Car key cutting

Here is a photo of cutting a ‘laser’ type car key that has the bitting on the flat face. (It’s actually got nothing to do with lasers). This one is for VW T5 Transporter key. If you’ve lost your key, there clearly isn’t a key to copy.  If you don’t have the keycard, we can use special tools to decode the lock. We then send these settings to a computerised CNC cutting machine to cut the key.

The type of key cutting machine we use cuts a new key to code i.e. to the exact depths and measurements that it came new. A typical high street shop key machine is a trace cutter, that effectively just gives you another worn key that looks shiny. It will work just as badly as the original worn key.

Car key cutting

Using a CNC machine means an auto locksmith can cut you a key even you don’t have a key to copy. There are several methods they can use to figure out how the missing key should be cut.

Car key programming – transponders

See that chip on the end of the key? That’s the transponder that the immobiliser needs to recognise before it will allow the car to start. If it isn’t the right chip already programmed into the car, then it won’t start. This particular chip is a VW ID48, sat on a HU66 key. It’s just been programmed into to a VW Transporter T5.  

VW Transponder. ID48 T6
VW ID48 T6 transponder on end of HU66 key

 

 

 

 

 

Modern vehicles (since about 2000) are fitted with immobilisers to prevent theft. The immobiliser checks for the correct, matched chip before it will allow the car to start. Some vehicles will just not turn over if the chip isn’t recognised. On other vehicles the engine will turn over but will not start due to the fuel pump being disabled.

Some recent cars will start without putting the key in the ignition. The range of these can be many metres. This is the reason you shouldn’t keep these keys in the house near the car. Even if the signal doesn’t reach the car, it can often be copied and relayed. You can buy special pouches to protect this type of key. Or at least put them in a metal box of some form at night at the other end of the house.