Vehicle keys - making duplicates

4570Man · Apr 19, 2018

What was wrong with regular keys besides the fact they couldn’t charge ridiculous rates for replacement. I didn’t think someone getting a regular key and stealing someone’s car was a big problem.

MossRoad · Apr 19, 2018

Jstpssng said:
In addition to the chip keys, I would look into getting a steel key that only opens the door. A key for my Ranger cost me about $3.00, whereas a chipped key would be more.

I did that at Ace Hardware for the same price for our 2013 Impala. It unlocked the door. Then, just for curiosity, I stuck it in the ignition key and tried to start the car. It turned in the ignition, but, of course, did not start the car. What it did do, though, is trigger a warning to have the vehicle theft system serviced that wont go away. The dealer wanted about $150 to clear the message. My mechanic neighbor did it at his shop for free while I was having the brakes serviced.

bunyip · Apr 20, 2018

Does this help?
How to Program Honda Replacement Remote Keyless Entry Keyfob

beowulf · Apr 20, 2018

Thanks for all the input. I want to emphasize though, that programming a remote is, I have learned, quite different than programming for the transponder in the ignition keys. The remotes appropriately programmed are for convenience, the transponder programming is, however, a necessity to start the car. I have been able to program remotes - to lock and unlock doors - but am told that programming the transponder is something I need a dealer or locksmith to do. . . .or perhaps, as I have learned here, Ace Hardware.

tjkubota93 · Apr 20, 2018

OP - If you can program the keys yourself, you could "grind" the metal part with a file to match your old one. If it is a regular type with keyways and notches for tumblers. If it is one of those weird looking kinds, it would be complicated.

I just looked up a picture of your key online. Looks like it isn't the kind you could file.

TractorGuy · Apr 20, 2018

If you decide to try the programming yourself make sure it can be done with having only one working key. On my Fords you have to have two working keys to program a third yourself. Otherwise you are SOL and have to take it to the dealer.

Jstpssng · Apr 20, 2018

A locksmith once told me to cut the key in half (so that nobody can use it) and duct tape the chip to the steering column. He says that will allow you to use a $3.00 steel key. I just have a hard time cutting a $60 key, and on the newer GM's you would need to be really good with a dremel tool to duplicate a key.

aczlan · Apr 20, 2018

Jstpssng said:
A locksmith once told me to cut the key in half (so that nobody can use it) and duct tape the chip to the steering column. He says that will allow you to use a $3.00 steel key. I just have a hard time cutting a $60 key, and on the newer GM's you would need to be really good with a dremel tool to duplicate a key.

Some places will make you a "steel only copy" of the key "in case you lock yourself out". that could be used for that.

Aaron Z

MossRoad · Apr 20, 2018

aczlan said:
Some places will make you a "steel only copy" of the key "in case you lock yourself out". that could be used for that.

Aaron Z

Ace hardware will do that for about $3.00. They call it a valet key. Except, when you think about it, the valet takes your car and parks it. With this, all it's good for is opening the door or trunk. More like a burglar key. :laughing: But it is handy to have one around if you'd lock your keys in the car.