Infiniti Key Programming – All The Information You Need To Know. How To Program a New Infiniti Key Without The Original, Average Cost, Which Keys Require Coding, Which Keys You Can program Yourself, Procedures, Tips & More.
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Watch a short video – How a locksmith is coding a new Infiniti key:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ABgL8aswOI[/embedyt]
In this article:
Introduction to programming Infiniti keys
Infiniti key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?
Tips for programming your new key
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Infiniti remote key made?
Infiniti programming procedure – How is it actually done?
Infiniti key programming cost of a replacement key
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Infiniti duplicate key cost
Introduction to programming Infiniti keys
Most Infiniti models made after 1998 require some type of programming to start the car. That includes transponder chip keys and proximity key fobs / intelligent remote keys.
Non Transponder keys, i.e. regular metal keys, don’t require any programming and only need to be cut to start the car.
Here we will go over the different types of keys and show you a simple way to save a lot of money in case you lost your key or just need a duplicate made.
The process of making a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:
A. Cutting a new key :
That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position”. For key fobs, that means cutting the emergency key to match your door cylinders so you will be able to unlock the doors and trunk with it in case the key fob’s battery dies. You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.
B. Program the key –
Most Infiniti models made after 1998 or so are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.
Therefore, the key or remote will have to be programmed to start the car. By saying “programmed” it means the car’s computer must be able to recognize the key as “authorized key”.
Authorized keys may be added by programming those keys with a special programming machine that the dealer has or most automotive locksmiths.
Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you. A locksmith can provide on-site service.
In case you choose the dealer, the car will have to be towed there if all keys are lost.
The programming procedure can be relatively expansive, especially if you lost all your keys and can’t start the car.
However, we have gathered here for you a few important tips on how to save a lot of money in case you need a new key. Keep reading for more information.
Infiniti key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?
All Infiniti transponder keys and remotes can only be programmed with special programming machine. Therefore, only a dealer or locksmith can program the keys for you.
However, there is a way to make the process much cheaper and affordable. Below, we will give you instructions on what is the best way to do that. It shouldn’t take a lot of your time and can save you a lot of money.
A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for Infiniti models:
- Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will not start the car. In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work. Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and program both of them.
- Remember to have the emergency key cut for your key fob. It is extremely important in case the battery dies on your key fob. The price for cutting the emergency key by the dealer or automotive locksmith is already included in the service.
Make sure you have your emergency key cut - Make sure you make a duplicate key – regardless if you are coding a key fob or transponder key, it would be more cost effective to make an extra copy once you get your key coded as the locksmith or dealer are already doing the procedure with the car. The price for the second key should be 50% off the original.
- In case you only need a duplicate, you can have the option to add a key instead of erasing the current keys and then coding new keys. Ask the dealer or locksmith to add a key if you prefer that option.
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Infiniti key/remote made?
As explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.
When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.
Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.
True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.
The bottom line, how and what should I do?
- Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up your exact key for your Infiniti model Here. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
- Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain them you already have the key/remote and would only like it to be cut and/or programmed. Ask them for the quote on this procedure only.
- In addition, keep in mind, the process usually costs somewhere between $80-$150, depends on the type of key/remote you have.
- Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have proof of ownership.
Infiniti programming procedure – How is it actually done?
Infiniti transponder and remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.
Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these types of keys or remotes and additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.
An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer and only then a duplicate or a new key can be made.
Below, a few examples of Infiniti remote key fobs that require programming machine:
Below, an example of a programming machine (MVP Key programming), used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program Infiniti transponder remote key fobs:
Infiniti key programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new Infiniti transponder key and remote.
As stated above, getting your Infiniti key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith can save you a lot of money. If you need to order your key, you can do it HERE.
Programming a new Infiniti key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:
1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.
Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This costs them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)
2. Program the key or remote key fob – To actually start the car.
The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That being done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.
Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:
Cost of programming Infiniti key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Infiniti car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $85
Programming the key: Usually around $75
In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $100(estimate)
Total estimated cost: $260
Cost of programming Infiniti key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Infiniti car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, the same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $60
Programming the key: Usually around $60
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50
Total estimated cost: $170
In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Infiniti key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend to make an extra key while replacing your key as it is much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Infiniti duplicate key cost
The price of making a duplicate Infiniti key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:
- You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” a code from the database.
- Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)
Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate Infiniti key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:
Cost of duplicate an Infiniti key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Infiniti car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $75
Total estimated cost: $85
Cost of duplicate an Infiniti key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Infiniti car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, the same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $60
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend.
Total estimated cost: $70