Keysolved

From the workshop

Blog

Practical guides, tool reviews, and tips for working locksmiths. Written by people who know the trade.

A Nissan transponder key resting on a workshop bench with fine circuit traces radiating from its chip, lit in warm copper against charcoal
Key Programming17 min read

Nissan Key Programming: Complete Locksmith Guide (All Models)

Five Nissan security generations, the procedure for each, realistic job times, and the BCM part-number check that stands between a routine job and a £2,000 liability.

An amber immobiliser warning telltale glowing on an otherwise dark instrument cluster at ignition on, the surrounding dials unlit
Key Programming15 min read

Immobiliser Fault Diagnosis: Symptom to Cause, System by System

An immobiliser fault, or something else wearing its warning light? Symptom-to-cause diagnosis across six UK immobiliser architectures, with the checks that come before you cut a key.

A Mercedes-Benz EIS electronic ignition switch removed from the steering column with its circuit board exposed and an infra-red slot key resting beside it
Key Programming16 min read

Mercedes Key Programming: Complete Locksmith Guide (All Models)

Four Mercedes drive authorisation systems, the procedure for each, realistic job times, and a straight answer on where the aftermarket stops on FBS4.

A professional key programming device resting on a workshop bench with diagnostic cables coiled beside it, lit in warm copper against charcoal
Tool Reviews13 min read

Car Key Programmers in 2026: An Honest Coverage Matrix

Thirteen car key programmers ranked by confirmed coverage counted from the Keysolved vehicle database, plus the adapters, tokens and jobs the marketing never mentions.

A Volkswagen Golf instrument cluster removed from the dashboard on a locksmith's bench, EEPROM chip exposed, with a pogo-pin programming cable connected to the rear circuit board
Key Programming17 min read

Volkswagen Key Programming: Complete Locksmith Guide (All Models)

Five Volkswagen immobiliser generations, the procedures for each, realistic job times, and a straight answer on where the aftermarket stops on Golf Mk8 and the KESSY T-Roc.

Eight generations of automotive transponder chip laid out in a row on a workshop bench, from a plain glass fixed-code capsule to a modern encrypted key circuit board, increasing in complexity from left to right
Transponder Tech13 min read

Transponder Key Chips: The Cross-Reference Chart for UK Locksmiths

The five transponder chip families you will meet in the UK, mapped to makes, generations and trims — with a straight answer on what still clones and what has to be enrolled.