.                                                                               Transponder keys

Transponder types    Programming   Pin / Security Codes   Low Cost JMA  TPX Copy Keys

If your car was produced after 1995 it may have transponder equipped immobiliser technology installed as a factory option.  However here in New Zealand there are some basic rules surrounding whether or not your car is likely to be equipped.

Likely to be equipped cars:

A Japanese car sold here in New Zealand new after 1995.
A European car or model either NZ new or imported after 1995
A High specification Japanese Used import after 2000
A car of any make or model produced after 2005

Likely not to  be equipped cars:

A Japanese used import of an older type
A Low cost basic model  of NZ new car of an older type
Any car produced before 1995

Transponder key production.

A Transponder key needs to be recognised by the ECU of the vehicle concerned before it will allow the engine to start.  This means that it has to be introduced to the vehicles electronics and be programmed to it.  The method of doing this requires the use of our specialist equipment, and each method is unique to the make and model of the vehicle.  Often it will also require a pin code to access the immobiliser system and complete the procedure.  Obtaining the pin code and completing the procedure can be a less than strightforward task and require the use on occassion of genuine dealer supplied keys due to unique algorythms.  As time has progressed, so has technology and the latest software has been helpful, as well as our access to internet services helping with pin codes.

For this reason wherever possible we copy the key with copying equipment.  The latest evolution of this method involves the use of "TPX" chips produced by JMA. as well as Asian chips of a more compact type. We are the New Zealand distributor of these types of keys and technology and by using our services you can be confident of the lowest cost and the best result in a spare transponder key.

Although often we can tell you over the phone likelihoods, the only definite way to assess if your car is equipped with this technology is to visit our workshop and have your key tested.  Our staff are only too happy to do this and will give you full information on the best way to achieve a spare key, as well as advise you on the consequences of losing your last key.

We do recognise that the cost of spare keys may be a cost that does not fit well with your budget. But the cost of not having spares ALWAYS WITHOUT EXCEPTION exceeds, sometimes dramatically, the cost of losing them all. To help you mitigate somewhat this risk we can cut a key that will turn in the ignition or open the door, but not start the car for 40.00 or we can decode it and tell you the code for free.

Exceptions:

We cannot produce, as yet,  spare transponder keys for Mercedes, or BMW, or some selected smart proximity keys.  BMW and Mercedes use unique rolling code technology which, while it is possible to produce an after market key with specialist equipment, the process as yet, is  time consuming and fraught with risk to the vehicles electronics.  These keys should be ordered from the vehicles' dealer. 

New technologies are evolving driven by the manufacturers and since around 2015 there has been a shift from most common manufacturers requiring locksmiths to invest in new equipment to cope. Unfortunately time on the job considerations has driven up the cost of AKL solutions for some of these cars.

Smart keys are at the newer edge of after market technology, involving push button to start the car. These are "proximity" keys. We have the technology to program these for most models.