Advanced key & immobiliser services
Car key programming and immobiliser services in Pretoria.
A new key, a spare key, a key that's stopped working, or an immobiliser that won't let the car start. Key and immobiliser work is some of the most specialised electronics we do.
We program and match keys on supported VW, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Nissan vehicles, here in Mountain View.
Key and immobiliser services
All available on supported vehicles. Phone with the make, model, year and VIN and we'll confirm yours.
New key programming
A new key coded to your car's immobiliser so it starts the engine.
Additional key programming
A spare added alongside the key you already have. Quicker and simpler than waiting until the last key is gone.
Key adaptation
Adapting a key to the car's immobiliser and engine management.
Key learning
Running the car's own key-learning procedure where the system uses one.
Immobiliser diagnostics
Finding out why the car won't recognise a key: the key, the reader, the wiring or the module.
Immobiliser-related programming
Programming immobiliser data after a module fault or replacement.
Lost-key and all-keys-lost procedures
New keys when there's no working key left, where the vehicle is supported. All keys lost
Replacement module and key matching
Matching keys to a replacement ECU, body module or immobiliser unit. Module replacement
Remote and key synchronisation
Getting the remote locking working with the car again, where supported.
Key blade cutting
Metal key blades cut to your locks here in the workshop, so cutting and programming are one job.
Problems we can help with
- Key not recognisedThe dash shows a key or immobiliser warning and the car won't start.
- Down to one keyThe spare is lost or broken and you're driving on your last key.
- Used car, one keyYou bought the car with a single key and want a spare programmed.
- Remote stopped workingThe car starts, but the buttons no longer lock or unlock it.
- After a module swapA replacement ECU or body module was fitted and now the immobiliser is active.
- No keys at allEvery key is lost or stolen. That's an all-keys-lost job.
Get the spare done before you need it
Adding a key while you still have a working one is usually quicker and simpler than an all-keys-lost job, because the car's existing key data can be used. If you're down to one key, now is the time.
Buying a key online? Many keys sold online are the wrong type or frequency for South African cars, or are already locked to another vehicle. Send us the details before you buy, or ask us which key your car needs.
Before any key or immobiliser work, we'll ask to see the vehicle's registration papers and your ID. It protects you and your car.
How a key job runs
Phone first
Make, model, year and VIN. We confirm your car's key system is supported and which key it takes.
Bring the car and papers
The car, every key you still have, the registration papers and your ID.
Program and match
The new key is programmed to the immobiliser and, where supported, the remote synchronised.
Test every key
Each key starts the car, and the remote and keyless functions work.
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 program a key I bought online?
Sometimes. It has to be the right transponder, frequency and type for your car, and it can't already be locked to another vehicle. Send us the details before you buy it.
Do I have to go to the dealer for a new key?
Not for supported vehicles. Some newer key systems can only be done by the manufacturer, such as spare keys for Mercedes-Benz cars with the FBS4 immobiliser, and we'll tell you on the phone if yours is one of them.
Do you cut the key blade too?
Yes. We cut blades here in the workshop, so a key that needs cutting and programming is done in one place.
My remote stopped working but the car still starts. Is that a programming job?
It might be. A flat remote battery is the most common cause, so try that first. If the remote still doesn't work, it may need synchronising or reprogramming, which we can check.
I've lost every key. Can you still help?
On supported vehicles, yes. It's a different procedure from adding a spare. Read all keys lost for what's involved.
Which cars do you program keys for?
Supported VW, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Nissan vehicles. Support depends on the model, year and immobiliser system, so phone with the details first.
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.
Need a key? Tell us the car first.
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.