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Service, Repairs & MOT

Key programming and codes in Plymouth

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for key programming and codes?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car
A mechanic standing inside a garage

Book a key programming and coding service

Lost or damaged keys? Our RAC Approved Garages can offer fast and reliable key programming and coding services.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free
A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just key programming and codes that we do in Plymouth

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

RB Motors

4.1/5

RB Motors are a repair and service garage located in Holsworthy Devon and Bude Cornwall. We pride ourselves on doing a great job that is quick easy and efficient. We offer same day collection of your vehicle and instant quotes, give us a call for any further information.
Tyr Cars, Atlantic High Way, Bude, EX239JY

Roundabout & Moxham Garage

3.9/5

We are a well known independent garage situated in the heart of Yelverton. We are extremely easy to find and have many amenities local to us. RAC trading standards approved. FREE COURTESY CAR AVAILABLE !!
Moorland Villas, Yelverton, PL206DT

TyreMarks of Tavistock

3.7/5

At TyreMarks our aim is to be at the forefront and to lead the way to offer the best service and results in vehicle mechanical, electrical and diagnostic repair solutions. We run the very latest in diagnostic, ECU and emissions control equipment for just about any vehicle and manufacturer. This also includes many manufacture's own specific tools and software for Ford, BMW, VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda & Bentley, Vauxhall, Peugeot & Citroen. Our new premises in Westbridge Industrial Estate, Tavistock have given us exactly what we needed to become what we are today, with easy access and customer parking spaces at the front of the building, along with a massive parking area at the rear. A superb customer reception and waiting area, all fully compliant with disabled specifications including our toilets and a children's play area, a TV, Free WiFi and even a Free Coffee machine. Our new premises have given us the room to expand, not only our general mechanical services but also expand our specialist services even further, running 6 mechanical ramps (5 of which are rated to lift over 4 ton), a fully floating wheel free ramp to be able to offer a full 4 wheel alignment set up. Also we have 3 tyre fitting bays along with a separate room for our Stainless Steel Custom Exhaust fabrication for Powerflow, a specialist ECU repair and tuning room where we can actually open your ECU to update, repair damage, copy and clone, even clean up internal corrosion and water damage in our ultrasonic tank. We use the best products for your vehicle and we are a dealer for many leading manufactures including MICHELIN Tyres, BREMBO Brakes, SHELL Lubricants - that's correct we use Shell Oil as our standard workshop motor oil. Not many garages can say that. We are an RAC Approved Garage which shows the quality of our work and the parts we use. With the ever increasing issues with vehicle electronics, emissions and dash warning lights we have invested heavily in the latest equipment for repair, engine management, ABS, airbag, body control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Management System) and emissions control systems, such as DPF's and EGR Valves. Our Hydroflow Carbon Cleaning Treatment along with our Off Vehicle DPF Cleaning machine run alongside our ever-increasing range of diagnostic tools and manufacture specific back up to help us stay at the forefront of our game. Our outstanding HYDROFLOW Engine Decarbonising Machine is amazing people with its results, whether its general maintenance or rectifying an array of faults including engine management faults, cleaning blocked DPF's and EGR valves. This helps to increase your MPG, reduce smoking exhausts, remove lumpy running and reduce high exhaust emissions, reducing flat spots, cleaning out sticking turbo's to name just a few. Our Hydroflow treatment has proven time and time again to improve all of these issues. With the new MOT regulations, a vehicle suffering from these issues can often make the difference between a pass or fail. We are a Powerflow Centre of Excellence and so can build you a full customised Stainless Steel Exhaust system from scratch. Whether you require a high performance system with a 200 Cell sports Catalytic Convertor, a standard replacement system or just a flexy section replacement, we can offer it. We fully tig weld every system in house for any car, van, tractor or even a generator and all our work comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. Just pop in and check out our new premises on Westbridge Industrial Estate, Pixon Lane, Tavistock to see what we can do for you.
Unit 5 Westbridge Ind Est, Tavistock, PL198DE

Mallock Road Garage

3.0/5

We are a local garage, servicing our local communtiy.
1A Mallock Road, Chelston, Torquay, TQ26AF

James & Aldridge Garage Limited.

3.0/5

James and Aldridge are based in Bude, Cornwall. We carry out Car Servicing, Car Repairs, MOT Testing, 24/7 Vehicle Recovery and Vehicle Transport and we’re now a Used Car Cornwall Dealership. Our Workshop is fully equipped with the very latest in servicing technology and all of our local car mechanics are trained to provide the highest level of vehicle care. We are now RAC Approved! The RAC have been serving motorists since 1897 and as the motorist’s champion, it’s their duty to provide motorists with a network of independent businesses they can trust. Being RAC approved, we follow the RAC Customer Charter. This means that every time you bring your vehicle to us you will get: • Honest Pricing – All work will be explained clearly and the costs will be transparent • Quality Work – Any car repair done will meet the high standard set by the RAC • Exceptional Customer Service – You’ll find the service friendly, straightforward and jargon free
Bude Stratton Business Park, Bude, EX238LY

Frequently asked questions about car key programming

Yes, some car keys can be programmed at home using the vehicle's manual instructions. However, this is generally limited to basic key fobs and older models. For most modern cars, you’ll need to take it to a professional.

  1. If your key can be reprogrammed at home, follow the instructions set out in your vehicle’s manual. If you don’t have access to this, you could try the general advice outlined below.
  2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the 'On' position without starting the engine.
  3. Leave the key in this position for about 10 minutes, then turn it to the 'Off' position.
  4. Repeat this two more times.
  5. Turn the key to the 'On' position one last time, and it should be programmed.

First, check the battery and replace it if necessary. If the key fob still doesn't work, it may need reprogramming. Contact a professional locksmith or your dealership for help.

Yes, many professional locksmiths offer car key programming services. You’ll often find this is a more cost effective option that going to your dealership.

Typically it takes between 30 minutes to an hour to reprogram a car key. This may vary depending on your car’s make and model.

Car key reprogramming may be covered under your vehicle's warranty, but it depends on the terms and conditions. Check with your warranty policy for specific details.

Reprogramming can fix software-related issues with the key fob, but it won't repair physical damage. If the key fob is damaged, you may need to replace it entirely.

Reprogramming a car key makes sure that only authorised keys can start the vehicle. It can also resolve some of the issues attached to lost or damaged keys, giving you peace of mind and convenience.

Reprogramming a used car key is possible depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Check your vehicle's manual or consult with a professional to find out if it’s possible for your car.

Prevent key fob issues by avoiding moisture exposure, replacing the battery regularly, and handling your key with care.

Most modern cars with electronic key fobs or transponder keys can have their keys reprogrammed. However, older vehicles with traditional keys may not have this feature.