We program transponder keys, remote head keys, proximity smart keys, and push-to-start fobs for nearly every make and model — on-site, with dealer-level OEM tools. Spare keys, replacements, and full all-keys-lost programming all handled in one mobile visit.
Our mobile car key programming service covers transponder keys, remote head keys, proximity smart keys, and push-to-start fobs for nearly every make and model. Whether you need a spare programmed alongside an existing key, a replacement after a battery failure, or full smart key programming for a push-to-start vehicle, we handle the job on-site with OEM-grade equipment.
If you've lost your car keys entirely, we combine programming with on-the-spot car key replacement — cutting a new key from your VIN and pairing it to your immobilizer in a single visit. As your local Burbank automotive locksmith, we also serve Glendale, Pasadena, and North Hollywood.
Tell us your vehicle year, make, model, and the type of key or fob you need programmed.
Our mobile technician arrives with the correct blank key or fob and OEM-grade programming hardware.
We connect to your vehicle's OBD port (or read the EEPROM directly when required) and pair the new key to the immobilizer.
We test every function — lock, unlock, panic, trunk, remote start, and engine start — before completing the job.
An all keys lost service in Burbank is more involved than making a spare from an existing working key. When there is no key to copy, our technician must confirm the correct key type, verify ownership, and prepare the vehicle to accept a new key safely.
This type of car key replacement with no original key may cost more than duplicate keys because it can require extra security access, cutting information, and testing time. In most cases, our mobile locksmith no key situation service is completed on-site, so towing to a dealership is not required.
Car key programming is the process of authenticating a new key or fob to your vehicle's immobilizer so the engine will start. Cutting a metal key blade alone is not enough on any vehicle built after the mid-1990s — the immobilizer must learn the cryptographic ID of the chip inside the key. Our technicians perform this on-site by connecting OEM-grade programming hardware to your vehicle's OBD port and walking the immobilizer through its key-learn procedure.
In some cases — particularly older European vehicles, vehicles with corrupted modules, or all-keys-lost jobs where the OBD path is blocked — we read and write the EEPROM chip on the BCM or immobilizer module directly. Both methods are part of a complete mobile car key programming service and are handled in a single visit.
Transponder keys have a passive chip in the head that the ignition ring reads when the key is inserted. Remote head keys add lock, unlock, panic, and trunk buttons. Smart keys (proximity fobs) let you unlock and start the vehicle without inserting a key — the car detects the fob within range. Push-to-start fobs pair with a starter button on the dash and rely on a network of interior antennas to detect the fob in the cabin.
Each type uses different programming equipment and protocols — and we carry all of them. For modern proximity vehicles, our smart key programming service covers brand- and model-specific procedures including ECU and BCM resynchronization.
When there is no working key, the job becomes more involved: we must verify ownership, retrieve or generate the key code, cut a new mechanical key (or program a virgin smart fob), and pair it to the immobilizer. Some vehicles also require a security delay or PIN-by-VIN authorization before the new key will accept. All of this is part of our standard lost car keys service and is completed on-site, with no tow to the dealership.
We program keys and fobs for virtually every passenger vehicle on the road today. Common requests include Toyota Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Tacoma; Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V; Ford F-150, Explorer, and Escape; Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, and Equinox; Nissan Altima and Rogue; Hyundai Elantra and Tucson; Kia Forte and Sportage; plus Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Subaru, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, RAM, GMC, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
Don't see your vehicle listed? It is almost certainly supported. See our full list of car brands we service in Burbank, or send your year, make, and model to (818) 606-1684 for a firm flat-rate quote before dispatch.
Many vehicle problems overlap, so we connect each page to nearby services that may help next: emergency car lockout service, car key replacement in Burbank, car key programming, smart key programming service, ignition repair, and our car brands we service in Burbank guide.
Related pages explain car key replacement in Burbank, lost car key service, ignition repair, smart key programming, and emergency car lockout help.
Almost every vehicle built after the mid-1990s has an immobilizer that prevents the engine from starting unless it sees a recognized chip in the key or fob. Programming is the process of teaching that immobilizer to accept a new transponder key, remote, or smart fob. Cutting the key alone is not enough — without programming, the engine will crank but will not start.
A transponder key has a chip in the head that authenticates with the immobilizer. A remote head key adds lock/unlock buttons. A smart key (proximity fob) lets you unlock and start the car without inserting a key — the vehicle senses the fob nearby. Push-to-start fobs are smart keys that pair with a starter button. Each type uses different programming protocols and equipment, all of which we carry on the truck.
Yes. All-keys-lost is one of our most common jobs. We can read the immobilizer (or pull the key code from your VIN), generate a virgin key or fob, and program it to start the engine — all on-site. No towing to a dealership and no original key required.
Most programming jobs take 15–45 minutes once the technician arrives. Adding a spare to a vehicle that already has a working key is the fastest. All-keys-lost and high-security European vehicles can take 45–90 minutes depending on the immobilizer generation and any required ECU/BCM relearn.
Yes — when done with proper OEM-grade equipment. We use the same diagnostic protocols, blank keys, and fob shells the dealership uses, just delivered to you mobile, same-day, and typically 30–50% less than dealer pricing. You also avoid the tow bill and the appointment wait.
The immobilizer is a small computer (often inside the BCM, ECM, or a dedicated module) that stores the cryptographic IDs of authorized keys. Most modern vehicles allow programming through the OBD port, but some — especially older European cars or vehicles with corrupted modules — require reading and writing the EEPROM chip directly. We carry both OBD programmers and EEPROM tools to handle either case.
We program keys and fobs for virtually every passenger vehicle: Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Subaru, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, RAM, GMC, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and more. See our complete list of supported brands or send us your VIN to confirm before dispatch.
We are 100% mobile. Our technician comes to your driveway, workplace, parking lot, or roadside anywhere in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and the greater Los Angeles area. There is no shop to visit and no tow required.