Anyone bought a blank transponder ignition car key and programmed it yourself?

[iibgdi]

I bought an '08 chevy malibu and it only has 1 key. No fob either. Ordered the fob but haven't received it.

Went to have a spare key made today and the hardware store told me the locksmith would have to do it (or the dealership, but they will charge a lot more) because it takes a special transponder key that needs programmed.

I found these keys for $6.50 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006BDWM4C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

There are some very positive reviews on this.

Can the hardware store cut this or do I still need to go to the locksmith?

Is the locksmith going to do it for the normal key cutting fee?

How EXACTLY does this work. I don't understand what they mean by "programming" it means.

 

[Flat-rate]

Bite the bullet... Factory key cut to your code. Not a copy of a worn out key, dealer does the learning/programing

Or your in for a world of blaming.

 

[iibgdi]

I actually started doing a bit of research. It appears it isn't that difficult and it is legit.

My only real question is if the locksmith will actually do it.

 

[iibgdi]

Bite the bullet... Factory key and dealer does the learning/programing Or your in for a world of blaming.

there are obviously enough folks out there doing it themselves, I don't see the down side here.

 

[58Yeoman]

When I bought my new '99 Ford Ranger, I had them make me an extra key...$45. I later found that I could do it myself, and I did. Much cheaper.

 

[Super Mech]

there are obviously enough folks out there doing it themselves, I don't see the down side here.

Check your signature

 

[LEVE]

I've done it on three of my Prii's. Once a dealer even cut the key for free. Programming the key (and the keyfob) was no problem, all I had to do was obtain the instructions and read. The car did the rest.

 

[Matt M PA]

I can't speak for a Chevy...but with Fords you need 2 keys already recognized by the car to program a third. Can't do it with just one.

 

[iibgdi]

Check your signature

Haha. As soon as I typed that I figured someone would call me on it!

I have had my share of problems!

 

[iibgdi]

I can't speak for a Chevy...but with Fords you need 2 keys already recognized by the car to program a third. Can't do it with just one.

It appears that the chevy only needs one key. At least from what I have seen

 

[Jinks]

I've done it with a Mazda MX-5 (Ford system). The key blank has a transponder that the car needs to recognize. You need two keys to be able to program that. Then the fob has it's own remote for doors, locks, trunk, etc. You only need one for that, but both require you have the programing instructions. I'm sure Chevy will be somewhat similar. You should be able to find a Chevy/GM forum that will have answers & instructions. Cutting the key blank is the same as any old key, any one with a decent key cutter can do it. That being said, not all places are good at cutting keys, or have decent cutters. I had to file one key into shape myself & went to a good locksmith to have the next one cut, but did the programing myself.

 

[lmalcomb]

I am an automotive Locksmith, Your Malibu only needs 1 programmed key to add in additional keys. That key is known as GM "Z" keyway blank it doesn't duplicate very easily.

 

[captain14]

My local hardware stores advertises the GM key with the chip. He told there were 12 codes available at the time for a 95 pontiac. That was in 96?

Fairly cheap too since he had a BOGO offer at that time too for any key.

 

[bry@n]

Ive done it on every vehicle ive owned since 08, except tge 12 grand cherokee.

Its easy and I use wally world to cut the keys.

 

[gungatim]

My kids Malibu I could do with just his key and it worked fine. my Jeep needed a hardware store with the programmer, but it worked fine. My VW Jetta? nada...need a VAGCom or dealer. Mercedes? have to send copy of title and license +$350 to Germany to get a new key. you get 2 spares for the life of the vehicle and that's it...then you're hosed...

BTW, it ought to be illegal for car dealers to sell a used car without the keys and fob...especially when there's a special valet key that won't open the doors or trunk...complete BS...and that includes the F'in lugnut tool that is dealer only...

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

My Mom had a ~ 2010, or so Taurus and wanted a new key. I bought the key and had it cut by a Ford dealer near where I was working then. They asked about programming, and I said I would do it, they countered by saying that it wasn't possible unless they programmed it.

I went "online" and found the instructions.... it wasn't easy, but I did it. On my first attempt, I got the new key programmed, but somehow "deprogrammed" one of the original keys. Then I successfully reprogrammed the bad original key, and the new key, but "deprogrammed" the other original key. I don't recall how many attempts it took, but eventually I ended up with all three keys working.

Once you get the instructions, you must follow them EXACTLY.





.

 

[BFBOB]

Read your owner's manual. The programming procedure is in mine. It's too much to remember, but sounds easy enough if you have the book in hand. It does require that you have TWO valid transponder keys in hand to program a third. Presumably a dealer would have other ways, but YMMV, so RTFM!!

Oops, just saw that this has already been covered. Yep, mine's a Ford.

 

[iibgdi]

So I should be able to take my current key and the new transponder key(s) to the hardware store and have them cut them to match the current working key. Correct?

I shouldn't need to pay a car dealership or a locksmith anything more than the cost to cut my new transponder keys to match the current working key. Right?

 

[gungatim]

So I should be able to take my current key and the new transponder key(s) to the hardware store and have them cut them to match the current working key. Correct?

I shouldn't need to pay a car dealership or a locksmith anything more than the cost to cut my new transponder keys to match the current working key. Right?

yes.

Right.

It will still be more expensive than just cutting and programming yourself, but let them do it and test it first...

 

[nickinpa]

So I should be able to take my current key and the new transponder key(s) to the hardware store and have them cut them to match the current working key. Correct?

I shouldn't need to pay a car dealership or a locksmith anything more than the cost to cut my new transponder keys to match the current working key. Right?

I know the keys from the dealer are 30 bucks but the generic ones are very junky and don't even cut right. Not to mention taking a generic key to the dealer for them to cut is like taking a steak to a steakhouse and asking them to cook it.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

The programming sequence wasn't in the owners manual, I found it online.

Car keys are like any other key, the best way to get a replacement is to have a new one cut from the code of the old one. Copying the cuts on the old one to a new blank bring along inaccuracies from the wear of the old key. Of course, it depends on how much use it saw.

I had one copied for my '64 GMC, and the copy worked perfectly. On the other hand, the truck was a fire truck, and the key was rarely taken out of the ignition.



JBP


.

 

[mikegt4]

When I bought my new '99 Ford Ranger, I had them make me an extra key...$45. I later found that I could do it myself, and I did. Much cheaper.

I bought my 1999 ranger new in late 1998. Old school basic key, no electronics at all. Spare keys were a buck or two at the hardware store. Simplicity has it's virtues.