What Aaron Does When All Keys Are Lost
All-keys-lost is the most technically demanding auto locksmith job. Unlike a lockout or spare key, there is no working key to reference. Aaron programmes from scratch using dealer-level equipment. Here’s exactly what happens from your call to keys in hand.
Tell Aaron the vehicle make, model and year. He confirms whether he can programme that vehicle (virtually all makes), gives you a firm price and tells you how long he’ll be. No obligation at this stage.
Aaron travels to your exact location with all necessary equipment. He’ll need proof of ownership — V5C logbook, insurance document or proof of ID matching the registered keeper. Have this ready to save time.
Aaron identifies the exact key type, immobiliser system and ECU configuration for your vehicle. If access to the vehicle interior is needed, Aaron gains entry non-destructively before programming begins.
Aaron cuts the blade profile and programmes the transponder chip directly to the vehicle’s ECU using the Autel IM508, Smart Pro, Xhorse VVDI2 or ACDP depending on the make. Both keys are tested before Aaron leaves.
Vehicle starts, all locks working, immobiliser cleared. Job complete. No dealer visit, no tow truck, no waiting days for parts. Aaron clears the invoice and you’re done.
Aaron will always require proof that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle before programming any keys. This is standard practice for all responsible auto locksmiths — as recommended by the Auto Locksmith Association.
A Real All-Keys-Lost Job: Peugeot Boxer, Barnsley
Not a scenario. Not a stock photo. This is a genuine callout Aaron completed — documented with the actual vehicle, location, equipment used and outcome.
2018 Peugeot Boxer — All Keys Lost
A customer in Darton, Barnsley lost all keys to their 2018 Peugeot Boxer van. No spare, no working key of any kind. The van was fully immobilised on site — couldn’t be moved without a key. Calling a Peugeot dealer would have meant towing costs, days of waiting and a bill of £400+ plus VAT.
Aaron attended and used the Autel IM508 to programme 2 new keys directly to the van’s ECU. Both keys were cut on site to the Boxer’s blade profile and coded to the immobiliser. No tow truck. No dealer visit.
The Equipment That Makes All-Keys-Lost Possible
Most auto locksmiths carry one basic programmer. For a simple spare key that’s often enough. For all-keys-lost on a modern vehicle — especially encrypted modules — it is not. Aaron carries four specialist systems specifically because all-keys-lost is one of the most common and technically demanding jobs he receives.
Handles all-keys-lost on Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Toyota, Kia and most mainstream makes. IMMO bypass and key coding without needing a working key.
For all-keys-lost on BMW with CAS/CAS4 modules, Mercedes EIS/ESL and Land Rover/Jaguar KVM — the jobs that defeat most programmers.
Lost keys on VW, Audi, SEAT or Skoda require PIN extraction and transponder generation. The VVDI2 handles this without a working key.
BCM2, CAS and ECU bench programming when OBD access alone is insufficient. Used for encrypted Audi, BMW and van modules that other tools cannot reach.
Why this matters to you: When you call a locksmith for all-keys-lost, the most important question to ask is what equipment they carry. A locksmith without the right programmer will either decline the job or attempt it with inadequate tools — wasting your time and potentially complicating the vehicle’s security system. Aaron lists his equipment by name because he carries it. See the About page for full equipment details and the Recent Jobs page for documented examples.
Lost Keys Covered for All Major Makes
Aaron covers virtually every make on UK roads for all-keys-lost — the only exception is Tesla. Click any make below for specific information about that vehicle’s key system and what’s involved.
Don’t see your make? Aaron covers 34 makes in total — including Honda, Hyundai, SEAT, Skoda, Volvo, Jaguar, Fiat and more.
View all 34 makes ›Why Not Just Go to the Main Dealer?
It’s the natural first instinct when you’ve lost all your keys — call the manufacturer dealer. Here’s what actually happens when you do, versus calling Aaron.
The Which? consumer guide on car key replacement confirms that independent specialists consistently offer faster turnaround and lower costs than main dealers for key programming — particularly for all-keys-lost situations. Aaron’s 100+ five-star Google reviews across South and West Yorkshire are evidence of this in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost Car Keys
Lost Car Key Service Across South & West Yorkshire
Aaron provides lost car key replacement across South and West Yorkshire — including Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham, Wakefield and Pontefract — 24 hours a day. Click any area for local coverage details.
Also covering: Wombwell · Mexborough · Conisbrough · Hoyland · Castleford · Thurnscoe · Maltby · Rawmarsh · Hemsworth · Featherstone · Darfield · Armthorpe and more. View all areas ›
Other Services Aaron Provides
Once back on the road, consider getting a spare key programmed immediately — it’s significantly cheaper than another all-keys-lost job.