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Key Programming & Transponder Keys

Auto Care Plus is a leading provider of transponder key services in NH, MA & ME. Whether you need a spare key cut and programmed, a lost key replaced, a fob that stopped working, or professional ignition service, our automotive lock technicians have the equipment and the manufacturer access to do it — usually faster and for less than the dealership.

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Key Programming

Do your technicians have the tools and experience to perform key programming for every make and model? While they might be able to handle keys for the most popular car makes, some auto manufacturers make it incredibly difficult for anybody but the dealerships to program their car keys. Luckily, you have an alternative with the ProCal Mobile Tech.

auto key programming
duplicate keys

Duplicate Car Keys

Advancing technologies in the automotive industry have made it increasingly difficult to find reputable key duplication services. ProCal Mobile Tech has the technology and expertise to duplicate a variety of car keys, including the latest smart keys.

We carry keys for a large variety of vehicle makes and models, including conventional, transponder, high-security, switch-blade, remote-headed keys and remote keyless entry. We can create a spare key faster than a dealership, saving our customers both time and money. In fact, many dealerships come to us for keys!

Planning ahead to have an extra key in your possession, will save you in the long run. Creating a duplicate from an existing key costs far less than creating a key when the original is lost. Duplicate car keys can be made in our shop, or at your home or office. Duplicates made outside of our shop are scheduled within a mutually-agreeable two-hour window. There is a one-time trip fee for keys made outside of our shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a key if I lost all of mine?

In most cases, yes. Losing every key is more involved than duplicating an existing one — we have to originate a key from the vehicle's code and program it to the immobilizer, sometimes erasing all previously programmed keys for security. Bring proof of ownership and we will handle it.

Is key programming cheaper than going to the dealer?

Usually, yes — often significantly. Dealerships typically charge a premium for keys and programming, and they may require the vehicle to be towed in. We can often do the work for less and get you back on the road faster.

Why do I need a spare key before I lose the last one?

Because originating a key when every key is lost costs considerably more than duplicating one you still have — and it may require towing the vehicle in. A spare key made while you still have a working one is one of the best-value things you can do. Get the spare before you need it.

What is a transponder key?

A transponder key has a small chip embedded in the head that communicates with your vehicle's immobilizer. If the vehicle does not receive the correct coded signal, it will not start — even if the key is cut perfectly and turns in the ignition. That is why a hardware-store copy will not start your car.

My fob stopped working — do I need a new one?

Not always. Often it is just a dead fob battery, which is an easy fix. Sometimes the fob has been damaged by water or impact, and occasionally the problem is the vehicle's receiver rather than the fob at all. We will diagnose it rather than just selling you a new fob.

Can you program a key I bought online?

Sometimes, but proceed carefully. Many online keys are the wrong frequency, the wrong chip type, or are already locked to another vehicle and cannot be reprogrammed. Talk to us before you buy — we will tell you exactly what your vehicle needs.

Do you offer mobile key programming?

Yes. Our mobile service covers key and fob programming for shops, dealers, and fleets throughout New Hampshire and Maine.

Signs you need this service:

  • You lost your only key and need a replacement
  • You want a spare key before you lose the only one
  • Key fob buttons stopped working
  • Vehicle does not recognize the key or will not start
  • Push-button start does not detect the fob
  • Security or immobilizer light flashing on the dash
  • Key turns but the engine will not crank
  • Worn key that sticks or will not turn in the ignition
  • Remote start or keyless entry no longer works

Our process:

  • Verify ownership and identify the exact key or fob type your vehicle requires
  • Determine whether the issue is the key, the fob battery, the receiver, or the immobilizer
  • Scan the immobilizer and body control modules for stored faults
  • Obtain the correct key blank or fob for your VIN
  • Cut the key mechanically or by code
  • Program the transponder chip to your vehicle's immobilizer
  • Program the remote functions — lock, unlock, trunk, panic, and remote start
  • Erase old or lost keys from the system where security requires it
  • Test all key functions, including start, remotes, and passive entry
  • Perform ignition cylinder service or replacement if needed

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