Car Key Programming in Houston

While the key is the thing that opens the locks in your vehicle, it does not mean that you have the key that starts the engine. Since the late 1990s most cars have been equipped with transponder chips and electronic immobilizers, the transponder chip key must be recognized by the car and only then, the engine starts. Paul Car Key Houston offers mobile key cutting and programming which allows completing most of these services at the place where your car is located.

The Hardware Store Key That Turns and Does Nothing

The thing is that cutting the blade and programming of the transponder are different stages of this process. The blade works on unlocking the lock, and the transponder works on communication with the immobilizer of the vehicle. If the transponder of the replacement key was not programmed correctly, your vehicle will not allow the engine to start despite the fact that the key turns perfectly. Depending on the year and make of the vehicle, there will be a security light, the engine will turn but will not start or starts for some time and stops. In such a case, it is possible that the problem is just in the fact that the electronic part of the key was not programmed.

Adding a Key Against Originating One

It is easier and cheaper to make a spare key having the original key, rather than making replacements after losing each of the copies. Depending on the vehicle, the working key can help to do this process. While making replacements in the case of the loss of all keys, the technician needs to find out all necessary key information, cut the replacement key, if necessary, and program the replacement to the immobilizer without having any working key. Depending on the vehicle, the procedure may differ and may have other additional security steps. Both of the services may be performed at your location, but the all-lost procedure takes more time to perform than making a spare key. That is why we recommend making a spare key before the final loss of your working key.

What the Technician Is Doing Under Your Dash

First of all it is necessary to verify your identity and authorize you for the service, then the technician will determine the programming procedure required for your vehicle, our experts use professional diagnostic equipment which connects to the car's diagnostic port to communicate with the immobilizer and other installed security modules. Then the new replacement key is registered, so the car recognizes this key as authorized. When the procedure supports this feature in your car, the technician can also remove the previously lost keys from the list of the recognized keys so that it would not be possible to start the car using them anymore. If the mechanical blade is needed, the technician cuts a new blade for the key, which means that he/she will not just copy the old worn-out blade. After the completion of the procedure, the technician checks the functionality of the key and starts the engine.

The Vehicles That Take Longer

The programming time depends greatly on the security system of the vehicle. There are some vehicles which have built-in security waiting period that adds up to 10 – 30 minutes to the all-lost or relearning procedure. It is the built-in security feature of the vehicle, so it is not possible to avoid this time using the faster equipment. Also, some European cars made recently can require the special access to the security of the vehicle or additional procedures with the electronic modules. This information can affect the ability to perform the procedure via the diagnostic port of the vehicle and the amount of time needed. It is important to inform the operator with the year, make, model and VIN of your vehicle when calling for the scheduling of the service.

Bring the Paperwork, and Any Key You Still Have

Do notice that you need to be prepared before the technician comes can help expedite the process for your car key service. Make sure your driver’s license is on you along with the car registration papers, because it helps in verification of ownership or authorization. All keys and fobs, even those that seem not to work anymore should be gathered. Sometimes, even if the fob is not functional due to low battery, there could be a functional transponder in it recognized by your car; which makes the job of programming easy. When we schedule your appointment, on top of providing your car's make and model we also need you to show us your ID and a proof of ownership of the vehicle along with the VIN of your car so that we can come prepared and perform the job without any delay.