Quick answer: Cutting shapes the metal blade so it fits and turns your locks. Programming, which some people call coding, pairs the chip in the key with your car so the engine will start, and sets up any remote buttons as well. We do both at your car for Japanese, Korean and most American cars, anywhere in Perth.
People ask us to cut, code, program or pair a key. Here’s what each word means and which your key needs.
What does cutting a car key mean?
Cutting shapes the blade so it matches your locks. If the old key is worn, we cut to the lock, not the worn key. A cut blade on its own opens the doors, but on most cars it won’t start the engine.
What does programming a car key mean?
Programming is how your car learns to accept a new key. Until the car knows the chip in the key, the engine won’t run, even if the blade turns. Push button start keys work the same way. The battery in the fob runs the buttons and the keyless entry, not the chip.
Australian Design Rule 82/00 has required an engine immobiliser on new passenger cars built on or after 1 July 2001. So most keys we make need programming as well as cutting. See transponder keys explained and our transponder key service.
On most keys the lock and unlock buttons are paired with the car as a separate step. That’s why a key can start the car while its buttons do nothing. More on remote and smart keys.
Is car key coding the same as programming?
Usually that’s what people mean, and we treat it that way on the phone. But a key code is also the number used to cut a blade. With every key lost there’s nothing to copy. We work out the code at the car, cut a blade to it and program the new key. See lost all your car keys.
Which one does my key need?
| Your situation | What the key needs |
|---|---|
| You have one working key and want a spare | Cut to match your key, then programmed. The simpler job. |
| Your key is worn and sticks in the lock | Cut to the lock, then programmed. |
| Every key is lost | We work out the code, cut a blade to it, program the new key and delete the lost keys from the car’s memory. |
| The key turns but the engine won’t start | Could be the chip. Try your spare first, then see the checks below. |
| The buttons stopped but the car still starts | Try a new remote battery first. |
| An older car with a plain metal key | Cut only. There’s nothing to program. |
Not sure which is yours? Our guide on why a car key stops working goes through the checks. For a second key, see spare car keys. Shell cracked or a button gone on your old key? Ask when you book the spare.
What do we need from you?
Have photo ID and proof the car is yours, like the rego papers, and tell us the make, model and year when you call. More on what speeds the job up in how long it takes to make a car key.
Most keys are cut and programmed in about half an hour once we’re at the car. That’s job time, not how long until we get to you. Going through us is usually a lot less than going through a dealer, and no towing. Our guide to what a replacement car key costs explains what decides the price.
Does this cover your car?
Yes for all Japanese cars, Hyundai and Kia, and most American cars including Ford and Holden. The full list is on our car makes page. Everything else we do for cars is on our car locksmith page. We’re based in Duncraig and program keys in driveways, work car parks and shopping centre car parks right across Perth, from Joondalup down to the southern suburbs.
Call 0427 580 823Lost all your keys?
Common questions
What is the difference between cutting and programming a car key?
Cutting shapes the metal blade so it fits and turns your locks. Programming pairs the chip in the key with your car so the engine will start. Most cars need both.
Is car key coding the same as programming?
Usually, yes. A key code can also mean the number a locksmith uses to cut a blade when there’s no key left to copy.
Does every car key need programming?
No. A plain metal key on an older car only needs cutting. Passenger cars built since 1 July 2001 have had to carry an engine immobiliser, so their keys have a chip that needs programming before the engine will start.
Can I program a car key myself?
Not on most cars. Programming needs equipment that plugs into the car, and with every key lost the car’s computer has to be set up to the new key. We bring the equipment to the car.
Can you program European or Chinese car keys?
No, we don’t make keys for European or Chinese cars, so the dealer or a specialist is the place for those. We can still open them if you’re locked out, and we don’t damage your car. If it’s something we don’t do, or we’re not available when you call, we’ll always try to point you to someone who can help.
Can you fix my old key’s shell or buttons while you’re there?
Yes, as long as we’re there for a spare. A cracked shell, worn buttons or a dead remote can be sorted at the same visit. We don’t do a separate call out just to repair a key.