KEY REPLACEMENT

Have you lost your car keys?

It is not an uncommon problem. The good news is that you don’t need to use a main dealer for an expensive replacement key. At Jeff Mills we use the latest technology to provide you with a new car key that is programmed correctly to your car.

In recent years all new cars that are manufactured are legally required to be fitted with an immobiliser system. These cars require a transponder key with an embedded electronic transponder chip to start the vehicle. When the key is turned in the ignition the code is read and the vehicle will only start if the correct code is received.

This system was introduced to reduce vehicle crime and prevent cars from being started without the correct key. A broken or lost transponder car key will result in the vehicle not starting upon turning the key in the ignition.

The chip itself is passive, so it does not need a battery. A unique code within the car’s ECU (engine management) matches a code held in the key to allow it to start. A broken or lost transponder car key will result in the vehicle not starting upon turning the key in the ignition.

Spare Keys

One of the best ways to avoid getting into trouble in the first place with regards to losing car keys is to have a spare key. When buying a second hand car, always ask for the spare key in case either party forgets after purchase.

If this is too late, we can provide a replacement car key that works with your existing car’s security and ECU.

How we can help with transponder car keys

If you have concerns with your car’s security, it is no problem to change the locks and car keys appropriately to a different combination, ensuring security. This means that lost or stolen car keys are rendered useless for anyone else holding them as they won’t be able to get in the car with them due to the old coding.

We can fix broken, damaged or lost transponder keys and appropriately re-programme the car’s immobiliser and ECU to accept a new unique code. This is the same service as your main dealer, but with the benefit of being less time consuming and less expensive too.

For a quick and reliable transponder key replacement or transponder key programming service at competitive rates, call us on today.