Car Key Replacement for All Makes — Exeter
Mobile key cutting and programming for every vehicle manufacturer sold in the UK — at your location, fixed price, available 24 hours
Every car brand uses a different key system — a different transponder chip, a different ECU protocol, a different programming sequence. We carry the diagnostic and programming equipment for virtually every make sold in the UK. Whether you drive a Ford Focus or a Porsche Cayenne, a Land Rover Defender or a Nissan Micra — we come to you in Exeter and Devon, programme your key on site, and have you back on the road without a main dealer booking.
Why Choose Exeter Auto Keys for Your Make
Car Key Programming — What It Actually Involves
Key cutting is the straightforward part. Programming is where brand-specific knowledge and equipment makes the difference between a key that works and one that does not.
Why every brand needs different equipment
Modern vehicle keys are electronic credentials, not just physical objects. A transponder chip must be recognised by the immobiliser ECU before the engine starts. A remote fob must be paired to the body control module. The programming process for a Ford is completely different to a BMW — which is completely different to a Land Rover.
- Each manufacturer uses its own security protocols
- Each model generation may use a different system
- A locksmith with only a handful of dongles cannot genuinely cover all makes
- We invest continuously in expanding our equipment for Devon's vehicle mix
The SMMT reports the UK has over 40 million licensed vehicles across dozens of manufacturers — each with its own key architecture.
What our mobile unit carries
- Key cutting machines (edge-cut, laser-cut, tibbe)
- Transponder programmers (OBD-based)
- EEPROM reading and writing equipment
- Diagnostic interface cables for all major platforms
- Blank key stock for the most common makes
Key programming is carried out via the vehicle's OBD port in most cases — non-invasive, no dashboard removal, no trace after completion. For post-2018 models where OBD programming is locked down, we use EEPROM reading at hardware level — the same method used by main dealer technicians.
The DVLA vehicle registration system is used where required to verify ownership before any work begins.
Dealer vs Exeter Auto Keys
| What matters | Main Dealer | Exeter Auto Keys |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery needed? | Often yes | Never — we come to you |
| Booking wait | 5–14 days | Same day |
| Typical cost | £200–£450+ | Fixed quote from £85 |
| Where it's done | Their workshop | At your vehicle |
| Out of hours | Rarely | 24 / 7 incl. bank holidays |
| Call-out fee | n/a | None |
| IMI qualified | Dealer tech | Yes — theimi.org.uk |
Remote fob repair / pairing: 20–40 min
Smart / proximity key: 45–75 min
All-keys-lost (OBD): 60–90 min
All-keys-lost (EEPROM): 90–120 min
Times vary by make, model and year.
How It Works
Car Brands We Cover
Select your make for model-specific key information, common faults and what we carry for that vehicle.
Don't see your make? Call 01392 925673 — we add new brands regularly.
All Services — Every Make
Every service available for all 26+ brands covered on this page.
Key Systems We Programme
The type of key your vehicle uses depends on make, model and year. Most vehicles made after 1995 use a transponder chip. Vehicles from approximately 2010 onwards increasingly use remote fobs, smart keys or proximity systems. We programme all of the following:
What Our Customers Say
Real jobs, real people — across Exeter.
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Key Programming
Do you cover all car makes and models?
We cover 26 brands on this page — full model ranges, all years sold in the UK, not just current generation. If your make is not listed, call us on 01392 925673. Some vehicles we cover on request without a dedicated page. The only makes we genuinely cannot cover are very rare imports with no UK dealer history and no professional tool manufacturer coverage.
Is it cheaper than going to a main dealer?
Yes — typically significantly. Main dealer key replacement runs £150–£450+ for common makes, more for premium brands, before any recovery costs. We use the same professional equipment at independent specialist rates. Fixed price agreed before we start. See our pricing page for guide prices.
Can you programme a key without the original?
Yes, in most cases. All-keys-lost programming is one of our most common job types. We use OBD-based programming for most modern vehicles, and EEPROM reading for manufacturer-locked systems. We advise on the call which method applies and confirm the price before travelling.
How long does key programming take on-site?
Standard transponder key (Ford, Vauxhall, VW): 30–60 min. Smart / proximity key: 45–75 min. All-keys-lost (OBD method): 60–90 min. All-keys-lost (EEPROM method): 90–120 min. We confirm a realistic duration on the call — we would rather give you an honest window than rush a job.
What is the difference between a transponder key and a smart key?
A transponder key has a chip in the head that communicates with the immobiliser when inserted in the barrel — standard since the mid-1990s. A smart key (PEPS) has no barrel. The car detects it passively and allows entry and start without inserting anything. Smart keys use encrypted rolling codes and require more complex programming. We cover both for all 26 brands listed.
Do you come to my location for any make?
Yes — all work is done at your vehicle wherever it is in our coverage area. Exeter, Topsham, Pinhoe, a Honiton layby, a Tiverton car park — we come to you. Full coverage at /areas-covered/.
Can I get a spare key for a car I already have a key for?
Yes — and it is genuinely worth doing. A spare key costs a fraction of an all-keys-lost job. We cut and programme in a single 30–45 minute visit. The best insurance against the significantly higher cost if the original is ever lost or stolen.
Do you cover older vehicles?
Yes — older vehicles are often simpler, not harder. Pre-2000 models use early transponder chips (ID40, ID60, Philips Crypto) that are well within our capability. Pre-1995 vehicles often need a mechanical cut only — no programming at all. Call us with make, model and year for immediate confirmation.
Need a Key for Your Vehicle?
Tell us your make, model and year when you call. We confirm coverage, give you a fixed price and come directly to your location — no call-out fee, no dealer booking, available 24 hours.