You’ve torn apart the house looking for your key fob. Checked every jacket pocket, lifted couch cushions, searched under car seats. Nothing. And it was your only one.
Standing in your driveway staring at a car you can’t start is a specific kind of frustration. The good news is that losing all keys for a push to start a car doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying dealership prices or waiting a week. Automotive locksmiths can make a new key from scratch and program it to your vehicle, usually in a few hours.
Why Push-to-Start Keys Are More Complicated
Older cars with traditional keys were simple. A locksmith could cut a new blade and maybe program a basic chip. Push-to-start vehicles changed that. Your key fob talks to the car’s Engine Control Unit through encrypted signals. There’s no physical key turning in an ignition anymore.
The ECU runs your car’s security system. It checks the encrypted code from your fob before the engine will start. This setup makes theft harder, but it also means you can’t walk into a hardware store for a duplicate. The new fob has to be programmed to communicate with your specific vehicle’s computer.
How Locksmiths Replace All Lost Keys
Ownership Verification Comes First
Before starting any work, you’ll need to prove the car is yours. Bring your vehicle title or registration plus a matching driver’s license. Some locksmiths accept insurance documents, but having the title or registration moves things faster.
Getting Into a Locked Vehicle
If you’re also locked out, the locksmith can open your car without damage. They use tools designed for automotive lockouts that won’t harm door locks, seals, or paint. Your factory security system stays functional.
Retrieving Key Code Data
Locksmiths have two ways to get the information needed to cut your key. One option involves connecting to your OBD-II port under the dashboard and pulling key data from the car’s computer. This is similar to ECU programming for lost keys but focuses on extracting the cutting code.
The other method reads the lock cylinder directly. Using decoder tools, the locksmith examines the wafers inside your door lock to figure out the correct cuts. Sometimes both methods are needed, especially if your locks were changed at some point.
Cutting and Programming the Replacement
Push-to-start cars still have a hidden physical key blade inside the fob. That gets cut first to match your locks. Then comes programming.
The locksmith connects equipment to your car and runs an “all keys lost” procedure. This erases every previous key code from your car’s memory. Any missing or stolen keys stop working completely. After clearing the system, the new fob gets programmed to communicate with your vehicle.
Programming Complexity by Vehicle Brand
Not all cars are equal when it comes to key programming. Some brands keep things relatively straightforward, while others need dealer-level equipment.
European Vehicles
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover
These often need dealer-level tools and proprietary software. Many require two keys programmed simultaneously, and immobilizer systems add extra steps that DIY methods can’t handle.
Asian Vehicles
Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Lexus, Infiniti, Hyundai, Kia
Generally simpler programming procedures with straightforward button sequences. Luxury brands like Lexus and Infiniti need more involved programming similar to European cars. Kia and Hyundai security systems improved significantly after 2020, making newer models more complex.
American Vehicles
Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Cadillac, Lincoln
Programming complexity varies widely by model year and vehicle type. Trucks often have different procedures than sedans. Luxury brands like Cadillac and Lincoln require similar complexity to European vehicles.
Should You Go to the Dealer or Call a Locksmith?
You have two options when you need to get a new key fob when all are lost. The choice affects your wallet and your schedule.
| Factor | Dealership | Locksmith |
| Cost | $400-$1,500+ | $200-$800 |
| Location | Must tow vehicle | Comes to you |
| Wait Time | 3-7 days | 1-3 hours |
| Towing | $75-$200 extra | Not needed |
Locksmiths who offer mobile key programming bring everything to your location. They carry fobs for most common vehicles and have programming equipment in their van. You avoid towing fees and get back on the road the same day.
Pricing and Timeline for Key Replacement
How Much Time Does Key Replacement Take?
Most situations resolve in one to three hours. Time depends on your car’s make, model, and security system.
A 2018 Honda Accord might take 90 minutes. A 2023 BMW X5 could need three hours because of additional security layers.
Older push-to-start systems from 2005-2015 typically go faster than newer models. Remote locations add travel time, but you’re still looking at same-day service instead of waiting a week at the dealer.
How Much Will You Pay for New Keys?
Programming a key fob without original keys to reference costs more than making a spare. There’s no existing key to clone, so the process involves more steps.
- Domestic vehicles usually run $200-$600.
- European and luxury brands range from $400-$1,200.
What Affects the Price?
Your car’s brand, the type of key fob, programming complexity, and service timing all matter. Some manufacturers require two keys programmed for the system to function, which doubles material costs. Emergency calls at 2 AM cost more than afternoon appointments.
What’s Included in the Service?
The service includes lockout assistance if needed, obtaining key codes, cutting the physical blade, programming the chip, and syncing remote functions. Even with all these steps, locksmith key replacement typically costs less than half of dealership pricing.
Make a Spare to Prevent Future Lockouts
Get a spare made before you need one. Don’t keep it with your primary key or leave it in your car.
Give your spare to a family member or friend nearby. Keep it at home in a magnetic lockbox somewhere secure. Some people leave one at work or in a bank safety deposit box. Think through access during an emergency, but make sure it’s not somewhere a thief could find it easily.
You Have Options When All Keys Are Lost
Losing your only key to a push-to-start vehicle is stressful. The car won’t start, you’re calculating towing costs, and wondering about dealership wait times. Knowing that a locksmith for all keys lost situations exists helps.
The process involves ownership verification, vehicle access, extracting key data, cutting a new blade, and programming everything to work together. Most situations resolve in a few hours rather than days. Automotive locksmiths bring equipment directly to wherever your car is parked, whether that’s your driveway, workplace, or a parking lot.