Car key programming, done on-site
A new key that opens the door but won't start the engine, or a remote fob that's stopped talking to the car - East & Co programmes transponder chips and remote fobs at your vehicle in Scunthorpe and within about 25 miles. 24/7.
Why a cut key isn't always a working key
Modern car keys do two jobs. The metal blade opens the doors and turns the ignition, but a tiny transponder chip inside the key has to be recognised by the car's immobiliser before the engine will start. If the chip isn't programmed - or the car has forgotten it - the engine won't fire, even with a perfectly cut blade. Remote fobs add a third job: a radio link that locks and unlocks the doors.
Programming is the step that teaches the car and the key to recognise each other. It needs the right diagnostic equipment and the right procedure for the specific vehicle, which is why a key cut at a hardware shop often won't start the car on its own. We bring all of that to you.
When you need key programming
- A new key was cut but the engine won't start
- A replacement fob won't lock or unlock the car
- The car's lost a key from its memory after a flat battery
- You've added a spare and it needs coding in
- A remote stopped working after a battery change
How we programme on-site
- 1
Diagnose
We work out whether it's the key, the chip, the remote or the car.
- 2
Verify ownership
V5C and ID checked before we touch the vehicle.
- 3
Connect & code
Diagnostic equipment pairs the chip and fob to the car.
- 4
Test everything
We confirm the engine starts and remote locking works.
Transponders, remotes and smart fobs
Transponder chips
Coded so the immobiliser recognises the key.
Remote fobs
Locking and unlocking re-paired to the car.
Smart proximity fobs
Keyless systems re-introduced to the vehicle.
Most popular makes and models covered - call with your registration to confirm.
Areas we cover
Based in Scunthorpe, within about 25 miles - Doncaster, Lincoln, Grimsby, Gainsborough and surrounding towns and villages. Not north of the Humber Bridge.
Service-specific FAQs
My new key was cut but won't start the engine - why?
Because the transponder chip inside it hasn't been programmed to your car's immobiliser. A cut blade opens the door, but only a coded chip turns the engine. That's the programming step, and it's exactly what we do on-site.
Can you programme a key I bought online myself?
Sometimes, depending on the key and the vehicle. Cheap online keys are often the wrong type, a clone that won't code, or lack the right chip. Call us with the key details and your registration and we'll tell you honestly whether we can code your key or whether it's better to supply one.
My remote fob stopped locking the car - is it the key or the car?
It could be either. A flat key battery, a failed remote, or a car that's lost the fob from its memory are all possible. We diagnose it at the vehicle and reprogramme the fob, or supply and code a new one if it's failed.
Do you programme keyless and push-button start fobs?
Yes, for most popular makes and models. Proximity and smart fobs need pairing to the car's system, not just cutting. Call us with the make and model to confirm.