- Joined
- May 25, 2012
- Messages
- 1,813
- Reaction score
- 200
- Points
- 63
- Location
- Hull, UK
- Website
- www.immotec.co.uk
Ok, so some of you may have worked out by now im playing with keys as a hobby, not just vag cars, but all cars.
Where possible i have offered help to forum members, and only asked my costs are covered. This isnt an advert btw, i am well aware of the policy around sponsors and adverts etc.
However having been asked recently about pre coded keys, i just wanted to make a few things clear.
I personally CANNOT pre code keys. I can re sync a key to a car, i can program a precoded key to a car. I use advanced diagnostics equipment for this, but VCDS may also work.
To precode a key, I would need to read the cars info with one machine, but then literally use 'brute force' trying 256 combinations for the last byte of data of precode info, with the help of a second machine. Both diagnostic machines needed cost in excess of 2grand each, and one uses a token prepayment system. These tokens I buy in advance and range in cost from 30-50quid!
Reading a pin code / skc uses one token, programming a key uses another (vcds obviously is useful here), and precoding im not sure, i havent bought the extra 2k worth of tools needed!!
Bearing in mind the cost of the machinary and tokens, its very important that correct parts are bought, not just anything that might be cheap on ebay. Tokens used to program cant be reimbursed when used in error.
I understand keys are very expensive at the dealer, in most cases an auto locksmith will be cheaper. However I understand the costs involved to produce a key as i own a tenth of the equipment an auto locksmith may own!
Another thing you should be aware of is the cheap hard metal used on some keys, most key cutters i know will not cut them as they damage the cutting equipment. Best off letting the locksmith supply if he is going to cut it.
Now, I would advise anyone with only one key to get a spare ASAP. To make a key you need ignition, it can be bypassed, but if you lose your key youll need a professional to gain entry, pick and decode your lock (i have tools to do this too, but they are not cheap and break easy) . You will also need to prove ownership, a bit hard if your out away from home. These costs could be through the roof, so well worth buying even a non remote key just to start the car.
Most of the keys I can program are with VCDS and pin retrieval, im always happy to help members as long as it costs me nothing.
Hoping this post clears up some questions as i have seen a lot of key requests flying around the forum, i just with i could help more people (ive lost my keys before and it was nasty!)
Where possible i have offered help to forum members, and only asked my costs are covered. This isnt an advert btw, i am well aware of the policy around sponsors and adverts etc.
However having been asked recently about pre coded keys, i just wanted to make a few things clear.
I personally CANNOT pre code keys. I can re sync a key to a car, i can program a precoded key to a car. I use advanced diagnostics equipment for this, but VCDS may also work.
To precode a key, I would need to read the cars info with one machine, but then literally use 'brute force' trying 256 combinations for the last byte of data of precode info, with the help of a second machine. Both diagnostic machines needed cost in excess of 2grand each, and one uses a token prepayment system. These tokens I buy in advance and range in cost from 30-50quid!
Reading a pin code / skc uses one token, programming a key uses another (vcds obviously is useful here), and precoding im not sure, i havent bought the extra 2k worth of tools needed!!
Bearing in mind the cost of the machinary and tokens, its very important that correct parts are bought, not just anything that might be cheap on ebay. Tokens used to program cant be reimbursed when used in error.
I understand keys are very expensive at the dealer, in most cases an auto locksmith will be cheaper. However I understand the costs involved to produce a key as i own a tenth of the equipment an auto locksmith may own!
Another thing you should be aware of is the cheap hard metal used on some keys, most key cutters i know will not cut them as they damage the cutting equipment. Best off letting the locksmith supply if he is going to cut it.
Now, I would advise anyone with only one key to get a spare ASAP. To make a key you need ignition, it can be bypassed, but if you lose your key youll need a professional to gain entry, pick and decode your lock (i have tools to do this too, but they are not cheap and break easy) . You will also need to prove ownership, a bit hard if your out away from home. These costs could be through the roof, so well worth buying even a non remote key just to start the car.
Most of the keys I can program are with VCDS and pin retrieval, im always happy to help members as long as it costs me nothing.
Hoping this post clears up some questions as i have seen a lot of key requests flying around the forum, i just with i could help more people (ive lost my keys before and it was nasty!)
