We answer at 3am
Open 24 hours, seven days a week, public holidays included
We come to you
The van carries the workshop, so nothing gets towed anywhere
4.9 Star Reviews
Verified Google reviews from around PE
You hear the price first
We quote before we drive out, and that number does not change
Smart Key Setup
How a smart key differs from an ordinary one
A smart key talks to your car constantly over a short range radio signal. The car senses it near the door handle and unlocks, senses it inside the cabin and allows the start button to work. You never take it out of your pocket.
That convenience comes from a lot more electronics, and it means the setup takes more than pairing a single chip. The car has to accept the key into its system across several modules, which is why these jobs take longer than an old chip key.
Waiting periods are normal on some makes
A number of manufacturers build in a security delay before a car will accept a new smart key. The car sits there for a set period with the equipment connected, and nothing speeds that up because it is designed to stop a thief programming a key in a hurry.
We tell you on the phone whether your model does this so you can plan the time rather than stand around wondering.
When people call us
The push start key is lost and the car needs a new one
The car stopped noticing the key unless it is held against the start button
A second key is needed so two drivers can share the car
A used car came with one key and no history
The key got wet or damaged
A key needs removing from the system after a theft or a private sale
The trick worth knowing when your key dies
Most push start cars have a backup. There is usually a hidden blade inside the fob that opens the driver door, and a spot on the steering column or in the centre console where you hold the fob so the car can read it up close. It gets you home when the battery goes flat. If your car has one, ask us to show you where it is while we are there.
Second hand cars and the one key problem
Plenty of used cars are sold with a single smart key. That is fine until the day it fails. Having a second one made while the first still works is much simpler than starting from nothing, and we can delete any keys the previous owner might still have. More on that under spare car keys.
If the car ignores the key entirely
Sometimes the fault sits with the car rather than the key, in an aerial, a receiver or the immobiliser itself. We diagnose that side too, which is covered under immobiliser and key recognition problems.
We come to you, since the car cannot come to us
A push start car with no working key cannot be driven anywhere, so the work has to happen where it stands. Our vans carry proximity keys for common makes and the equipment to set them up, anywhere in Port Elizabeth and Gqeberha.
How smart key setup works
Phone us with your make, model and year and tell us what the key does now.
We confirm what proximity key your car takes and whether a waiting period applies.
We come to your car and connect to it.
We run the security routine and add the new smart key to the system.
We test keyless entry at the handles, the boot and the start button.
We check the emergency blade opens the driver door.
We remove old keys from the system if you want that done.
We're out this way most weeks — so you'll find us near:
What affects the price of smart key setup?
Smart key work sits at the more involved end of auto locksmithing:
The make, model and year, since proximity keys differ a lot across brands
Whether the car holds a waiting period before accepting a new key
Whether any key still works or we are starting from nothing
Whether old keys are being deleted for security
Where the car is standing and what time we come out
Phone us with your details and we will tell you what your car needs and how long it takes.
GetKeys Auto Locksmith
51 Seaview Rd, Farms Port Elizabeth,
Gqeberha, 6390
084 513 4914
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
FAQS
What is a smart key?
It is a key you keep in your pocket. The car senses it near the door to unlock and senses it inside the cabin to allow the start button to work.
Can you programme a push start key without the original?
Yes on most makes. We connect to the car, run the security routine and add a new proximity key, though it takes longer than an ordinary chip key.
Why do some cars take so long to accept a new smart key?
Several manufacturers build in a security delay on purpose, so a thief cannot add a key quickly. The car sits through that period with our equipment connected.
My smart key battery died. How do I get into the car?
There is usually a hidden blade inside the fob that opens the driver door, and a spot in the cabin where you hold the fob against so the car can read it. We can show you where yours is.
I bought a used car with one smart key. Should I get another?
Yes, and it is much easier while the first one still works. We can also delete any keys the previous owner kept.
The car only notices my key when I hold it against the start button. What is wrong?
Usually a flat fob battery, and sometimes a fault on the car's receiving side. We check both and tell you which one it is.