If you have lost all the keys to your car, don't panic. A car locksmith will probably be able to create and program a new key for your vehicle, even when you no longer have the original.
The first step is to identify your car accurately, including the make, model, and year. Depending on the vehicle, the locksmith may need additional information or documentation to verify that you are the owner or have permission to access the vehicle.
If the car is locked, the vehicle may first need to be opened safely before a replacement key can be made or programmed.
Now, the keys usually separate into two categories:
Mechanical keys — classic keys where you turn the ignition on with a bladed key.
Smart keys — keys with a proximity function, where you simply press a start/stop button to turn on the ignition and start the car.
In the first category, the locksmith has to make the blade key, which is the metal part that enters the locks and can turn them. To make the key, the locksmith will usually use a tool specifically designed for that exact model. In some cases, the locksmith has to remove a lock in order to make the blade.
The level of difficulty for this task can vary depending on the car. It might be a paradox, but sometimes making a blade key for an Audi or a Ferrari is easier than making one for an older Toyota or an old Ford. That's simply how it is.
But let's move on to the second and most interesting part: the immobilizer!
Most people confuse the immobilizer with the remote control of their key. No — although there may be some rare exceptions.
Your key has a type of chip inside it. When it is inserted into the ignition lock, the car recognizes the key and allows it to start the car. So, what the locksmith has to do now is program a new chip to the car so that the car will recognize the new key and allow it to start.
Otherwise, the ignition may turn on and the car may crank but not start, or in some cases, it may not crank at all.
In most cases, a car locksmith can program the chip via OBD, which is a socket in the car that you can connect to a diagnostic machine to perform different actions, such as programming, diagnostics, etc.
In some other cases, a locksmith must remove a module in order to program the chip. To remove the module, they may have to remove parts of the dashboard, which makes the job more difficult and more expensive for you.
For this same reason, when a locksmith has to remove an ECU from a 2000 Toyota and it is not an easy task to do, they will probably give you a better price for a 2012 Ford where they can program it via OBD.
So, after the chip is programmed, you are almost done. You might also want a remote control for your car! Who wants to lock and unlock their vehicle by the lock instead of doing it remotely?
This also varies by model. Usually, you program the remote via OBD or by using a manual procedure.
Now let's move on to the second option, where the key is a smart key.
Usually, the programming is done via OBD as well. There are a lot of differences between the models because the procedures and problems vary.
For example, when you have an ignition key, you can turn the ignition on and give power to your diagnostic machine. But when the car needs to recognize a key that you don't have in order to turn the ignition on, well, that's a problem.
How much does this cost?
Well, to be honest, it is not a cheap service, but I can tell you that it is cheaper than the dealer and faster.
Prices usually start from €240 and go higher depending on your car, what type of key you need, and how many keys you would like us to make for you.
We take on most jobs, and if we can't make a key for your car when all keys are lost, the quote is free!
Usually, we answer within 30–60 minutes, but if you can't wait for a response, you can always call us!
