Replacement car key cutting & programming diagnostic service in Perth WA

Some remote keys or flip keys can only be programmed to your vehicle using special tools called diagnostic scan tools. These diagnostic tools, are special computers that can communicate with the various computers or modules in your vehicle and can only be operated by licensed staff.

There are 2 parts to the remote key or flip key, a transponer chip and the remote. In many keys the 2 things are completely separate. This is particularly true in older car keys.

However there are also many keys where the transponder information is stored on the same circuit board as the remote information. These keys use a transponder antenna on the circuit board to allow the car to read the transponder ID. The process to program the transponder and remote is usually just 1 process and can only be done using a diagnostic scan tool.

Transponder Chip Programming:

Transponder chips can either be cloned from an existing key, which is ok most of the time, but can cause issues when a key is lost or stolen. When a transponder chip is cloned, the new chip and the old chip have the same transponder ID.

If the key that was lost or stolen has the same transponder ID as the key you have left, then even if you get us to delete the vehicle memory and re-program the key you have still, the stolen key will also still work. That is becuase it has the same transponder ID as the remaining key.

Most key duplication places offering cheap duplicate keys are cloning the transponder chip. They often do not explain the downsides of this process to the user and so you may be unaware of the issues if a key is later stolen.

It is always best to have a new transponder chip programmed using a diagnostic scan tool so that every chip has a unique transponder ID. This process is more complicated and usually requires a security pin-code to be entered. This pin-code can often be read from the vehicle using the diagnostic scan tool. Sometimes it can only be sourced from the vehicle dealer, such as is the case with some Holden and Isuzu vehicles.

While it may take a little more effort, the result means you have more security. Any old keys which previous owners may still have will no longer work with the vehicle so the vehicle cannot be stolen using a key which you did not know a previous owner still had.

Remote Control Programming:

Method 1: Car remote controls are generally grouped into 2 groups, user programmable remotes which are paired to the vehicle using a sequence of manual steps involving turning the key on and off or opening and closing the door for instance. These manual remote programming methods are used extensively with older models of Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

It was also used on some very early models of Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen.

Method 2: The 2nd method of programming remotes is again using a diagnostic scan tool. This can only be done with the correct software and is the method used most often with later model vehicles made by Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Daewoo, Fiat, Haval, Holden, Hyundai, Iveco, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, LDV, Mercedes, MG, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Saab, Skoda, Smart, Ssangyong, Volvo, VW. 

If your car has push button start, using a proximity key, also known as a smart key, then this type of key can only be programmed using a diagnostic tool, irrespective of the car brand.

It is important to note that not all car keys can be programmed via the OBD port of your car using a daignostic scan tool. In some cases the security data for the vehicle will need to be read directly from the security module on the bench, using other specialist equipment. We are based in a workshop for this precise reason and specialise in vehicles that require this type of programming. Where this type of programming is required a special fee will apply and you will see the fee listed under the Compatible Items section on the key product page. 

Some examples of when this type of programming is required include BMW F-Chassis vehicles, some Mercedes vehicles, Landrover & Jaguar smart key models with FK72 type or later version KVM modules, Volvo cars with slot keys that go into a slot in the dash or Volvo push button start smart keys.

This service fee covers us duplicating the new key blade to match your old key and coding the new remote part and transponder so that the key key can work fully with the vehicle. If additional security pin-codes are required an additional fee may apply.

In many cases the software used in the diagnostic tool is licensed from the software owner who may be the car manufacturer or electronics company who designed the remotes. The diagnostic tool may have many different pieces of software from many different companies inside it and these companies allow locksmiths or mechanics to use the software for a fee.

The device often uses a token based payment system where a token or number of tokens are deducted from the device each time the tool is used to program a remote or key and these tokens have an associated cost. This is why we must charge an additional fee when remotes or keys are programmed using this method. 

You will need to book a time for this service so please call us on (08) 6110 2693 or email us to arrange a suitable time.

We will generally need your vehicle for between 30-45 minutes to cut and program a spare key. Our East Victoria Park workshop has ample parking on site and is right next to the trainline so if you need to drop off your car and come back later, public transport is easily available. 

We are licensed in W.A. to carry out this work and our license number is : MRB8165