New key programming - Should key turn before programming

[MW94]

I got a new fob and got the key cut with intention of getting it programmed separately as its cheaper than a dealer.

Im not sure if this is an issue but should the key turn before its programmed or does it only turn when its programmed?

Would be good to know before getting it programmed in case I have to get key re-cut.

[vxr2010]

has your old key stopped working , with a lot of fobs assuming your old key works you can swap over the internals and put a new battery in , it’s an easier route than programming

[MW94]

No, the key i got with the car still works but there was not a 2nd key with it so im trying to get a 2nd one as cheap as possible by not going to a dealer.

Ive already got a fob with a chip and the key has been cut to match the original. The key fits fine into the barrel but doesnt turn - is this right? Should an unprigrammed key not turn in the barrel?

By the way I got a surprisingly low quote of £40 for programming so im pretty sure getting a new barrel etc would be more costly.

[JimbobVFR]

IMO the key should be able to turn even without programming the fob. Sounds like your key isn't cut correctly.

[M4cruiser]

When I did something similar the key did turn when it had been cut. It just won't start the car. That's on most cars. Especially on the ones where turning it to the ignition position is part of the programming routine!

I suppose it's possible that some cars may check the programming before allowing it to turn, but that seems unlikely on most cars. The key turning is just a physical thing, not electrical.

So maybe you need to examine both keys with a magnifying glass and see if there are small differences.

[MW94]

Thanks for replies. I will have a close look and see. I do have a dremel and a router. Maybe I could very lightly grind some away if there are some fine differences between the two.

[lythaby]

If you have an early Monaro, I found the guide didn’t work for me with the programming.
Key blade worked though so certainly sounds like it needs fettling or a recut.

[bigwheel]

MW94 said:

Thanks for replies. I will have a close look and see. I do have a dremel and a router. Maybe I could very lightly grind some away if there are some fine differences between the two.

If the original key cutter is nearby, go back and tell them it doesn't work/turn and ask for another pass of the key through the key jig cutter, FOC.