What to Do If You Lose Car Keys: Autel Key Programmer Guide

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.

What to Do If You Lose Car Keys

What to Do First After Losing Your Car Keys

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.

Identify Your Key Type and Check for a Spare Key

There are many types of car keys, and the process of matching new keys to different types of keys is also different.

• Mechanical keys: This type of key does not have any buttons and is relatively simple. A locksmith can easily configure one for you and does not require a key programming tool.
• Transponder keys: This type of key often contains an anti-theft chip. If it is lost, you need to use a key programmer to connect to the vehicle ECU for operation. Of course, if your transponder key still has a jagged part, you also need to re-cut it.
• Smart keys: This type of key is smarter and more convenient, with no metal parts and buttons to control the vehicle. However, it is more difficult to reproduce the key if it is lost, and the cost is also higher.

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

How much does it cost to get a new key if you lost it?

The cost varies depending on the type of key lost. The following prices are for reference only:

How to Program a Replacement Key with Autel Programmer?

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.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Key Programmer

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.

Step 2: Programming a new key using a key programmer

1. Communicate with the vehicle via the OBD interface

   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.

2. Select the IMMO menu to confirm the car information

   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.

3. Enter the control unit and select the add key option

   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

4. Follow the instructions of the Autel scanner

   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.

5. Try a new key and

   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.

Step 3: Delete the lost key information in the IMMO system

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.

How long dose it take to copy a key

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.

How to Get a Replacement Car Key Without the Original

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.

Summary

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.