- Texas License #B19847
- Family Owned Since 2010
- Texas Markets 36
- Response · Central TX approx 14 min
- Dispatch 24 / 7
- Google Rating 4.9 / 5
WHAT WE HANDLE
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Chip Key Programming
Traditional transponder keys for 1995 to present. Cut to VIN, paired to immobilizer ECU in one visit.
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FOBIK and Smart Keys
Push-button proximity fobs, switchblade flip keys, and FOBIK integrated remotes programmed for all makes.
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All Keys Lost
No working key to start from? We access the ECU directly or read the EEPROM for Honda, Acura, and select European models.
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Spare Key Addition
Add a programmed spare while the OBD-II connection is live. Most vehicles allow four to eight keys in memory.
HOW TRANSPONDER KEY REPLACEMENT WORKS
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Call with Your VIN
Provide your year, make, model, and VIN. We confirm the correct chip type, blank availability, and pricing before dispatch.
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Technician Arrives On-Site
We come to wherever the vehicle is parked: a driveway in Cedar Park, a parking garage off Congress, or a surface lot near the Domain.
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Blade Cut to VIN or Existing Key
The new key blank is cut on our mobile cutting machine using your VIN or a laser trace of your existing key. Physical fit verified first.
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Chip Paired to Immobilizer ECU
We connect the OBD-II diagnostic tool to your vehicle's computer and write the new chip's code into the immobilizer's authorized key registry.
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Three Cold-Start Verification
We test three consecutive starts with the engine fully cold. Security light must extinguish. Spare keys programmed at the same connection if requested.
THE MECHANICS BEHIND THE SERVICE
Why a Cut-Only Key Starts the Ignition But Not the Engine
A transponder key contains a passive RFID chip, no battery. When the key enters the ignition, an antenna coil encircling the ignition barrel emits a low-frequency radio field. That field energizes the chip, which responds by broadcasting a unique identification code. The immobilizer ECU receives the code, compares it against its authorized key registry, and, if there is a match, lifts the fuel injection cutoff and allows the starter relay to engage.
A hardware store copy cuts the blade correctly. It turns the ignition cylinder. But the chip is absent. The antenna coil broadcasts its challenge, receives nothing back, and the ECU leaves the immobilizer active. The starter may crank, but the injectors stay off. You hear the engine turn over and refuse to fire. The security light on the dash confirms why.
Modern systems, particularly European platforms from 2005 onward, use rolling-code chips rather than fixed-code chips. Each time the key starts the vehicle, the chip and ECU exchange a new code based on a shared algorithm, much like a bank token. A cloned fixed code from an older key will not work on a rolling-code system. Cloning requires capturing and replicating the algorithm, which is what professional OBD-II programming equipment handles. For all-keys-lost scenarios on write-protected ECUs, we read and rewrite the EEPROM chip directly, extracting the current authorization data and resetting the key registry.
- Passive RFID: chip draws power from the antenna coil, no battery to replace
- Rolling-code systems: each start uses a new code, cloning is not possible without the ECU
- EEPROM access: all-keys-lost on write-protected ECUs without towing to the dealer
- OBD-II programming: adds the new chip code to the registry without erasing existing keys
1995
Year transponder immobilizers became standard on most domestic and Japanese makes
40-60%
Less than dealer pricing for the same cut-and-program service
No Tow
We program on-site. Dealer all-keys-lost requires a tow at your expense.
Texas DPS License #B19847 · Bonded · Insured
TRANSPONDER KEY TYPES: COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
| Feature | Basic Transponder | Switchblade Flip Key | Smart Key / Proximity | FOBIK Push-Button |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common vehicles | Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda 1995-2015 | GM, VW, Audi, Nissan 2000-present | Lexus, BMW, Nissan, Honda 2007-present | Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM 2007-present |
| Locksmith cost | $100-$200 | $150-$300 | $200-$400 | $250-$450 |
| Dealer cost | $200-$400 | $300-$500 | $400-$700 | $350-$600 |
| Programming method | OBD-II or self-program | OBD-II required | OBD-II required | OBD-II + remote pairing |
| All-keys-lost complexity | Low to moderate | Moderate | High | High |
Customers, on the work
Texas reviews.
Five-star work, in the customers' own words. No edits, no filters.
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I had “Pros On Call” change the locks on my home that I recently purchased. It was easy to get a hold of them, they made an appointment quickly and did a great job for a fair price. I had them come out about two weeks later and put a deadbolt lock on my front door as well and again - easy to get a hold of, they had to order an aged bronze deadbolt lock 🔐 but once it arrived they came out quickly, did a great job, were neat and it was a fair price. I highly recommend “Pros On Call” for all of your Locksmith needs! 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ for sure!!
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This guy come and help me at the last moment and be very professional and fair price
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Josh was amazing! I called him when I was locked out of my car, and he arrived within 20 minutes. He was professional, fast, and had my car unlocked in no time. The whole process was stress free, and his pricing was fair. I really appreciate how quickly he came to help. Highly recommend Josh if you ever need a reliable locksmith!
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Josh was awesome, he came to the rescue and I didn’t have to wait longer than 30 minutes in total. He also was incredibly kind and understanding of my situation. Dropped off my kids, and somehow my key fab went missing! Also gave me a discount!!
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It sucks they charge an inconvenience fee of 49.00. Which I wish you would have mentioned this on our intial call. Transparency would have been to say hey we charge an inconvenience fee. Never once was this mentioned. When we spoke with the representative all she said was the locksmith will call you with a price. Never once did she say we take your payment info so we can charge you an inconvenience fee. If that was mentioned then this would have been handled differently. She made it seem like we need a card on file to help. Then they attempted to debit my card twice for two separate transactions for 49.00. I understand you run a business. But transparency is key. I specifically asked her what I would be charged for never once did she mention this. Lesson learned. Update***she reached out in regards to my Google review. Although I attempted to resolve per phone call. Shameless.
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Great service Ermi took less than 2 minutes. Thank you so much!
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Excellent service and high quality items! Roland was able to get me this key fob AND program it for a great price. Rechargeable fob is a lot more convenient than having to replace the battery every time it dies. Thank you !
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I have been a customer of pros on call for like over 2 years about and have had to call on them about 6 times. I had used several other locksmith in the prior 15 years but once Roland , one of many these pros came over I never use sny other locksmith service. I am very happy with this company I usually asks for Roland because I know him best and I have developed a kinda professional friendship with him but you can't lose no matter who it is that helps you. All top notch pros. I have called days and night. I am elderley snd lost my keys and I had some stolen. I would tell anyone that ask to call this company. You won't find any better. Here are a few keys Roland msde for me. I have 3 cars an a home. I have to locate my home keys do I didn't have the opputunity to take a picture of them but these here are greal examples.
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Super great experience! Roland was very fast at getting to where I was. Overall he did an amazing job! Plus super affordable prices, you can't beat that! 10/10
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Locksmith Roland provided exceptional service at a affordable price point, and I highly recommend both the individual and the company. 💯
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I had Zach come out to the property that I purchased out in Luling, Texas. It’s about 10 acres, and it has a garage with a corroded lock. Out of all the companies I have called, which is roughly 5 to 6. He was able to take my call, head out the next day, and take care of the corroded lock I need fixed on my property. He was extremely professional and helped me by giving me instructions on how to operate the lock as well! I’m in the military and not able to be in the area, so he was very understanding and professional. Highly recommend!
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Josh was amazing!!! Got us back up and running with two new key fobs in less than 30 mins. He definitely knows his business and has the experience. Got a great deal and I will definitely be calling him the next time we are in need of assistance again. Thank you, Josh!
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Josh was a really good technician fast and prompt.... If this ever happens again (hopefully it doesn't )I'll be calling him.
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Zach got to me asap and even called to make sure we were communicating the right location of my truck! Within 10 minutes it was open and running! He’s the man! Thank you so much for the quick turnaround!
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Their response time was great. Orlando did a great job. No replacement parts were needed and repairs took an hour. I was badly disappointed at the high bill, even with a military discount. Maybe that is why I couldn’t get an approximate estimate before Orlando came. Bottom line : good work, too expensive
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Very helpful and super friendly. They were able to unlock my door in minutes at an affordable price! Even offered spare key services!
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Miguel was very professional and efficient in his work he was very easy to work with and quick in doing his job
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The locksmith was quick and very efficient, got me back on the road on no time!
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He was very fast, was able to make me a key and a spare when I was stranded
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Pricing for this service is custom-quoted
Specialty work like this depends on parts, building type, and scope. Call for a precise price or send the details and we will quote within the hour.
Licensed #B19847. Free phone quotes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my car key has a transponder chip?
Most vehicles built after 1995 use transponder keys. The clearest sign is a thick plastic head on the key, which houses the chip. Try this test: get a basic blade-only copy cut at a hardware store and attempt to start the car. If the blade turns the ignition but the engine does not start, or the security light stays on, you have a transponder system. Thin all-metal keys with no plastic head are typically non-transponder and predate the mid-1990s immobilizer era.
Why won't a hardware store key copy start my car?
A hardware store can copy the physical blade profile, but cannot clone or program the transponder chip. When you insert the copy, the blade turns the ignition cylinder correctly. The engine management computer then reads the chip via an antenna coil around the ignition and finds no authorized code. The immobilizer stays active and the fuel injectors or starter relay stay cut off. The engine does not start. You need a locksmith or dealer with OBD-II programming equipment to add a new authorized chip code to the vehicle's memory.
Can you program a transponder key if I have lost all keys?
Yes. All-keys-lost is a more involved procedure than adding a spare when one working key exists, but we handle it regularly. For most domestic vehicles we access the immobilizer ECU through the OBD-II port. For Honda, Acura, and a few older European models where the ECU is write-protected, we read and rewrite the EEPROM directly, which means removing and briefly opening the immobilizer module. We confirm the procedure for your specific year, make, and model before dispatch so you know exactly what to expect.
Is transponder key replacement cheaper at a locksmith than at the dealer?
Typically 40 to 60 percent cheaper. Dealers charge $200 to $600 for transponder key replacement and, when all keys are lost, require you to tow the vehicle to their service bay, adding $150 to $300. We come to you with the same diagnostic equipment and program on-site. Domestic makes run $100 to $200. Japanese makes run $125 to $250. European and luxury makes run $200 to $450. We quote the exact price when you call after confirming your VIN.
How many transponder keys can be programmed to one vehicle?
Most vehicles allow four to eight authorized keys in their memory simultaneously. Domestic vehicles typically allow eight. Japanese makes allow four to six. European makes range from four to eight depending on platform. When the memory is full, programming one new key requires deleting an existing slot. We carry the equipment to manage the key registry during the same visit.
What is the difference between a transponder key and a push-button FOBIK key?
A traditional transponder key has the chip in the plastic head and requires physical insertion into the ignition cylinder. A FOBIK (Fob Integrated Key) combines the blade and the remote fob in one unit, and the proximity transmitter communicates with the vehicle without insertion for push-button start. Both use encrypted communication with the immobilizer ECU, but FOBIK programming requires both the remote function and the immobilizer pairing to be configured, which adds time and cost. FOBIK keys also carry a higher blank cost.
Do you serve Round Rock, Cedar Park, and other Austin suburbs for transponder key work?
Yes. From our Central Austin dispatch we cover Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and 36 Texas markets. Transponder key work is fully mobile. We come to wherever the vehicle is parked, whether that is a parking garage off I-35, a driveway in Steiner Ranch, or a surface lot near the Domain. Call and we confirm your area immediately.
Does the immobilizer light going out confirm the key is programmed correctly?
The security or immobilizer light extinguishing after a successful start is a good sign, but the definitive test is three consecutive cold starts. If the key starts the vehicle reliably on the first turn every time, including after the car has been off for several hours, the chip is paired correctly. We run that verification before we leave. If the light stays on or flashes during startup, we diagnose the antenna coil and ECU before closing out the job.
Request automotive locksmith service
Car lockouts, key replacement, transponder and key programming. Mobile service that comes to your vehicle.
(888) 601-6005Immobilizer Light On? Key Won't Start the Car? We Program On-Site.
Texas-licensed technicians, License #B19847. Mobile service across Austin and 36 Texas cities. No towing required. Call now.
Call Now: (888) 601-6005Licensed & Insured · License #B19847 · Average 30-min arrival
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