Have you ever found yourself in a position where you require a car key replacement? Perhaps you have misplaced your car key or maybe its been stolen?
Whatever the case, you’ll understand the frustrations that can go along with this.
The best piece of advice I can give is that it is extremely important to have a spare car key in the first instance.
Having a duplicate car key cut and programmed is the most cost effective in the long run.
We will get to this later….
Obtaining a Car Key Replacement
Engage an Automotive Locksmith. They will be able to come to you and will be cheaper than having your car towed to the dealer.
When making the call to your local Automotive Locksmith you will need to have some information handy. This may include the make, model and year of the vehicle.
Once details have been provided, your Automotive Locksmith can determine what sort of car key needs to be replaced. They will then be able to provide you with a quote.
There are a number of car key types depending on the age and type of car you drive.
For older cars such as 1980’s – 1997 this may be a traditional type of car key with no transponder.
For newer vehicles you will most likely be using a transponder type key or even push button start.
The programming of car key replacement becomes a bit more involved in line with the advances in technology.
Types of Car Key Replacements;
- Traditional/Non Transponder Key (pre 1997) -These types of car keys are key blade only and do not contain a transponder chip. Therefore a key blade is required to be cut and no programming is required. The Automotive Locksmith will need to decode locks to correctly cut the key blade. This applies if no key cut code has been provided.
- Transponder Key/Non Remote Function – The same process as above is required in terms of cutting the key blade however transponder car keys contain a transponder chip in the key which will need to be programmed to the vehicle.
- Transponder Key/Remote Function – Again the above two processes are required, cutting the key blade, programming the transponder chip to the car. In addition to this the remote function to unlock and lock the doors and boot will also need to be programmed.
- Smart Key (Interference and Non Interference) – Interference is a smart key that plugs into the dash and you are required to push the start button to start the car. Non Interference is where you can keep key in pocket and push the start button to start the car. This type of car key is often called a Proximity Key and contains an integrated remote control function.
- IR Key (Infrared Key) – These are commonly used in Mercedes and Jeep. The car keys have no blade and are slotted into the dash and turned, they also contain an integrated remote control function.
Vehicle Entry
Once the Automotive Locksmith has arrived at your vehicle, they will need to gain entry to your vehicle, as in most cases your car will locked.
This can be done using specialist vehicle entry tools.
Now your vehicle has been accessed the process of replacing your car key can begin. Firstly the Automotive Locksmith will need to determine the key cut code. Cut the key to open doors and turn on ignition. Then onto the type of transponder chip the car key requires. Here they will require a vehicle security PIN code unique to your vehicle. Programming the chip to your vehicle will ensure the key will start the car. Depending on the type of replacement car key you require. You may need to have the remote control type/frequency function programmed to the key and your car.
Not all Automotive Locksmiths are the same!. There are a range of skill sets and qualifications required for car key replacement.
If the car key being replaced requires any physical type of modification, altering, electronic adjustments to the car. The Automotive Locksmith is required by law, in most states including NSW, to have a Motor Vehicle Repairers License (MRVL).
Duplicate Car Keys
I’m sure by now you would agree that the best defence in car key replacement is to have a spare!
Car key duplication is relatively simple in comparison to car key replacement and the keys can be cut and programmed in no time.
There is also no need to force entry into your car.
Mobile Car Keys are an Automotive Locksmith based on the Central Coast. Providing car key replacement, car key duplication and vehicle entry.
Some of our other services include ECU replacement and ignition repair.
Mobile Car Keys are Motor Vehicle Repairer Licensed, RMS approved vehicle inspectors, Approved NRMA repairers and Master Members of the IAME.
