What's gone wrong?
Locked out of the car
Keys visible on the seat, or the boot shut with them inside. Opened without damage.
Lost every key
No spare, no original. Cut and programmed from scratch.
More on this →Key won't start the car
The chip isn't being read. Reprogram or replace.
More on this →Key snapped in the lock or ignition
Broken piece extracted, new key cut.
Ignition won't turn
Worn barrel, jammed tumbler, or a key that's worn down. Repaired or replaced.
Remote or fob dead
New remote supplied and coded to the car.
Before you ring the dealership
Most people default to the dealer because they don't know a locksmith can do it.
| Dealership | City2Surf | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Car has to get there — usually towed | Ian comes to the car |
| Wait | Commonly one to two weeks for a key | Usually the same visit |
| All keys lost, older Toyota/Lexus | Often a full ECU replacement | ECU reflash on many models |
| Tow cost | On top | None |
| Out of hours | No | Yes |
If the car is under warranty and the dealer is covering it, use the dealer. Every other situation, ring Ian first and find out — it costs a phone call.
0414 841 152Lost every key? It's usually still a same-visit job
Losing your last key sounds like the expensive scenario, and at a dealership it often is. Ian can cut and program a new key from scratch with no original present on most vehicles.
On a specific group of Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura models from the late 1990s and early 2000s, the normal OBD-port programming route doesn't work once every key is gone — the dealer answer is a new ECU. Ian can reflash the original ECU instead so it accepts new keys, which is faster and a lot cheaper.
See the full list of affected models →What Ian carries in the van
- Key blanks for the major makes, cut to code
- Transponder chips and programming equipment
- ECU reflashing gear
- Central locking remotes and fobs
- Ignition barrels and repair parts
- Lock picking and no-damage entry tools
Makes covered: Holden, Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi and most other common makes.
Confirm: any makes NOT covered — European, push-button start
Dealer and fleet work: if a workshop, dealership or fleet operator needs keys done regularly, that's an account, not a call-out.
Confirm: does Ian want more dealer/fleet work?
Opening a car shouldn't damage it
A trained auto locksmith opens a locked car without touching the paint, the weather seal or the window. That's the job.
Be careful with anyone who reaches for a drill or a wedge-and-rod within the first thirty seconds — modern cars have airbag wiring and door electronics sitting right behind the trim, and a cheap entry can cost more than the key would have.
Ian picks and bypasses first. Drilling is a last resort on a lock that's already failed, not an opening move.
Car key and lockout pricing
- Car lockout — no-damage entryConfirm: price
- Spare key cut + programmedConfirm: price
- All keys lost — cut + programmedConfirm: price
- ECU reflash (affected models)Confirm: price
- Broken key extractionConfirm: price
- Ignition repair or replacementConfirm: price
- Remote / fob supplied and codedConfirm: price
Key prices depend on the vehicle. Give Ian the make, model and year and he'll give you the actual number, not a range.
Ranges include the call-out. After-hours quoted before he leaves.
Thirty years of car keys on the Gold Coast
Ian Pearson has been doing this since transponder keys first arrived in the Queensland market — which means he's worked on the technology through every generation of it, not just the current one. That matters most on older vehicles, where the programming route is often the one nobody supports anymore.
- Trade qualified
- Confirm: QLD Security Provider licence no.
- Confirm: public liability insurer + cover
- Confirm: ABN
Locals rate us
“Absolutely brilliant service. Had our spare car keys stolen — they chased up replacements in quick time, then travelled outside their normal service area to reach us on holidays. Cannot recommend highly enough.”
“Absolute legend! Genuinely helped me over the phone without making a cent for himself — saving me a potential $500. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.”
“Highly recommend this business. Excellent customer service, excellent knowledge and excellent work. Professional manner matches his high-quality work.”
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Get a price on a car key
Give Ian the make, model and year and he can price it properly rather than guessing at a range.
Locked out right now? Do not use this form.
Car key questions
Can you make a car key without the original?
How long does a car key take?
Will a new key work with my central locking and immobiliser?
My key turns but the car won't start. Is that the key or the car?
Do you do motorbikes, vans and trucks?
Can you get into my car without damaging it?
Do I need to prove the car is mine?
Need a car key sorted?
Ian comes to the car, anywhere on the Gold Coast.