In the mid 90's most car manufacturers started embedding a close proximity transmitter into the head of their keys. This called a Transponder key. These keys do not have a battery; it is an embedded chip which is powered by radio signals that are sent by the car. The radio signals are very low strength and only activate the chip when the key is near the dashboard or when it is pushed into the ignition. If you only want to lock and unlock the doors of your car you do not need a transponder key, but to start your car you need a transponder key. The concept of the chip keys came into existence to reduce car theft risk. The hot wiring method to steal cars no longer works now that cars use an immobilizer system that reacts to a transponder key.
In the last 15 years automobile manufacturers have started integrating remotes into the heads of their keys. This is typically referred to as a Remote head key. The majority of modern remote head keys have a remote transmitter and a transponder and many require a different programming method for each. Many also feature a side milled key blade style often called a Laser key. A more compact version of a remote head key is a Switchblade key which conceals the key until a button is pushed to reveal it. All of this means these keys take considerably longer to duplicate and cost more than a traditional transponder key.
The good news: If you have a remote head key that falls apart or cracks open we can save you money! Carefully collect all of the pieces and bring them down to our shop. Paul's Safe & Lock sells replacement shells including many that are more durable than the original remote head key from the dealer. These replacement shells do require that we cut the key blade, but they don't require any new programming. As long as you have all of the working parts from your old key we can rebuild it better than new for around $60!
In recent years many manufacturers have started producing cars with no physical key at all. These vehicles are opened using a Fob (or similarly the Fobik system used by Chrysler). There are many different kinds of technologies used for keyless start, but in most of these systems the fob acts as both the remote and the transponder. Removing the physical key and replacing the cuts with the unique signal embedded on the key. Many consumers don't realize that these fobs usually have a hidden emergency key that should be cut as well. Programming fobs requires hooking directly to the vehicles OBD-II port in order to generate additional fobs. This process can take anywhere between 5 and 45 minutes.
Our shop is equipped with multiple computers designed specifically for programming transponder keys, remote head keys, and fobs. Programming methods and prices vary depending on make, model, and year of the vehicle. Call us first and we'll give you a quote over the phone.
Thinking about buying your own keyblank online? Call us first! We can give you some advice on your vehicle to make sure you find the right part.
Already found your key online and want it cut and programmed? Bring it in and we'll help you out!
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