A spare key for your car
Spare Car Key Programming
Only have one car key? Having a spare made now can save a lot of trouble if it is lost or breaks. We check which key is compatible with your vehicle, prepare it and program it where supported. Normally we need the car, your working key and proof of ownership; we will confirm what to bring before the appointment.
AI-adapted AUTOLAB photo
- 01
Check your key and car
We identify the type of key your car uses and whether an additional key can be programmed. We check whether you need a basic key, remote buttons or keyless entry.
Show example
EXAMPLE KEY CHECK$ KEY CHECK — DEMONSTRATION> VEHICLE MODEL ........ CONFIRM> KEY TYPE ............. CHECK> PROGRAMMING SUPPORT .. ASSESS$ example, not your car’s dataroot@diag-lab:~$ ▌EXAMPLE KEY CHECK$ KEY CHECK — DEMONSTRATION> VEHICLE MODEL ........ CONFIRM> KEY TYPE ............. CHECK> PROGRAMMING SUPPORT .. ASSESS$ example, not your car’s dataroot@diag-lab:~$ ▌ - 02
Find out how a spare can be added
Some cars allow a straightforward procedure; others need additional service access. We check the available method and ownership documents before work begins.
Show example
IMMO_ACCESS — DEMO✓✓··> DEMONSTRATING SERVICE WORKFLOW ...
IMMO_ACCESS — DEMO✓✓··> DEMONSTRATING SERVICE WORKFLOW ...
- 03
Prepare and program the new key
We select a compatible key and, when needed, prepare its metal blade. We then register it with the car. Certain models require all existing keys to be present.
Show example
SPARE KEY — EXAMPLE CHECK PLAN01Existing keys
02New key
03Post-service checks
Illustration only. This does not program, erase or verify real vehicle keys.
SPARE KEY — EXAMPLE CHECK PLAN01Existing keys
02New key
03Post-service checks
Illustration only. This does not program, erase or verify real vehicle keys.
- 04
Test the new and existing keys
We check that the engine starts with the new key. We also test lock buttons and keyless features where fitted, plus the existing keys you brought with you.
Show example
EXAMPLE CHECK AFTER KEY PROGRAMMING// READY TO RUN
EXAMPLE CHECK AFTER KEY PROGRAMMING// READY TO RUN
Identify the right kind of key
We check the car and your existing key to avoid choosing an incompatible replacement.
Confirm programming support
We assess how a spare can be registered with your car and whether extra access is needed.
Prepare the replacement key
We select suitable electronics and make the metal blade if required.
Register the new key
We follow the supported procedure. Some cars also need all existing keys present.
Check remote features
We test remote locking, the boot release and keyless entry where the car supports them.
Test the keys you bring
We verify starting and supported features with the new key and the existing keys.
Not every key is compatible
Matching shells do not guarantee matching electronics. We check before ordering a key.
Sometimes all existing keys are required
Some cars must register existing keys again when adding a new one.
Certain cars need online access
Programming may require additional manufacturer authorisation.
Vehicle documents are required
We verify ownership or suitable authorisation before security-related work.
Features depend on the car
A new key cannot add a remote feature that the car does not support.
Backups may be limited
Whether key-related data can be saved depends on the specific system.
// SUMMARY: Making a spare is generally easier while you still have a working key. Send the make, model and year so we can tell you what to bring.
// We normally need the vehicle, a working key and proof of ownership. If all existing keys or extra service access are required, we will explain that before the appointment.
Other AUTOLAB services
Ready to start the job?
Describe the problem in the contact form — we reply within a day.