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Duplicating and coding a key – how to make a duplicate car key and how much does it cost?
(photo Moje Auto)
Duplicating car keys is a job for professionals. You can use the service at an authorized service center or at an independent workshop. The first option is associated with high costs and long waiting time for execution. Many drivers have lost their car key at least once in their automotive career. Sometimes we have a spare, but this is not always the case. If we have at least one part of the key, you can try to repair it, of course not necessarily by yourself. What does key coding look like? How much does it cost to duplicate car keys? We answer!
Duplicating and coding a key – from the article you will learn:
- What does a car key look like and what elements does it consist of?
- Is it possible to repair a damaged key blade?
- How it looks key coding and getting a remote control for the central locking
Key structure
The simplest in construction are the keys that have only a housing and a tip. However, only owners of older car models have them. Most keys consist of many more elements. In most cases, they also have an immobilizer and central locking control. The immobilizer is a small element without which it is impossible to start the engine. The battery for controlling the central locking is a consumable element of the key, whose lifespan is estimated at approximately 2 years. After this time, in many cases there are problems with its proper operation. The cheapest to replace is the tip, which can be found with most keys. We will pay from PLN 50 to PLN 100 for the service. It will cost us much more immobilizer coding.
The most common fault is a damaged tip
This happens in many cases, but most often when the key is not folded. We keep it in a drawer at home, carry it in our pants pocket, bag or backpack. Therefore, it is easy to bend or even break the tip. It is needed so that the ignition can be turned. The new tip is made using a milling machine. The metal element is cut to the old key very precisely. What if we don't have any other working key? Then it is necessary to take the pattern from the lock insert.
How to encode a key?
When it is necessary immobilizer coding? When, after turning the key in the ignition, the engine does not start, even though the remote control works properly. Check whether the indicator with the key pictogram does not light up on the dashboard at this time. If this is the case, it means that we should repair the immobilizer. We need to buy a spare part that will be replaced, preferably by an electrician, of course.
And what does it look like? key programming electronic? If you want to add it, you will need to program the code from the previously used immobilizer. An alternative solution is to replace the code on all devices. There are many methods for this type of work, including using the diagnostic socket, coding the chip and creating a copy of the immobilizer. However, this is an expensive service because it requires not only specialist knowledge, but also modern equipment. Due to differences in the immobilizer transponders used in different workshops and services, you should always verify whether the equipment is compatible with a specific vehicle model. Transponder in the key is the most important element, without which we will not start the car.
Getting a remote control for the central locking
If you are forced to buy a remote control for the central locking, you must know that it is necessary key coding. The electronics must be matched to a specific model so that the remote control can fulfill its function. The service is relatively expensive due to the high price of electronics. Key coding takes place, among others, by a sequence of key movements in the ignition. You can also program the key using the EOBD socket or, as in some Japanese cars, by pressing buttons on the remote control.
Can you open a car without a key?
Have you locked your key in the car? So you know you haven't lost it and you don't need to get a new one. However, you don't have a spare key, so you're wondering how you can open your car without it. Don't try this yourself as you may damage the lock. Do you want to break the window? This is not necessary, you expose yourself to additional costs. A special company that specializes in similar services will help you open a car. You will pay from PLN 100 to PLN 300 for it. In such situations, we lack a spare key, so it is worth getting one.
Summary
- The simplest car keys consist of a housing and a tip. More advanced ones also have electronic elements.
- If the blade is damaged, a new one is made by cutting it to fit the old key or taking a pattern from the lock insert.
- If, after turning the key in the ignition, the engine does not start and the indicator with the key symbol comes on, this is a signal that there is a problem with the immobilizer.
- When duplicating a remote control for the central locking, it is necessary: key coding.
- You can open the car without using a key, but it is best and safest to do it with the help of specialists.
