A common phone call we get is about auction vehicles. Many don’t have any keys at all and need to have a new key made for the vehicle. There are a few considerations about auction vehicles.
- They can have existing problems which cause issues when programming keys. One customer asked to get keys made for his Infinity G35 but the electrical system was only partially functioning. Another customer had a Hyundai Sonata which had been in an accident and couldn’t be shifted into park. If there are extra considerations it will cost extra to get keys made for a vehicle, and the problem may need to be repaired before keys can be programmed.
- Lots of vehicles can use cheaper types of keys, but sometimes it is not worth it. Many vehicles came with Remote Head Keys from the factory. Quite often it is possible to program a plain transponder key without the Remote Head portion, which saves a bit of money. Other vehicles can only use an OEM key blank (most vehicles with proximity types keys, which are usually costly – $300-$500). That being said, adding $40-$60 to get the Remote Head Key with all the functions is often worth it. Some vehicles come with built in remote start and other nice functions.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged when you call a locksmith to program a key for the vehicle. Many vehicles are sensitive to battery voltage, so it is important to have the battery charged up. Low battery voltage will cause issues with key programming (Volkswagen/Audi and all European makes are especially sensitive).
As a general note, it is easier to make keys for Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, Kia, and Hyundai then any European make. Audi, Volkswagen, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche are all significantly more expensive to make keys for, and some cars are dealer only.
If you have questions about making keys for a vehicle you bought at auction, please give us a call.
Thanks!
Curtis Taitinger
Fineline Locksmithing