Car Keys Cutting: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
Car Keys Cutting and Programming
Modern cars have key fobs equipped with transponder chips which communicate with the ignition system. These must be programmed to start the car.
It's always a good thing to have an extra key for your vehicle, but having one professionally programmed and cut can be expensive. This is where Minit can assist.
What is key cutting and programming?
A professional automotive locksmith will be able to provide you with the service you require, whether you've locked your keys in your car or you require an extra. These specialists use specialized tools to cut and program new keys and key components. They can even replace or reprogram keys damaged. If you're thinking about buying a key programer, ensure that it comes with a range of options and features. These programs are expensive and designed for professionals.
The first step is to cut an entirely new key. This can be accomplished with a manual machine or an automated key duplicator. Manual machines are more precise than automated ones, and can be adapted to suit different kinds of locks, such as car ignitions. The key cutting process is quick and easy to be done at any AutoZone store.
The new key must be programmed to work with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This can be done by the dealer or a locksmith who has a key-programming tool for your vehicle. Many locksmiths offer mobile services that allow them to come to your home or business and cut new keys and program them on-site.
The process is straightforward for older cars and requires just copying the key. A technician will choose the correct blank key for the model, year, and make and then cut the key using an equipment that follows the shape of the original key. The key will open the doors and turn the ignition but won't start the engine.
More advanced cars have laser-cut keys with integrated transponder chips. These keys are square or blunt with identical cuts on their flat sides. They also have a unique number that must be programmed to work with the ignition of your vehicle. Most car manufacturers have embraced a standard procedure for key programming and it shouldn't be difficult to find out the proper method to program a key for your vehicle.
How do you get key cutting and programming done?
Modern car keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the computer system of the vehicle to start the engine. This communication occurs when the key is within range of the key recognition sensor. The sensor is typically located near or on the ignition.
To duplicate a car key with transponder, locksmith will use a special machine known as a sidewinder key duplicator. This machine resembles an miniature CNC laser cutter or mechanical and can make copies of your keys that look like your original keys. These machines aren't accessible to the general public, and only a licensed and certified locksmith is able to use them.
While these machines are powerful however, they can be difficult to operate and require a great deal of knowledge. This is why it is essential to find a locksmith with the appropriate knowledge and training to create new keys. A reputable locksmith can help you with reprogramming your existing keys. The process is similar to initial programming. However, the technician may use another method that relies upon connecting to the vehicle’s computer system using the OBD II connector.
When you need a spare key, a professional can cut and program the key for you in a matter of minutes. It's better to design an extra key with your own specifications if you lose your key instead of risking losing your car and spending hundreds of pounds at the dealer for replacement.
Apart from cutting your keys and having them programmed, you can save money on spare keys by purchasing a blank keyshell at the local hardware store and then having it copied by locksmiths. Then, you will have to follow the steps in the owner's guide to how to program your new key.
There are a myriad of reasons you may require a spare key, including the possibility that your car key head gets broken inside the lock, or your key fob is damaged. In car key cutting to buy a new shell from the manufacturer and have the key cut by an experienced locksmith. You will need to transfer the internals of your old key head, which includes the chip and the remote fob battery to the new shell.
What is the cost of key cutting and programming?
There are a lot of factors that influence the cost of cutting keys and programming. Some of them are the type and complexity of the key, its design (including special features) and the method used to cut it. The cost may also differ depending on the location and locksmith you select.
A car key that utilizes an iron key-blade to open and start the engine is typically less expensive to duplicate than other types of keys such as key fobs. This is because these types of keys don't have transponder chips, which must be programmed into the car's ignition system. This process involves creating a signal to the key to detect and transmit a signal that matches the voltage in the car's ECU (electronic control unit).
You'll need to speak with an expert who has the tools and software to program a key fob with transponder. A local locksmith or dealer key replacement expert can assist you with this. The ECU needs to be scanned in order to find the key code required to program the remote. The code is then entered into the key cutting and programming software to ensure that it matches.
Transponder keys are different from other types of keys in that they require programming by professional dealers to function correctly. This is because the chip inside the key has to be programmed to the unique key code that is stored in the computer in the car. The dealer will have the necessary software and hardware to program the key as well as the appropriate programming codes.
While cloning is an economical option for those looking for an extra car key, it's not the best solution if you have lost your keys. While cloning is effective, it does not transmit an indication that is recognized by the vehicle's computer, and as such, the key you stole will not be able to start the vehicle. You should not risk the possibility of losing your keys due to not having a spare cut and programmed. This is particularly true for modern automobiles.
Where can I get my key cut and programmed?
A professional locksmith is the best place to get a car's key cut and programmed. This is because they are equipped with the tools and equipment that are required to do the job. They are also experienced in working with various vehicles, allowing them to assess your situation quickly and give you the best solution.
If you want a traditional key that doesn't have an embedded transponder chip, then it's a simple case of copying the key. The locksmith will select the right blank for your model, year, and make, and then utilize a machine that will trace the original contours. It typically takes just several minutes to complete.
If you are looking for a spare that can be programmed to work within the car's computer system, the process becomes much more complex. To accomplish this, the locksmith will need to know the vehicle's identification number (VIN), which is usually found on official documents, such as the title and registration of your vehicle. The locksmith will use this information to access the appropriate code and make an original, functional key that's compatible with your vehicle.
It's worth mentioning that not all locksmiths provide this service, so it's important to look for one that does prior to scheduling an appointment. A professional locksmith will make sure you get the most affordable solution.
Many locksmiths offer a cloning service in addition to cutting and programming keys. This is a less expensive option for those who've lost their keys or require a backup. Unlike the process of cutting a real key that is more difficult, cloning uses the microchip inside the original key to 'read' the information and create a duplicate that is compatible with your vehicle. This process is available at all Mister Minit branches and some of our mobile service vans. To book an appointment, you'll need to bring your original key and the make, model and year of your vehicle. If you can it will help us determine what tools and blanks we'll require to prepare for you.