Push-to-Start Vehicles Use a Different Kind of Key
If your car starts by pressing a button on the dashboard (instead of turning a metal key in the ignition), you've got a proximity smart key — sometimes called a "smart key," "fob key," "push-to-start key," or "proximity key" depending on the manufacturer. The key fob talks wirelessly to the car continuously, and as long as it's inside the cabin, the car knows you're authorized to drive.
These keys are different from older transponder keys in three important ways:
- They have no traditional metal blade in the ignition (though most include a small emergency blade hidden in the fob for backup)
- They work via two-way encrypted radio communication, not just a passive chip
- They use more sophisticated programming requiring specialty tools and current manufacturer access
What We Do For Push-to-Start Vehicles
- Replacement smart keys — Lost, stolen, broken, or never had a spare? We cut the emergency blade and program a new proximity key on-site.
- Spare / duplicate smart keys — Make a backup before you need it. Cheaper than emergency replacement.
- Smart key battery replacement — Fob dead? Most can be replaced in 2 minutes but some require disassembly tricks.
- Reprogramming after battery / electrical issues — Some smart keys lose sync after major electrical events and need to be re-registered.
- All-keys-lost programming — Lost every working key? We can program new ones from scratch on most vehicles.
- Emergency blade cutting — The hidden mechanical blade in the fob (for accessing the car if the battery dies) can be cut to your specific lock.
Brands We Handle
Most major brands and most model years. Some examples:
- Asian: Toyota / Lexus smart keys, Honda / Acura, Nissan / Infiniti, Hyundai / Kia / Genesis, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi
- American: Ford / Lincoln Intelligent Access, Chevrolet / GMC / Cadillac, Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Ram, Tesla
- European (most years): BMW Comfort Access, Mercedes (most pre-2014), Audi MMI, VW, Mini, Porsche, Volvo
A note on certain European luxury vehicles: Some Mercedes (2014+), BMW (G-series), Range Rover, and Audi vehicles from 2018+ require dealer programming due to encrypted security systems we cannot bypass. We'll know upfront based on your VIN and tell you honestly if dealer is the only option. Call (253) 796-8550.
