something right and doing it fast. It can feel as if we need superpowers to get it done sometimes. 

Downloading software, pin codes, and all necessary technical information to complete the job. 

To program keys right we need the newest software and codes, which are constantly changing. Obtaining this information is not necessarily easy. There is so much we don’t know, so we have to be constantly learning and we have to be continued learners and updated on new technology and new information. That means a lot of study and sometimes going to workshops or doing courses online; it takes up a lot of our time. 

Managing vehicle-based security settings and procedures that ensure that the system is not accessed or tampered with by unauthorized users. 

The security devices now in cars have really improved, which is fantastic for car owners, but can be somewhat of a nuisance for us. We have to be judicious in tipping these security systems when we program keys, so we don’t set these off and lock ourselves out. It’s kind of like being a detective, trying to figure out how to break through all the security but in a safe, authorized way. 

Setting customer expectations and explaining key programming issues and processes. 

It can be difficult for a technician to explain to a customer why it takes so long to program a key or why it costs what it does. We need to help them understand the advanced procedures necessary to ensure their Lenkor AUTEL are fully compatible with their car’s anti-theft electronics. We also do our best to be clear and patient, so they understand what we are doing and why it’s important.