What you might be seeing
- Only key lost or stopped working
- Fob buttons dead (battery vs deeper fault)
- Key turns but car will not start (immobiliser not seeing it)
The likely causes, honestly ranked
- Lost/stolen keys
- Worn fob internals or dead battery
- Immobiliser desync
Do this now
- Search properly first — coats, cars you travelled in, yesterday’s bags
- Try the fob battery: it is a €-coins fix and solves a surprising share of "lost key won’t work" cases
- Request an auto key specialist with your reg — they can cut and CODE keys for most makes at your location
- If keys were stolen with ID showing your address, have the lost key deleted from the car and tell your insurer
What to avoid
- Buying blank fobs online expecting them to just work — coding to the immobiliser is the actual job
- Paying dealer-tow prices before asking a mobile specialist
Fix problems like this for a living?
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Frequently asked questions
Can a new car key be made without the original?
For most makes, yes — specialists derive keys from the car itself with proof of ownership. Bring the logbook and photo ID.
How long does key coding take?
Commonly under an hour at the car for mainstream makes; some models need dealer-level equipment. Give your reg when requesting so the answer is honest.
Should stolen keys be deleted from the car?
Yes — coding deletes lost fobs so they no longer start the vehicle, which matters if the key went missing with your address attached.
Written and reviewed by the Escargo team · Updated 9 August 2026 · Escargo shows real local businesses only — where none is listed yet, the page says so honestly.