Key with Chip

So, I lost the spare to the Cobalt, took the one I had left to a locksmith, he informed me it had a chip and that there would be a $75 "programming fee" after he obtained and cut a new blank. Got a blank from Amazon for $13 including the promised "programming instructions" which are also available on the 'net: "Turn good key On for 5 seconds, remove and replace with new key, back ON with ignition for 5 seconds, start car."

Had another locksmith shop cut the new blank, followed the instructions. Yep, it starts and runs, but when new key is removed, It won't work again. Do I just go to the dealer and take my medicine?

Google up "10 minute relearn" Depends on the year of GM car, but may work.

And don't lose your key. Thats a Very Bad Thing these days. There is some sort/vintage of Toyota that costs a couple grand to make it go again if you somehow lose ALL your keys...

I have heard of locksmiths being able to clone keys, as well as program new. Might be an option.

A buddy lost his late model BMW key - think it cost him around $600!

Hit the auto center at Walmart. They are usually half what the dealer or a locksmith cost.

The wife just had a spare made for the Liberty for $25.

Usually you can only clone keys if you already have 2 programmed. Its kinda crappy if you bought a used car and it only came with one. Usually the dealer will program a second key for a small fee.

On Fords you can program up to 6 keys. As much as I hate to admit, I would just go to the dealer.

I know with my 08 Ford, you should avoid crappy ebay keys (not yet up to par) and if you have two keys, you can program one more. If you don't have two keys, you need the diagnostics system in order to reprogram two so you can have the third. I would expect Chevy to be the same.

I know with my 08 Ford, you should avoid crappy ebay keys (not yet up to par) and if you have two keys, you can program one more. If you don't have two keys, you need the diagnostics system in order to reprogram two so you can have the third. I would expect Chevy to be the same.

$450 for my dodge ram including money wasted on an ebay key that they swore could be programmed but could not.

Here is the correct programimg procedure for your cobalt. Insert the original key into ignition and start car. Remove original key and insert new key within 10 seconds and start car. your new key will be programmed to the original.

rustybugkiller wrote: Here is the correct programimg procedure for your cobalt. Insert the original key into ignition and start car. Remove original key and insert new key within 10 seconds and start car. your new key will be programmed to the original.

I want to know if this works. Let me know.

When I brought my ebay key in to the lock shop they laughed at me. Literally. But they did try and then laughed some more when it didn't work. So I bought a new key from Dodge and had it programmed by the dealership. And even with the two proper keys (I still had one original) the ebay key will not program.

I hear a lot of complaints from Ford service writers for the same thing. Apparently the ebay keys not working is not a new thing...

I had a spare programmed key made up at a local locksmith for about $90. He also made me a non-programmed spare for $1 or $2, should I lock my keys in the car.

I don't know how much they charge … but our local Ace Hardware store advertise that they can make chipped keys …

A most ingenious buddy of mine had to tackle a similar dilemma on an early 90's GM. He went to radio shack, and grabbed a bunch of different resistors, ans through trial and error, got the hunk working. solder, tape and tuck, and it would start without the chip.

wbjones wrote: I don't know how much they charge … but our local Ace Hardware store advertise that they can make chipped keys …

They can MAKE the key. They CAN'T program it.

wheelsmithy wrote: A most ingenious buddy of mine had to tackle a similar dilemma on an early 90's GM. He went to radio shack, and grabbed a bunch of different resistors, ans through trial and error, got the hunk working. solder, tape and tuck, and it would start without the chip.

The old GMs have resistors installed so you can't start it via (insert random tool here) if you should get the chance. He would have been smarter if he looked up the key resistance. To install a remote start, the ignition has to be bypassed with a resistor to trick the car.

N Sperlo wrote:

wbjones wrote: I don't know how much they charge … but our local Ace Hardware store advertise that they can make chipped keys …

They can MAKE the key. They CAN'T program it.

I'm aware that they can make the key (I carry a spare on a belt clip) that will open the doors of my Integra .. but won't start the car …

but they're advertising that they can "make" the chipped keys now

I'll ask the next time I'm in there

I had a 2007 Ford Taurus company car that was purchased used with about 24,000 miles and had only one key. It cost $75.00 to get an additional key. About 18 months ago I purchased a used BMW Z-4. It also only had one key. Locksmiths I talked would not even attempt to make a new key. The BMW dealership would only order me a new key after I went there showed my current registration and drivers licence. They took the VIN and about 3 days later said I could come get my new key which they programed for me. The key has a built in remote door unlock, panic alarm, etc. It cost $205.00. I was told that if you lost both keys the cost would be $2000.00 have no idea how true that is