Keys

There are several types of keys in today’s auto market. Most modern keys contain a computer chip and are programmed so that the car and key can communicate electronically and enable the car to function. Often they are referred to as immobilizers, because they are designed to immobilze theft by making it hard to steal a car without the key programmed for that specific car. There are several different names for these different types of keys, depending on the car manufacturer. We are using some of the most commonly used names, but keep in mind that your manufacturer may call your key something different. Here are some examples of different types of keys:

1. Basic Transponder Key

NOTE: A transponder is an electronic device used to wirelessly receive and transmit electrical signals, so technically, all keys with a programmed chip would be a transponder. The term seems to be used frequently for these types of keys though, so we are going to refer to them as a basic transponder key.

These keys usually consist of a metal key with plastic on the top, which is covering a computer chip that is programmed so the key and key remote will work with your car. Sometimes they will have buttons on the plastic covering that allow you to remotely control your car door locks and sometimes they will come with a seperate remote for locking and unlocking your doors.

2. Keyless Entry Remote

There are some keys that are often called keyless, but you do need to plug the “key” into your vehicle for it to start, so it’s a little confusing. These keys are not that different from a basic transponder key, except that they look different because they aren’t made with a traditional metal key. Some of them do have a small plastic or metal key (sometimes referred to as an emergency key) on the inside of the main key that you can slide out. If your car battery or key remote battery dies, you can use this small key to operate your vehicle. This is also the key that will open your glove box. If you are going to give your keys to a valet attendant, you can lock your valuables in your glove box and keep this little key with you, so that if you have a shady valet attendant, they can’t get into your glove box. This eliminates the need for a separate valet key.

3. Smart Key or Push Button Start

On some cars you can start your car by simply pushing a button. You must have the key remote with you for the button to work, not just anyone can get in your car and start it. It can be in your pocket, purse or wherever you want to keep it. If you are carrying a baby or a bag of groceries, the car doors will unlock for you when you get close enough to the car because the car will read the remote that is with you, you don’t have to push any buttons. These cars don’t even have a visible place to insert a key into the door. These types of keys also usually allow you to push a button and start your car remotely, a fantastic feature for those of us who live in a northern climate. They also make it nearly impossible for you to lock your keys in the car. If your keys are in the car, it won’t lock and will make some type of noise to let you know your keys are in the car.

4. Valet Key

A valet key is a key that will open the door and start the car, but it won’t open the glove box or trunk. The purpose of this key is to protect any valuables you want to keep in your trunk or glove box, when you give your car to a valet attendant. On some luxury cars, a valet key will start your vehicle, but it won’t allow the car to go over 35 mph.

5. Aftermarket Key

An aftermarket key is one that is not the original from your manufacturer. If you added a remote starter or a new or different alarm system in your vehicle, you may have an aftermarket key.

You are going to know if your key or key remote isn’t working, but here are the two most common reasons that it could quit working:

1. Your car battery is dead.

2. The battery in the key remote needs to be replaced.

3. Your key or key remote needs reprogrammed. Some keys lose programming if the car battery dies or the unlock button on your key remote gets pushed way too many times in a row.

1. Basic Transponder Key

If the battery dies in your transponder key remote you can most likely change the battery yourself. Key remote batteries can be purchased at places like Walmart, Autozone, RadioShack or Batteries Plus. You can also have it changed at a dealership or anyother type of automotive service shop.

Sometimes transponder keys will need to be reprogrammed or you may want to program a spare for yourself. You can program many keys yourself, just do a google search or check your owner’s manual for instructions. You will usually need to have at least two working master keys to be able to program a third or fourth one yourself. If you don’t, you will probably need to make a trip to the dealership or locksmith.

If you lose your only transponder car key, you will either have to have your car towed to a dealership or there are locksmiths that have the equipment to cut and program some transponder keys. The difference in cost between taking your car to a dealership and having it done by a locksmith probably isn’t going to be all that different, but you may save some money on the towing fee if you can find a locksmith to come to you. It also depends on the model of car you have; there are some that can only be programmed at the dealership. You can also purchase transponder keys on ebay or websites such as www.autotransponder.com. After you receive your key, you will still have to take it to a dealership or locksmith to have it cut and programmed, but you may save yourself a little money on the actual key. If you are planning on taking a key you purchased online to a dealership, double check that they will cut and program a key purchased somewhere else before you spend the money. Sometimes they will only service keys purchased through the manufacturer.

2. Keyless Entry

The same rules apply when troubleshooting or replacing a basic transpondent key and a keyless entry “key”. See above for details!

3. Smart Key

If your battery is dead or it tells you it’s dying, you can usually change a smart key yourself as easily as any other type of key with a battery. Here are some basic instructions on how to change a key or key remote battery. Some of these types of vehicles will have a warning signal on your dashboard to let you know if your key remote battery is getting low, so you can get that taken care of before it runs out completely. If you need to program a smart key, some you can do yourself and some have to be programmed at the dealership. A quick look in your user manual or a google search should let you know if self-programming is possible and provide you with instructions. There are some brands like Mercedes that cannot be programmed twice, make sure you don’t purchase a used key and then find out it’s useless. If you need to get a smart key replaced, you will have to go to a locksmith or dealership.

4. Valet Key

Most valet keys do not have a battery in them, but they will usually have a computer chip like any master key. Since they have a computer chip, the process to replace your valet key will pretty much be the same as getting any of the other types master keys replaced, you will need to go to a dealership or qualified locksmith.

5. Aftermarket Key Remote

If you purchased a used car or had a remote starter or an alarm system installed, you will not be able to take your aftermarket remote to the dealership for service. Places like Best Buy or an auto accessory store that installs items such as car stereos and alarms is your best bet for help with an aftermarket remote.

Batteries for keys or key remotes are less than $5 and are very easy to change yourself. There are places like Batteries Plus that will change the battery for you at no charge when you purchase the battery at their store. There are some dealerships and auto service centers that will also charge you less than $5. If you decide to take your key or key remote in to a place to get your battery changed and they try and charge you $30 or some other unreasonable amount, go somewhere else.

Getting a key replaced is much more expensive than replacing a battery. Since keys now contain computer chips in them to help prevent theft, you can no longer just take a key and have copies made for a few dollars. You will have to take it to a dealership or locksmith to have it cut and programmed. Valet keys may be a little bit cheaper than master keys since most of them don’t have the buttons on them to lock and unlock car doors. There are so many different types of manufacturers and models that it would be hard to name every price. Most modern keys are going to be anywhere from $150 – $600.