Essentially, this is when a preset blank chip is reprogrammed and put into a new car key for you so that it matches the current settings of your vehicle. This will allow you to access and start your car once more.
How Much Does It Cost To Program A Car Key In South Africa
Key Cloning
Automotive locksmiths can read the signal/code sent out by a vehicle key and then can clone a key by writing this code onto the chip of a blank transponder key using an electronic key-cloning machine. The key will still need to be cut to fit the ignition slot, doors and boot.
Once the cars ECU sees the duplicate transponder key as the original key, it allows the engine to start. Unfortunately, if you own a higher security vehicles (such as the Jazz), this is not always possible.
In this case a specialized programming machine extracts the code from the vehicle’s electronic modules through the OBD port. Fob can be a complicated process to duplicate the signal for operating the remote buttons on the key and this leads to an increase in the cost.
Key cutting from the ignition
If you find yourself having to replace all the locks, including the ignition barrel of a car, you could land paying up to R30 000 depending on the manufacturer. However, this does not have to be the case, as automotive locksmiths can cut a key from the ignition barrel of the car
. This is a much greater task than key cloning, because you’ll need to access the locked car before the ignition barrel can be removed.
Then the barrel is mechanically decoded to get the correct key shape. Thereafter, the normal cloning process can commence.
The duplication process of a Jazz key takes only half an hour and then there’s the possibility that the key may not open the doors and start the engine. However, in most cases there is need for concern.
Locksmith integrity
There is a tremendous threat to vehicle security if the technology employed by automotive locksmiths fell into the wrong hands. It is very important that the locksmith you use is a member of the Locksmiths Association of South Africa and is registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.
The latter requires that all locksmith employees have been screened and do not have a criminal record and that their personal details, including fingerprints, are kept on file.
A breakdown of costs
- For a copy of older-generation “dumb” key you’ll spend between R35 to R45
- The copy of the transponder key with a cloning machine will cost between R650 to R750
- A copy of the transponder key by extracting the code from the vehicle ECU through the OBD port will cost between R950 to R1250
- The additional cost to add remote functionalities to the replacement transponder keys will cost you between R1500 to R3 500
- And lastly, the additional cost if the replacement key has to be cut from the ignition barrel will be between R1250 to R1500
At least now that you are forearmed – you won’t be in for any surprises!
Can I program a car key myself?
You can’t, for example, take a remote for your old car and program it to your new car even if they are the same make and model.
With newer cars, most likely you will not be able to program a new key yourself. You will have to visit a dealer or locksmith.
How long does it take to program a car key?
Luckily, even if you have to go to a dealer, it’s not a lengthy process. Most dealers we contacted said key-fob programming typically takes just 15-30 minutes, and the whole process, including cutting the mechanical spare key, rarely takes longer than an hour.
How can I program my car key without the original?
How To Program A Transponder Key Without Original: Guideline &
Step 1: Turn on the electric lock.
Step 2: Wait 15 minutes.
Step 3: Turn the car off and on again.
Step 4: Repeat step 3.
Can a car key lose its programming?
No Programming
If you allow a key fob with a battery to go dead, it can lose its initial programming. This is because any key fob must be “paired” to the car it is meant to operate.