Can You Clone a Car Key? (ID49, ID46, DST80)
A simple guide for Ford, Peugeot, Vauxhall, Toyota & more — by Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists.
Short answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on your car and which bit of the key is actually broken. Below I explain it in plain English, with brands, rough years, prices and what we do on site.
The three parts of a car key (so you know what’s actually broken)
1. Blade – the metal part that turns the lock/ignition just like a house key.
2. Transponder – a tiny chip inside the key that tells the car’s brain it’s a legitimate key (this is where terms like ID49 / ID46 / DST80 come in).
3. Remote – the buttons that lock/unlock doors or open the boot.
Good to know: when a key “dies”, it’s usually the remote that’s failed (or just a battery) — the blade and transponder often still work, so the car can still start. Don’t panic; we test all three parts first.
Quick brand & year guide (no jargon first)
Use this to get a fast idea of cost and process. We’ll still read the key on site to confirm.
Ford / Mazda / VW Group — most 2014+
Examples: Ford Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, Transit / Mazda 3, 6, CX-5 / VW Group Golf, Polo, Passat; Audi A3/A4; Skoda Octavia.
Typical outcome: Faster & cheaper. Many use ID49 (often cloneable or easily generated on site).
Typical spare price: £100-£150.
Peugeot / Renault / Vauxhall — approx. 2005–2014
Examples: Peugeot 207, 308, Partner / Renault Clio, Megane, Kangoo / Vauxhall Astra, Corsa, Vivaro.
Typical outcome: ID46 (strong crypto). Usually needs programming; we often recommend OEM keys for reliability.
Typical spare price: £150–£250.
Toyota / Lexus — 2018+
Examples: Toyota Corolla, Yaris, Prius, Hilux / Lexus RX, NX.
Typical outcome: DST80 (high-security). Not cloneable; must be programmed into the car.
Typical spare price: £180–£300.
Note: Model years can vary by market/trim. We always read the transponder first.
Why Ford jobs are often cheaper than Peugeot jobs
Many Ford/Mazda/VW keys use ID49 chips. There are quality, reliable aftermarket solutions (we use Xhorse/Silca workflows), so we can usually generate, cut and program a spare quickly on site.
Many Peugeot/Renault/Vauxhall keys use ID46, a stronger crypto setup. Aftermarket blanks exist but can be inconsistent; for reliability we usually advise OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) keys — same spec as dealer keys. They cost more, but they save repeat visits and headaches.
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer: the key is made to the exact standard the car expects (chip, electronics, case). Best reliability, especially for trickier crypto systems.
Security boost: lost keys can usually be deleted
If you’ve lost a key, we can usually delete the missing key from the car’s memory while programming your new one — so if someone finds the old key, it won’t start the car. We do this daily on Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat, Toyota/Lexus, Nissan, Hyundai/Kia and more. It’s a simple way to make your car more secure than before.
Spare key now vs “all keys lost” later
Here’s the bit nobody wants to hear:
• Spare key today: usually £85–£180 and done in under an hour on site.
• All keys lost: often £200–£500+ and can involve ordering parts, immobiliser resets, or extra labour.
On some older vehicles (Peugeot/Renault/Nissan vans and certain city cars), the all-keys-lost bill can exceed the car’s value. Don’t wait until you’re stranded — get a spare while you still have one working key.
💡 Example: 2016 Ford Fiesta spare ~£120 vs all keys lost £300+.
2012 Peugeot 308 spare ~£160 vs all keys lost potentially £350–£450+.
What we actually do on site (our 5-step process)
1. Read the key to identify the transponder (ID49 / ID46 / DST80 etc.).
2. Test blade & remote to see what’s really failed.
3. Verify ownership (V5/ID). Your car is often your second biggest investment after your home — we treat security seriously.
4. Choose the right blank (quality aftermarket or OEM) and program it properly.
5. Cut blade, test start & remote and show you it works. If a key is lost, we delete it from the car.
Real local examples
• Gateshead — Ford Fiesta (2016): ID49 read, generated blank, cut, programmed, tested. 45 mins, £140.
• Newcastle — Vauxhall Astra (2012): ID46 read, new OEM key programmed via OBD. 60 mins, £165.
• Gosforth — Toyota Yaris (2019): DST80 smart key added, old lost key deleted. ~70 mins, £220.
Prices (typical ranges)
• Remote repair / battery / button fix: £35–£75
• Spare/duplicate (common ID49 jobs): £85–£150
• Crypto/OEM programming (ID46 / DST80): £150–£350
We confirm the exact price after a quick read — no surprises, no silly “from £29” bait.
Trust & security (DBS-checked, proof required)
• Fully DBS-checked.
• Proof of ownership required (no proof, no programming).
• We won’t cut corners on immobiliser security — that protects you, your car and your insurance.
Quick tech note (for readers who want the details)
• ID49 — common on many 2014+ Ford/Mazda and some VW Group. Often cloneable or generated quickly with quality blanks.
• ID46 — common on 2005–2014 Peugeot/Renault/Vauxhall. Crypto transponder; usually needs programming; OEM recommended for reliability.
• DST80 — used on many 2018+ Toyota/Lexus. High-security; not cloneable; add keys via authorised programming only.
FAQ
Will my car still start if the remote dies?
Can you stop my lost key from working?
Aftermarket or OEM?
How long does it take?
Call Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists — mobile across the NE postcodes
Need a spare, repair or replacement key in Newcastle, Cramlington, Gosforth, Ponteland, Gateshead, Sunderland or Durham?
Call Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists on 07745 858649.
Straight answers, DBS-checked, local and we’ll make your car more secure by deleting any lost keys.
Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists are expert auto locksmiths in Newcastle city centre. From Gosforth to Gateshead, we respond fast — cutting and programming new car keys on the spot, often quicker (and cheaper) than a main dealer.
