ON-SITESan Antonio · Bulverde · New Braunfels · Boerne · Schertz · Selma · Universal CityREMOTENationwide US & Into CanadaCERTIFIEDNASTF Registered · OEM ToolingHOTLINE(210) 439-7905ON-SITESan Antonio · Bulverde · New Braunfels · Boerne · Schertz · Selma · Universal CityREMOTENationwide US & Into CanadaCERTIFIEDNASTF Registered · OEM ToolingHOTLINE(210) 439-7905
▸ KEYS / IMMOBILIZER

Key not detected
or lost all keys?

A “key not detected” message, a no-crank with a security light, or a lost/failed smart key means the immobilizer isn’t seeing an authorized transponder. Adding or replacing a key on a modern vehicle requires registering it to the immobilizer through secure gateway access — not just cutting a blade. Spot-On is NASTF VSP credentialed for this work in-shop.

▸ WHAT'S USUALLY HAPPENING

Common causes.

  • Lost all keysWith no working key to authorize a new one, the vehicle needs an all-keys-lost programming procedure through secure access.
  • Failed transponderThe chip inside the key stopped responding to the immobilizer, even if the remote buttons still work.
  • Immobilizer or BCM faultThe module that stores key data lost it or failed, so no key is recognized.
  • Aftermarket key never programmedA cut key that was never electronically registered will open doors but never start the car.
▸ HOW SPOT-ON HANDLES IT

Diagnosed properly, fixed at the root.

Modern key programming is regulated to prevent theft — it requires NASTF VSP credentials and secure gateway access, and generic tools often cannot touch 2020-and-newer security. A cut blade alone will never start a car with an immobilizer; the transponder has to be registered to the vehicle.

  1. Verify the immobilizer. Confirm whether the fault is a key, a transponder, or the module that stores them.
  2. Secure gateway access. Authenticate through NASTF-credentialed access on the vehicle’s security system.
  3. Program & register keys. Cut and register new keys — including all-keys-lost — to the immobilizer.
  4. Confirm full function. Verify start, remote functions, and that no active security faults remain.
Related terms — see the glossary Immobilizer → Transponder → NASTF VSP → Security Access →
▸ COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions we get about this.

I lost all my keys — can you still make one?
Yes. All-keys-lost is a specialty of ours. We generate and register a new key through secure access. Bring the vehicle and proof of ownership to our shop.
Why can’t a hardware store or locksmith just cut a key?
A cut blade won’t start a car with an immobilizer. The transponder has to be electronically registered to the vehicle, which requires credentialed secure access most locksmiths don’t hold.
Do you do key work for shops too?
Yes. Key and immobilizer service is available to trade partners mobile to your bay, and to individual vehicle owners in-shop.
▸ FOR VEHICLE OWNERS

In-shop, by appointment

Drop-off at 4715 N Stahl Park, Suite 105, San Antonio. We do not dispatch mobile service to retail customers.

Book an appointment →
▸ FOR TRADE PARTNERS

Mobile, remote, or mail-in

Mobile dispatch across the San Antonio metro. J2534 remote programming + mail-in bench service nationwide.

See trade services →
▸ READY TO BOOK

Let’s get it diagnosed right.

Call with the year, model, and what the vehicle is doing. Bring it in actively faulting if you can — most diagnoses are same-day.

Schedule a Service → (210) 439-7905