What a smart key is
A push-button smart key (the trade calls it a proximity key) unlocks and starts the car without going in a lock or an ignition. You carry it in a pocket or bag and press the start button. Inside is a chip and a radio. Most have an emergency blade tucked inside for the door.
It’s a different job from a plain chip key. The key talks to the car by radio, so it has to be coded to your car, not just cut.
When the key is lost, or the car stops seeing it even with a fresh battery, you can’t start the car.
What we do
We make a new smart key and match it to your car. The emergency blade is cut, the key is coded, and it’s synced so the car accepts it.
Some cars take the new key through the diagnostic port. Others need bench work, which we don’t offer yet; we tell you on the phone. The dealer typically has to order a key by VIN and may require a tow. We come to the car instead.
Before we make a smart key, we check the car is yours. Photo ID that matches the registration, and the registration or title.
How it works with mobile service
Same service call as any other job. Your car stays where it is.
- 1
You call
Give us the year, make and model, and how many smart keys you still have, if any. You get a quote on the phone before we dispatch.
- 2
At your car
We come to the car and check your photo ID against the registration, and the registration or title.
- 3
Cut, coded, synced
We cut the emergency blade, code the key and sync it to the car. The car starts with the key in your pocket.
What to have ready
- The year, make and model of the car
- Photo ID that matches the registration
- Registration or title (proof the car is yours)
- The VIN — on the dash at the windshield, or the door jamb
Questions
My smart key stopped working. Do I need a new one?
Try a fresh battery first. If the car still won't see the key, call and tell us what the dash says. We'll tell you whether it needs a new key or a re-sync.
Can you make a smart key if I've lost every one?
That's an all-keys-lost job, and we do it at your car. A few cars need module work at the bench instead, which we don't offer yet; we tell you on the phone.
How long does it take?
Same day for most jobs.