Frequently Asked Questions

Imperial Programming provides mobile service throughout Frisco, Plano, Little Elm, and surrounding DFW communities. Service availability outside our primary service area may vary based on distance and scheduling.

Contact us with your location and vehicle information to confirm availability.

Yes. Imperial Programming provides mobile automotive locksmith services and travels directly to the customer's location for supported services.

In most cases, yes. Imperial Programming can generate and program a new key from scratch for many vehicles even when no working key is available.

All-keys-lost procedures vary by vehicle, and same-day availability may depend on whether the required key is currently in stock.

We generally require a valid government-issued driver's license along with current vehicle registration, insurance, or title documentation.

The customer's name must match the applicable ownership or vehicle documentation, and the VIN on the documentation must match the vehicle being serviced. Documentation must be current and active. Expired or inactive documentation is not accepted.

Yes. We work with both OEM and quality aftermarket keys depending on the vehicle and application.

Our technician can discuss the available options and help determine which choice makes the most sense for your vehicle.

Yes. We generally allow customers to provide their own keys. However, customer-supplied keys are not covered by our 30-day key warranty.

Programming and service charges remain due if a customer-supplied key is defective, incompatible, locked, previously programmed where reuse is not supported, or otherwise unable to be programmed.

Vehicles of the same year and model can sometimes have different security systems, modules, keys, or programming procedures. Those differences can change the parts and labor required to complete the service.

For this reason, we may provide a price range based on the information available and confirm your final price once we have a complete understanding of what your vehicle requires.

We do not perform work until you have reviewed and agreed to the price.

No. Prices and ranges displayed on our website are estimates intended to provide a general expectation of service costs.

Actual pricing depends on the specific vehicle, required procedure, parts, service location, and other applicable service requirements.

Yes. Mobile services may include a service fee based on the location and circumstances of the appointment.

Any applicable service fee will be disclosed and included on your estimate and invoice.

Same-day service may be available, but it is not guaranteed. Availability depends on our schedule, your location, the requested service, and any parts or keys required.

Contact us to check current availability.

An appointment is not always required, but scheduling in advance is highly recommended to reserve availability for your service.

We accept credit and debit cards, tap-to-pay, Zelle, and cash. Financing options are also available for qualifying services.

Please have your vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN available. Providing accurate vehicle information helps us determine the correct key, module, programming procedure, and service requirements.

We may also request information such as your name and ZIP code to accurately prepare your estimate and determine mobile service availability.

Yes. Imperial Programming provides control-unit replacement and programming services for many supported vehicles and module types.

Depending on the vehicle, the procedure may involve programming, coding, adaptation, cloning, immobilizer synchronization, or other manufacturer-specific procedures.

Yes. Customer-supplied modules are accepted for many services, but they are not covered by our parts warranty.

Programming and service charges remain due if the supplied module is defective, incompatible, locked, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable for the vehicle.

Yes. ECU and control-unit testing costs $125.

If testing determines that repair or replacement is required and you proceed with that service through Imperial Programming, the $125 testing fee is credited toward your final bill.

We specialize in control-unit testing rather than general vehicle diagnostics.

If your ECU or control module is suspected to be faulty, Imperial Programming can test the module for $125. If repair or replacement is needed and you proceed with that service through us, the testing fee is credited toward your final bill.

In many cases, yes. Whether repair is appropriate depends on the module and the nature of the failure.

We generally recommend repair when it is a practical and cost-effective solution. If repairing the module would cost more than replacing it, we will typically recommend replacement instead.

Often, yes. Depending on the module and the type of failure, vehicle-specific data may be recoverable and transferable to a compatible replacement module.

The original module must be evaluated before data recovery can be confirmed.

In many applications, yes. Some used modules can be reset, adapted, cloned, or otherwise prepared for use in another vehicle.

Support depends on the vehicle, module type, hardware and software compatibility, and manufacturer security requirements.

Yes. Imperial Programming uses manufacturer/OEM software and procedures where applicable for supported module programming and vehicle applications.

No. A vehicle can have wiring faults, communication problems, power-supply issues, mechanical failures, or faults in other control units that can produce symptoms similar to a failed ECU.

For this reason, we strongly recommend having a suspected control unit tested before proceeding with repair or replacement whenever possible.

Imperial Programming specializes in European and high-end vehicles, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Land Rover, and other European platforms.

We also service many domestic and Asian vehicles. Contact us with your year, make, model, and requested service to confirm support for your vehicle.

Yes. Imperial Programming is licensed through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Texas License: B31218901

We also maintain more than $1,000,000 in insurance coverage for our business operations.

Keys supplied by Imperial Programming include a 30-day warranty from the original service date covering applicable key defects and programming issues.

The warranty does not cover customer-supplied keys, lost keys, physical damage, water damage, misuse, abuse, or other damage occurring after service.

Yes. Replacement modules supplied by Imperial Programming include a 6-month warranty covering the supplied module and our associated programming.

Customer-supplied modules are not covered by our parts warranty.

To begin a warranty claim, call Imperial Programming at 469-558-7144. Our team will collect your information, locate your service history, and open a warranty claim for review.

Key Warranty: Keys supplied by Imperial Programming include a 30-day warranty from the original service date covering applicable key defects and programming issues. Customer-supplied keys, lost keys, physical or liquid damage, misuse, abuse, and damage occurring after service are excluded from coverage.

Module Warranty: Replacement modules supplied by Imperial Programming include a 6-month warranty from the original service date. This warranty covers the replacement module supplied by Imperial Programming and our associated programming. Customer-supplied modules are excluded from our parts warranty. The warranty also does not cover unrelated vehicle faults or failures that are not caused by the supplied module or our programming.

Depending on the claim, we may request additional vehicle information, photographs, diagnostic information, testing, or an inspection of the affected key, module, component, or vehicle before determining warranty coverage.