Push To Start Key Fob Replacement: Cost, Steps & Options

That moment when you press the start button and nothing happens can send your heart racing. Whether your key fob has stopped working, gone missing, or taken an unfortunate trip through the washing machine, you're now facing a push to start key fob replacement. The good news? You've got more options than you might think.

Getting a replacement sorted doesn't have to mean an expensive trip to the dealership or days without your vehicle. Understanding your choices, from where to buy a replacement to how programming works, can save you significant time and money. The process varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but accessible solutions exist beyond what most drivers realise.

At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we help vehicle owners across North West Lancashire with key fob replacements every day. This guide walks you through the costs, steps, and options available for replacing your push-to-start key fob, so you can make an informed decision and get back on the road quickly.

What a push-to-start key fob is and why it matters

Your push-to-start key fob serves as both a remote and a security chip that communicates wirelessly with your vehicle. Unlike traditional keys that physically turn an ignition barrel, this system uses radio frequency identification (RFID) or low-frequency signals to authenticate your identity. When you press the start button, your car's computer verifies the fob's unique signal before allowing the engine to fire up.

How push-to-start systems work

The technology relies on proximity detection and encrypted communication between your fob and your vehicle's immobiliser system. Your fob constantly sends a rolling code that changes with each use, making it virtually impossible to duplicate without specialized equipment. This security feature protects your vehicle but also explains why a push to start key fob replacement requires programming rather than simple cutting.

Modern vehicles store this authentication data in multiple control modules. Your replacement fob needs to be synced with these systems before it will work, which involves accessing your car's onboard diagnostics port or using manufacturer-specific programming equipment.

The encrypted communication between your fob and vehicle is what keeps your car secure, but it's also why replacements require professional programming.

Why replacement costs more than traditional keys

Push-to-start fobs contain sophisticated electronics and transponder chips that traditional metal keys don't have. The programming process requires diagnostic tools and access to manufacturer databases, which dealerships and qualified automotive locksmiths maintain. You're paying for the physical fob itself, the transponder chip, cutting the emergency blade (most fobs have one hidden inside), and the technical expertise needed to program it to your specific vehicle.

Parts alone can range from £50 to £200 depending on your car's make and model, with programming adding another layer to the overall cost.

Step 1. Confirm your car's key type and details

Before you contact anyone about a push to start key fob replacement, you need to gather specific information about your vehicle and key. This step prevents wasted time and ensures whoever you approach can give you an accurate quote and proper service. Different car manufacturers use different fob systems, and even models from the same year can have variations.

Check your vehicle documents

Your V5C registration certificate (logbook) contains crucial information about your vehicle that any locksmith or dealership will need. Look for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which appears as a 17-character code on the document and typically on a plate inside your driver's door frame or on the dashboard near the windscreen.

You should also check your owner's manual for key specifications. Most manuals include a section about keys and remotes that lists the exact type your vehicle uses.

What information you need

Write down these details before requesting quotes:

• Vehicle make, model, and year

• VIN (all 17 characters)

• Current key fob model number (usually printed on the back)

• Whether you have any working keys remaining

• Your vehicle's exact trim level

Having your VIN ready speeds up the entire replacement process, as it allows suppliers to identify the exact fob and programming requirements for your specific vehicle.

Step 2. Choose your replacement route

Once you've confirmed your vehicle details, you face three main replacement paths for your push to start key fob replacement. Each option carries different costs, timescales, and convenience levels, so understanding what each provider offers helps you make the right choice for your situation.

Main options available

Franchised dealerships typically charge the highest prices (often £200-£400) but guarantee manufacturer-approved parts and programming. They require you to book an appointment and bring your vehicle to their location, which can mean days without transport if they need to order parts.

Automotive locksmiths like Rush Auto Locksmiths offer a middle-ground solution with competitive pricing and mobile service. You get professional programming at your location, often within hours rather than days, and costs typically range from £150-£250 depending on your vehicle.

Online key suppliers sell blank fobs at the lowest prices (£40-£100), but you still need professional programming afterwards. This route only saves money if you can find an independent programmer willing to work with customer-supplied parts.

Mobile automotive locksmiths combine professional expertise with the convenience of coming to your location, often matching dealership quality at lower prices.

Which route suits your situation

Choose a dealership if you prioritize warranty coverage and don't mind higher costs. Select an automotive locksmith when you need quick, convenient service at reasonable prices. Consider the online route only if you have confirmed that local programmers will work with parts you supply.

Step 3. Get the fob cut and programmed

After choosing your replacement route, your push to start key fob replacement requires two distinct procedures: cutting the emergency blade (if your fob has one) and programming the electronic components to communicate with your vehicle. Most push-to-start fobs contain a hidden physical key that slides out for emergencies, and this blade needs cutting to match your door locks.

The programming process explained

Programming involves connecting diagnostic equipment to your vehicle's OBD-II port (usually located under the dashboard near the steering column). The technician accesses your car's immobiliser system and registers the new fob's unique code into the vehicle's memory. This process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your car's make and security protocols.

Some manufacturers require all existing fobs to be present during programming, as the system erases previous codes and re-registers everything simultaneously. Ask your chosen provider about this requirement before your appointment to avoid complications.

Professional programming equipment costs thousands of pounds, which is why dealerships and qualified automotive locksmiths are your only reliable options for completing this step.

What to expect during service

Your technician will request proof of ownership (V5C logbook) and photo identification before starting work. They'll then cut the emergency blade, program the fob's transponder chip, and test all functions including remote locking, unlocking, boot release, and engine start. Request a demonstration that everything works before the technician leaves or you drive away.

Step 4. If you have no working keys

When you've lost all your keys rather than just needing a spare, your push to start key fob replacement becomes significantly more complicated and expensive. Without a working fob to program alongside the new one, locksmiths and dealerships must use advanced diagnostic procedures to access your vehicle's immobiliser system. This situation requires additional equipment and often takes longer than standard key programming.

What changes when you've lost all keys

Your technician needs to extract security data directly from your vehicle's ECU (engine control unit) or BCM (body control module) to create a completely new key profile. This process involves specialist software and manufacturer-specific protocols that vary widely between brands. Some vehicles allow this through the OBD port, while others require physical removal of control modules for direct programming.

You must provide additional proof of ownership beyond your V5C logbook. Expect to show photo identification, proof of address matching the registered keeper details, and possibly insurance documents.

All-keys-lost situations typically cost 50-100% more than standard replacements due to the additional technical work and security verification required.

Expected costs and timescales

Budget between £250 and £600 depending on your vehicle's make and security system complexity. Luxury and European brands typically sit at the higher end. The work usually takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, though some vehicles require overnight module programming.

Quick recap and what to do next

Getting a push to start key fob replacement doesn't have to overwhelm you. You've learned that confirming your vehicle details and VIN comes first, followed by choosing between dealerships, automotive locksmiths, or online suppliers. The replacement itself requires professional cutting and programming, which takes 15 to 45 minutes for standard replacements but extends to several hours if you've lost all your keys.

Your situation determines your best route forward. Having a spare fob present speeds up programming and reduces costs significantly compared to all-keys-lost scenarios. Mobile automotive locksmiths offer the convenience of coming to your location while maintaining professional standards at competitive prices.

If you need a replacement in North West Lancashire, Rush Auto Locksmiths provides mobile key fob programming across the Fylde Coast and beyond. We handle everything from basic spare key creation to complex all-keys-lost situations, working with all vehicle makes and models. Contact us today to get an accurate quote and arrange service at a location that suits you.