Chevrolet
Chevy Lost Car Key Replacement – All The Information You Need To Know About Chevrolet Replacement Key Fobs, Keyless Entry, Ignition Problems, Cost, Programming, Battery and More.
We specialize in making replacement car keys for Chevrolet / Chevy when you don’t have a spare or need a new key fob, ignition repair, replaced and more.
Want to get some useful tips before you call a locksmith? Read out blog post Locksmith near me
Table of Contents
Chevrolet key replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith or dealer
Calling an automotive locksmith or a dealer near your location when you need a key replacement is probably the most common thing to do. Based on your location, an automotive locksmith can come to you, or you may choose to tow the car to the dealer.
We outline a few points to remember, to help you save some time and money regardless of which option you choose:
- First, always ask for a quote. Describe the problem in detail and give the automotive locksmith all the details, even if you think they may not be relevant.
- Moreover, If the locksmith has all the details, it can speed up the process and make it more cost-effective. Remember to give them your exact location to prevent a long waiting period. It may also affect the price.
- In addition, tell the locksmith/dealer if the ignition was changed before, as far as you know. A previous ignition change may result in different keys for the ignition and doors.
4. Most Chevy models today are equipped with chips or transponders, so make sure you mention the exact year, make, and model and ask the locksmith if they have the necessary tools in their truck to code the key. Not all locksmiths have a key coding machine to program those keys.
5. In addition, it’s important to have the VIN number available as the locksmith may need it.
6. Finally, remember that for most Chevrolet models, there is no need to tow the car to the dealer should you lose your car keys. An automotive locksmith should be able to make you a new car key on site.
What you should do when your Chevy car key is lost and how to get a replacement:
Generally speaking, you have three options:
- First, call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for Chevrolet cars. We can help you with that.
- Second, tow the car to the dealer.
- Third, order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program (if necessary) it for you.
For a more detailed explanation including tips on how to SAVE TIME AND MONEY please visit our blog post: How to get a replacement key
Here are some additional tips:
First, make sure you don’t have a spare key. Many of us put one away as a backup for when we lose our key. Take a deep breath and try to remember where it is. Need some help? Here are some great ideas about how to find your lost Chevrolet keys.
In addition, if you decided to call an automotive locksmith, remember to provide the exact year, make, and model, e.g “I lost my keys to my 2014 Chevy Cruze, 2014 Chevrolet Impala, 2016 Chevy Silverado” etc. This is important so the locksmith can check if he or she has the right key blank/ transponder key/ remote key fob.
Furthermore, remember to ask if the key needs to be programmed or coded, some models do – e.g., a replacement key for a 2016 Chevy Malibu will need to be programmed, whereas a 1998 Chevy Blazer won’t.
If you think you need a new ignition switch/ lock cylinder, first make sure you don’t simply need a new key. Changing the ignition for Chevrolet cars is more expensive than buying a replacement key and it means that you will have one key for the doors and another for the ignition.
When calling a dealer to get a Chevrolet replacement key, ask if you can pick up the new key yourself, or whether you have to tow the car there.
In addition, if the key won’t turn in the ignition, mention if this is something that has happened for the first time or is an ongoing problem.
Moreover, if you have previously changed the ignition cylinder, tell the locksmith or dealer as it may prevent them from cutting you a new key by code.
Finally, make sure you have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car and relevant documents to show ownership of the car. The title certificate, registration papers, your ID and proof of insurance, etc.
Q: Chevy key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Chevy key without the original? What is the average price?
The answer below is a short explanation. For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement cost
A: In a nutshell, to replace a Chevy key can cost anywhere between $90 and $430. The price you pay depends on several factors:
- Type of key
- The year manufactured
- Time of day & your location
- Where you get a key replacement (Dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc)
- Availability of code to cut a new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are maybe the most important factors.(chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key).
The newer the car is, the better security features the key had and therefore you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. Choose your Chevy model(from the drop-down menu) and type of key you had for a more accurate price and information.
In addition,
It depends on where you get a key replacement. The dealer, automotive locksmith or get it online. Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.
The dealer usually charges about 10%-15% less than a locksmith would for the key. However, most chances you will have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote and therefore the total price is usually higher.
Furthermore,
Consider that if you are looking to have a locksmith to come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may go up.
Finally,
In case your Chevy ignition cylinder was changed before (usually with older cars), that probably means that the code for the key may not be useful and the key will have to be either cut manually by a locksmith or to change the ignition again which in this case the dealer can’t be of help.
Q: How can I know if my Chevy key had a chip in it? I understand that some keys need to be programmed and some don’t?
A: A good rule of thumb is that a key that had a plastic cover at the top and/or the vehicle was manufactured after the year 1998 most likely had a chip in it.
Hence, if you’ve lost your Chevy key and it had a chip in it, the key will have to be programmed/ coded on-site in order to start the car.
An automotive locksmith for Chevy keys replacement can do that on-site. Alternatively, you can contact the dealer, but the car will have to be towed there.
Below are examples of the different types of Chevy keys and remote “push to start button” smart key fobs:
Fob car key – Chevy fob/ remote/ “push to start” /intelligent car key: It typically looks like some sort of remote. This fob car key has a chip and therefore will need to be coded.
The next image is of a Chevy key that has a transponder chip in it and therefore NEEDS to be coded. The chip is located inside the cover at the top.
The next image is of a Chevy key that doesn’t contain a chip and therefore DOES NOT NEED to be coded. It’s a simple metal key.
Q: I lost my 2018 Chevy key fob, have no spare. I need to know how long does it take and do you make a replacement Chevy key fob on-site?
A: Generally speaking, for a new Chevy key, fob, remote or smart key, the process should take about one to two hours, depending on the year of manufacture and model of the car.
If codes are available, this process is even faster.
We offer fast 24/7 automotive locksmith services for all Chevy models including Emergency lockout service, car keys replacement, ignition repair, and more.
Q: Chevy key cutting – who can cut a new key for my car? can I get it done at any hardware store or should I go to an automotive locksmith or dealer? what is the procedure and how much does it cost?
A: There many different types of Chevy keys. Some can be cut with a basic cutting machine (mostly for older models made before 2010) and some, such as laser cut keys, can only be cut with a more advanced machine, which not all locksmiths carry, and definitely not hardware stores.
Therefore, you should do your research before you decide where to get your Chevy key cut.
The next image is of laser key on laser cutting machine:
In addition, there are a few things to consider:
First, you have to remember that cutting a new Chevy key probably won’t be enough for you to start your vehicle as most Chevy models made after 2005 requires coding in addition to cutting the key. Saying that, you will have to take care of coding the keys as well AFTER you had your key cut. The good news is that unlike cutting a new Chevy key, which you would need the help of a locksmith or dealer, the programming you can do yourself. Learn more about how to program Chevy keys
The next image is of a cut key and programming machine:
Second, the newer your Chevy is, the more chances the key is a laser-cut key. Cutting newer Chevy keys require a different machine than for those keys made before 2010. Therefore, make sure you ask the locksmith or dealer if they can cut you the key you need. In case your Chevy model is older than 2000, you may be able to get the key cut at some hardware stores as well.
Finally, try to get the key code, which makes the process of cutting a new key very fast, from your dealer. They should be able to provide it for you after verification that you are the owner. Once you have this code, any locksmith should be able to cut you the key within minutes, and it would be cheaper as well.
How much should you expect to pay for cutting your Chevy key?
Laser-cut keys or remote emergency keys – About $50 if you have the key code. (If not about $80)
Regular key, transponder, VATS key – about $20 if you have the key code. (If not about $50)
Q: Can I get a Chevrolet key replacement by VIN?
A: That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.
The VIN gives Chevrolet dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process very fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
- For vehicles older than 10 years: Chevy dealers don’t keep a record for vehicles older than 10 years. An automotive locksmith is therefore your only option to get a replacement key.
- For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key: Codes are available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.
Click here to learn more about VIN number.
Q: My 2001 Chevy S10 ignition key won’t turn, what is the reason and how can I get a new key made?
A: There are a number of reasons why the ignition key won’t turn. The key may be worn out, or jammed; the ignition may be rusty, or its wafers broken. An automotive locksmith for Chevy cars can determine the reason on-site and solve the problem. We can help you in this scenario.
Remember that losing your Chevy ignition key does not mean that you have to change the ignition. In most cases, you won’t have to.
For more information please visit: My ignition key won’t turn
Q: My Chevy Silverado transponder key will not start the car. The battery is new, the lights are on and the radio works. What may be the reason?
A: There may be a few reasons why the key won’t start the car. A mechanical problem or key related problem. Please visit: My ignition key won’t start the car for more information.
Q: Can you explain why there is a difference in the cost of replacement keys between Chevrolet models? what would be the price for a newer model at the dealer VS an automotive locksmith?
A: The price for Chevrolet key replacement varies according to the year of manufacture and the model. In the main, there are two different types of Chevy keys when it comes to replacement key cost:
- Non-transponder chip key – there is no need to code the key.
- Transponder chip keys/ remote Fob keys/ smart keys – these keys need to be coded.
Here’s an example of the price you can expect to pay for a key replacement:
Non-transponder Chevy replacement key cost –
From a Dealer –
If no coding is needed, you can call the dealer and have him cut you a new replacement key, which you can pick up at your convenience.
However, if the ignition was changed in the past, as may happen with older models, the codes the dealer has on file will not work and so the key won’t turn in the ignition.
It is also important to remember that the dealer only has codes on file for the original ignition and up to a certain year. If the car is too old, it may be difficult to get a replacement key from the dealer.
Estimated cost: Usually around $75 for a new key.
From an Automotive Locksmith:
A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key.
You can therefore expect to pay more than the dealer would charge. However, since the cost of a non-transponder chip key is minor, you shouldn’t pay much more than the dealer charge and you have the convenience of a solution at your location as many locksmiths offer a mobile service.
Estimated cost: Usually around $135.
Transponder chip / “push to start” / fob / remote Chevy replacement key cost:
From a Dealer –
Keys of this type have to be coded in order to start the car and therefore the car will have to be towed to the dealership which will result in an additional cost.
The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $150 for a new key.
An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $350 for a new key.
From an Automotive locksmith:
A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key so you can expect to pay more than the dealer would charge.
However, an automotive locksmith operating a mobile service can make the key on-site and therefore save you time and money and the hassle of towing the car to the dealer.
The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $280 for a new key.
An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $420 for a new key.
Q: I called my Chevy dealer as I need a replacement key for my 1996 Chevy Express. Unfortunately, they told me they can’t make me a replacement key as they don’t have the information on file. Can you explain why is that, where can I get a replacement key and how much would it cost?
A: Chevrolet dealers, like other car brand dealers, use a key code to cut a replacement key. Key codes are only available for a limited number of years – usually about 10 years or so.
Therefore, if your Chevy model is older than ten years, you may have a problem getting a replacement key from the dealer. In such a scenario, an automotive locksmith would be your best option.
The estimated cost should be around $135
A complete list of Chevrolet models we deal with:
Aveo, Beretta, Bolt, C/K, Camaro, Caprice PPV, Captiva, Cavalier, Cobalt, Corsica, Corvette, Cruze, FRR, FSR, FTR, Impala, Kodiak, Lumina, Malibu, Metro, Monte Carlo, Nova, NPR, NQR, NRR, Optra, Prizm, Sonic, Spark, Spectrum, Sprint, SS, SSR, Traverse, W4, W5, Volt
Vans & Trucks:
Astro, Avalanche, Blazer, Silverado, Colorado, Equinox, Express, HHR, Orlando, NQR, S-10, Suburban, Tahoe, Tracker, Trailblazer, Trax, Uplander Mini Van, Venture Van.