Nowadays, car keys are becoming increasingly intelligent, with most vehicles now equipped with one-touch unlocking and starting. This means that if you lose your keys, you're not only locked out of your car, but you can't even start it.
This situation can be stressful, even panicking, as someone could use the keys to steal your vehicle, potentially disrupting important trips. Adding to the headache, the cost of having a locksmith rekey your car is often quite high.
However, having an Autel key programmer can make things much simpler. Let's discuss the steps you should take if you lose your car keys, how to use a key programming tool to quickly obtain a replacement, and the estimated cost of rekeying your car.
Lost your car keys outdoors.
The first thing to do when you lose your keys is to look for them. It sounds absurd, but it's true. Once you've searched everywhere you go and where you usually leave them, and still can't find them, you can move on to the next step. After all, sometimes the keys aren't lost; it's just that you haven't found them.
There are many types of car keys, and the process of matching new keys to different types of keys is also different.
The above are some of the more common types of keys. Of course, if you have a spare key, the process of replicating the key will become relatively easy and convenient, and the money and time you pay to the locksmith will be reduced.
Types of key fobs
The cost varies depending on the type of key lost. The following prices are for reference only:
| Key Type | Replacement Difficulty | Approximate Cost Range | Notes | DIY Programming with Key Programmer |
| Traditional Metal Key | ★ Easy | $10 – $50 | Can be copied at hardware stores or locksmiths. | Not applicable (no programming) |
| Transponder Key | ★★ Moderate | $50 - $200 | Requires chip programming; locksmith or dealer service needed. | Possible with Autel KM100/IM508S |
| Remote Key (Flip/Fob) | ★★★ Moderate–High | $100 – $300 | Includes electronics and programming. | Often possible with Autel scanners |
| Smart Key / Keyless Entry Fob | ★★★★ Difficult | $200 – $500+ | Needs advanced programming and pairing. | Possible with advanced tools (e.g., IM608 Pro II) |
| Luxury / Advanced Smart Key | ★★★★★ Very Difficult | $400 – $800+ | Highly encrypted; usually requires dealer-only replacement. | Rarely possible outside dealership |
We will mainly introduce how to program a new key to replace the lost key if you have a spare key. If you have lost all your keys, you can refer to the following section.
The Autel key programming tool is not compatible with all car keys. Therefore, before programming a replacement key, you must first determine the key type, car make, model, and year of production. Based on this information, you can determine whether the Autel key programming tool is compatible.
If you have a transponder key, you can often choose the cost-effective Autel KM100. However, if you have a smart key, you may need the IM508/IM608 series, which offer advanced IMMO functionality and wider vehicle coverage.
Of course,the most accurate way to confirm whether your car is compatible with the Autel programmer is to follow the instructions in the following article.
The key programming tool is connected to the vehicle ECU via the OBD interface via the data cable included in the accessory package, making key programming easier.
Select the IMMO menu to enter and confirm the car's make, model, and year of production. Autel key programming tools currently have the function of automatically reading the VIN, which saves time.
Enter the control unit. Some models may need to select the IMMO immobilizer type. Place the spare key in the car as prompted so that the key programmer can read the key information.
Select the add key button
After selecting the corresponding function module and entering, follow the instructions of the Autel scanner. It is often necessary to turn the ignition switch on/off several times. Advanced smart keys will also use a programmer such as XP400 Pro to assist in operation.
After programming is complete, try the new key's button functions one by one and check whether it can start the vehicle and engine normally.
If you have any questions, you can watch the video below. This video uses the BMW X6 as an example to use Autel IM608 Pro2 to add a new key. Some of the steps may be useful to you. The actual situation may need to be adjusted according to your car brand, so it is for reference only.
After programming a new key, for the sake of insurance, you can use the Autel key programming tool to clear the lost key information to prevent the risk of vehicle theft.
If you use the Autel key programming tool to copy the key, the entire copying process may take about 5-10 minutes, depending on the complexity of the operation such as different brands of vehicles and different types of keys.
If you use the KM100 key cloning function, the entire process will be more convenient and faster, taking about 3-5 minutes. Of course, you should confirm in advance whether the tool covers the key cloning function of your vehicle.
When all your keys are lost, the process can be a bit tedious and will likely require a programmer or other tools. Before purchasing the Autel key programming tool, be sure to confirm that it supports all-key loss programming for your car.
Of course, if you don’t want to DIY a new key yourself, you can also choose to seek help from a car dealer or a professional locksmith. This is also the safest and most convenient operation for you, but it may often cost a lot of money.
Click the link below to view the operation process of Honda key loss, which can be used as a reference.
If you lose your car keys, don't panic. Following the steps above will help you save money and time. Of course, if you don't want to buy a key programmer just because you lost your keys, that's fine too. You can also seek help from a dealer or professional locksmith, which is also a good option. That's all for today's sharing. I hope this helps.
No tool is perfect, and it's inevitable that you'll encounter various issues during use. Today, we'll focus on common software glitches with the Autel key programmer and share solutions to help you use it more smoothly and efficiently.
Today, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to the upgrade methods for Autel scanners, covering the steps during the free update period, how to purchase and use the software upgrade service after the subscription expires, and our advantages over other Autel dealers, to help you fully resolve any questions you may encounter during the upgrade process.
In our previous post, we shared how to program a BMW key using an Autel key programmer. Today, we'll take a different approach and show you how to program a Honda key fob at home, and explore the specific methods that make this easy.
