Spare & replacement keys

Spare car keys, programmed at your car

Add a second key while you still have one. Most spare keys are $140 all-up including the key, programming and travel.

Why get a spare now

With one working key, the car can usually accept a new key in minutes through the diagnostic port. Lose that last key and the job becomes all-keys-lost: more time, sometimes a PIN code read, and sometimes a lockout before anything else can happen.

A spare costs less than the tow, the lockout and the stress.

Key types

Bladed transponder key. Metal blade with a chip in the head.
Remote head key. Blade plus lock and unlock buttons.
Flip key. Folding blade in a remote. Some older keys can be upgraded to a flip.
Smart key. Push-button start. See smart keys.

What to send

VIN
On your rego papers or at the base of the windscreen. It identifies the exact immobiliser.
Key photos
Front and back, and the blade if it has one. Blades are cut from a sharp photo.
Circuit board
If the key has buttons, open the case and photograph the board. That confirms the chip and frequency.

Questions people ask

Is it cheaper than the dealer?

Usually, yes. Dealers typically need the car booked into the workshop. Here, most spare keys are $140 all-up, done at your car.

Can you copy my key without the car?

No. Modern keys have a chip that has to be registered to the car, so programming happens at the vehicle through the diagnostic port.

Can I buy a remote online and have you program it?

You can, but many online remotes are the wrong chip or frequency, and some can't be programmed at all. If yours won't work there is a $50 call-out. Buying the key through me means no fix, no charge.

Check your car before you book

Text your VIN, make, model and year, plus a clear photo of your key. If your key has buttons, open the case and photograph the circuit board too. You get a fixed price back before anything is ordered.

Text 0481 866 779 WhatsApp

Messages are answered fastest. Email essendoncarkey@gmail.com