A transponder chip disarms your vehicles immobiliser when the car key is used to start the engine. The majority of keys to cars built after 1995 contain transponder chips. When the car key is turned in the ignition, the engine control unit (ECU) on the car sends an electronic message to the key, and it will allow the car to start only provided it receives the correct message back. So, even for a simple car key without any buttons, the key must be cut correctly to turn the locks, and also programmed correctly to disarm the immobiliser. Car keys with chips can be programmed using special equipment that we have here at AutoKeys.

Car key programming

Remote keyless entry fobs emit a radio frequency with a designated, distinct digital identity code. In general, the procedure is to put the car computer in ‘programming mode’. This usually entails engaging the power in the car several times while holding a button or lever. It may also include opening doors, or removing fuses. The procedure varies amongst various makes, models, and years. Once in ‘programming mode’ one or more of the fob buttons is depressed to send the digital identity code to the car’s onboard computer. The computer saves the code and the car is then taken out of ‘programming mode’. Here at AutoKeys, we can program approx 95% of all vehicles on the road.

Call us on 0800 123 123

Here at AutoKeys we have state of the art equipment to deal with approx 90% of all vehicles on the road weather it’s a car manufactured before 1995 before transponder and immobilizer technology was introduced right up to the latest high end vehicle with the latest lock technology. It maybe that you have had your keys stolen, lost them or just simply need additional keys, either way we can  replace your keys without the need to change the locks.

AutoKeys vs The main dealer

There is no need to call your main dealer and organise them to have your vehicle towed to them and be told you may have to wait up to 5 days for replacement keys or worse, a few weeks while they source the parts from abroad. It’s a timely and an expensive ordeal going through the dealer. Here at AutoKeys, we aim to take that away from you by giving you a fast and quality service which is finished off with a price that is hard to beat by our competitors.

How long does it take?

We can get to you within 15 minutes to 1 hour of your initial call and it all depends on the job at hand, for example, if you have just locked your keys in the boot, then a job like that would take no more than 30 minutes but if you have a problem with the ECU or immobilizer and it needs repairing or replacing then a job like that would take approx 2-3 hours at most, so going off them examples we normally can get you back on the road within 2-3 hours.

Call us now on 0800 123 123 for a free no obligation quote or if you just simply need some advice. You will be met with a professional Auto Locksmith who can go through any questions or concerns you may have.

Locked out of your car?

There are many reasons why you would need to call an Auto locksmith to gain entry to your vehicle, it maybe that you have forgotten or lost your keys or the lock or key fob has failed leaving you locked out of your car. This can be quite stressful especially if you have an important appointment or have a baby or infant with you or simply because weather conditions make it very uncomfortable for you. This is where our emergency service comes into play and we to try and ease the stress of the situation as best we can, you will be met with an experienced Auto locksmith on the phone who knows the importance of your situation and will aim to be with you within 15 minutes to 1 hour of your initial phone call.

In other scenarios where you are locked out of your car and an Auto locksmith is needed are if your keys have been stolen to your vehicle and you need us to gain entry and reprogram you a new unique key. We also do a lot of jobs where the key has snapped in the lock or the keys have been locked in the boot, whatever the issue is, the above applies, we will ease the situation the best we can and get to you within the time stated.

How do you gain entry? Will it damage my vehicle?

 You have no worries about us damaging your vehicle, we are very experienced Auto locksmiths who only use non-destructive techniques to gain entry to any vehicle on the road, we use state of the art genuine lishi lock picks which are the best auto lock picking tools in the world, these lock picks make the job a lot easier for us which in turn makes it less of a painful experience for you, so you can be safe in the knowledge that your vehicle is in safe hands and not one bit of damage will be done.

 Call us now on 0800 048 4651 for a free no obligation quote or if you just simply need some advice. You will be met with a professional Auto Locksmith who can go through any questions or concerns you may have.