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Autel Key Programmer Failures: Causes and Solutions

Autel key programming tools have been on the market for many years. Whether it is the best-selling Autel KM100 or the most comprehensive IM608 Pro2 that combines key programming and diagnostic functions, they are both excellent key programmers.

No tool is perfect, and it's inevitable that you'll encounter various issues during use. Today, we'll focus on common software glitches with the Autel key programmer and share solutions to help you use it more smoothly and efficiently.

Causes and Solutions for Software Function Failure

When using the Autel key programmer, there are many reasons why software functions fail. Different reasons have different corresponding solutions. Let's take a look!

Cause 1: Network Connection Problem

The software functions of the Autel key programmer can only be used when the network connection is normal. If the software function fails, first confirm whether it is caused by the network connection problem. For example, network error 10003 occurs during operation and the server address cannot be obtained.

💡 Solution: When changing the network, it is best to choose a WiFi connection with faster speed, stronger signal, and more stable to ensure that the operation can proceed smoothly.

Network error 10003 occurs during operation of the key programmer.

Network error 10003 appears on the Autel key programmer.

Cause 2: Server Configuration Errors

When using the Autel key programming tool, a server configuration error occurs, most commonly during the pin code reading phase, such as when reading the pin code from the Renault network.

💡 Solution: Upload the log in the Autel key programmer. Autel's R&D staff will review the log and make modifications in the background. After the modification is completed, you only need to execute the function again.

Autel key programmer shows server configuration error.

The Autel key programmer displays "Failed to obtain the server address".

Cause 3: Free Software Upgrades Expired

The Autel key programmers sold on our website usually include one year of free software upgrade service. During this period, you can subscribe to the gateway service to ensure that your vehicle can program the IMMO system normally.

💡 Solution: You need to pay to unlock it before you can execute the function, or use an adapter to bypass the gateway.

Autel key programmers need to pay to unlock the gateway during the upgrade period.

Autel key programmers require a paid gateway unlock during upgrades.

Cause 4: Failure to Follow the Instructions Correctly

When you use the Autel key programmer to program a key fob, the Autel scanner will often provide instructions, including asking you to turn the ignition on and off several times or requiring the voltage to be above 12V. If you do not follow the on-screen instructions, the software function may fail.

💡 Solution: You need to upload the Autel log and re-execute the function to ensure that the operation is correct.

Follow the instructions on the Autel key programming tool.

Autel KM100 Key Adding Instructions

Cause 5: Keys Do Not Match

There are many types of keys, and the Autel key programmer supports a limited number of key types. If the generic blank key you use does not match the original key information, subsequent operations will be impossible and the software function will fail.

💡 Solution: Replace a blank key. Ensure the universal key's model, frequency, and chip type match the original key and that software functions such as key programming are supported. You can use the link below to determine your original key's information and select the appropriate universal key.

Cause 6: Vehicle Conditions Are Not Met

When performing key fob programming or adding new keys, you must first ensure that there are no fault codes in the vehicle's IMMO system, otherwise programming failure is likely to occur.

💡 Solution: You need to diagnose the vehicle first to see if there is a fault in the vehicle's anti-theft system. If so, clear the fault before executing the software function.

Before performing software functions, make sure there are no fault codes in the IMMO system.

Clear IMMO fault codes before using software functions.

Cause 7: Wrong menu selected

The Autel key programmer has many software functions. When you want to execute a function, you may select the wrong path, resulting in function failure.

💡 Solution: If you need to upload logs, our technicians will provide the correct path menu execution function based on your specific situation to help you complete this function smoothly.

Incorrect menu paths can cause functionality to fail.

Selecting the wrong menu may cause the software to fail to function.

Cause 7: Software reasons

Sometimes the key programmer may fail to operate because of a bug in the software itself.

💡 Solution: Upload the log and our R&D staff will send a test package. You can download the test package and try the function again.

Cause 8: Other Reasons

In addition to the common reasons above, the failure of Autel key programmer software function may also be related to factors such as unsuccessful sub-machine generation, failure in anti-theft file parsing, or failure of the programmer itself.

💡 Solution: Upload the logs and send the pictures and videos related to the fault to our customer service staff, and our technicians will help you troubleshoot.

How to upload Autel logs?

In the troubleshooting process described above, it's always mentioned that you need to upload logs. Your operation logs are the most representative information about your equipment. Through logs, our technicians can immediately understand your equipment failure and provide technical support to help you resolve the problem.

On Autel tablets, logs are usually divided into two categories: application logs (car logs) and system logs (Maxitool logs); on computers, there are PC Suite logs.

So how do you upload logs? Here are the specific steps:

  1. Application logs: If you encounter problems while performing vehicle software functions, upload application logs, primarily using the Diagnostics and Service apps. Simply put, if there is a problem after connecting to the car, you need to upload the vehicle log.

    You can refer to the video below for instructions:

  2. System log: f you encounter problems before communicating with the car, upload the system log. Open [maxitool] - Log Collection - once - Start - Upload
  3. VCI log upload: If you are unable to communicate with the car, open maxitool, go to the VCI Settings page and set the log level to Enhanced. If the switch cannot be turned on, it means that the corresponding module is not supported. You can ignore it. Then return to the execution function and repeat step 2 to upload the log.
  4. Upload logs from PC: PC SUITE will also record logs. You can upload them as shown below, or you can manually export and submit them. File path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Autel\PassThru\Maxi PC Suit\MyLog
    Upload logs from PC

    Illustration of the steps for uploading logs on the computer

📝 Summary

If a software malfunction occurs while using the key programming tool, please follow the above solutions and upload the log so that our technicians can better help you resolve the problem.

If the above methods do not work, please contact our customer service staff in time and we will help you solve the problem as soon as possible.

Next article How to Update My Autel Scanner

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