Keys & immobilisers
Lost all your car keys?
No working key at all is the hardest version of a key job, because there's nothing to copy from. On supported vehicles we can still program new keys to the car.
If your car needs the dealer instead, we'll tell you honestly on the phone.
Why all-keys-lost is different
When you still have a working key, the programming equipment can use it to authorise a new one. With no key, the key data has to come from the car's immobiliser system itself.
Depending on the make, that data lives in a module such as the body control module, the engine ECU, the instrument cluster or a dedicated key module. On some cars it can be read through the diagnostic port. On others the module has to come out and be read on the bench.
That's why the first question is always the make, model and year. It tells us where the data is and whether your car is one we can do.
Your old keys can stop working
On many systems, programming new keys removes the old ones from the car's memory. If your keys were stolen, that means they can no longer start it. Ask us whether this applies to your car.
What happens next
Phone with the details
Make, model, year and VIN, and where the car is now.
Proof of ownership
Registration papers and ID. We won't program keys to a car without them.
Get the car to us
We don't do call-outs. With no key the car won't drive, so it will need to be towed or transported to the workshop.
Program and test
Immobiliser data read, new keys programmed and every key tested.
All-keys-lost programming can start a car without its original keys. We only do it for the owner, or someone the owner has authorised, with the registration papers and ID in hand.
Code · Program · Adapt · Recover
Dealer-level work, without the trip to the dealer.
We've invested in professional Abrites Full Protocol and TOPDON Phoenix Max diagnostic and programming technology. It lets us carry out advanced electronic procedures on supported VAG, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Renault and Nissan vehicles, here in Mountain View.
Services are subject to vehicle model, year, control-module type, software version and system compatibility. Phone with the make, model, year and VIN and we'll confirm before you bring the car in.
Questions we get asked
Can you make a key for any car with no keys?
Not every car. We cover supported VW, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Nissan vehicles, and some newer key systems can only be done by the manufacturer. Phone with the model and year first.
Will my lost keys still start the car?
On many systems, programming new keys removes the old ones from the car's memory, so a lost or stolen key stops working. It depends on the system, so ask us.
Does my key also need cutting?
If it has a metal blade, it needs cutting to your locks as well as programming. We cut blades here in the workshop, so it's all one job.
Can you come out to the car?
No, we don't do call-outs. Without a working key the car can't be driven, so it will need to be towed or transported to the workshop.
Another workshop? Send us the programming job.
If you don't have the equipment to finish a coding, programming or key job, we can do that part for you and hand the car back.
No keys? Phone us before you call the tow truck.
Phone with the make, model, year and VIN and we'll confirm whether it's a job we can do before you bring the car in.