Lost Sterling Key Replacement – All You Need To Know About Sterling Keys Replacement, Ignition Problems & More.
Sterling Replacement Car Keys Services
Give Us a Call 24/7 For All Lost Sterling Car Keys Replacements & Ignition Solutions!
Call Us Now: 800-223-1453
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We specialize in making replacement car keys for all Sterling models when you need a spare key, a remote key, your car’s ignition repaired or replaced and more.
Moreover, we deal with all Sterling trucks and models, including 3500S, Aktera, Bullet, Cargo, Sterling and more.
Quick access: click to get an answer!
Sterling key replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith
Sterling key replacement cost – estimated price for a new key
I have lost my Sterling key – Now what? What should I do?
Sterling key replacement by VIN – all you need to know
How long does it take to get a replacement key for Sterling trucks?
My Sterling ignition key won’t turn, what is the reason?
My Sterling ignition key won’t start the car, why is that?
Sterling key replacement – price check: locksmith vs dealer
Want to get some useful tips before you call a locksmith? Read our blog post Locksmith near me
What you should do when your Sterling key is lost and how to get a replacement:
Sterling Replacement Car Keys Services
Generally speaking, you have three options:
- First, call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for Sterling models. 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
- 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 Sterling keys.
- In addition, if you decided to call an automotive locksmith, remember to provide the exact year, make and model, e.g. “I lost the key to my 2009 Sterling Bullet, 2004 Sterling Cargo, 2007 Sterling Aktera” etc. This is important so the locksmith can check if he or she has the right key blank.
- 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 the Sterling trucks is more expensive than buying a replacement key and it will mean that you will have one key for the doors and another for the ignition.
- When calling a dealer to get a Sterling 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.
Sterling keys replacement near me – Things to remember before calling a locksmith or dealer
Sterling Keys Replacement Near Me – Things To Remember Before Calling For Service
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.
- Most 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.
- In addition, it’s important to have the VIN number available as the locksmith may need it.
- Finally, remember that for most Sterling models, there is no need to tow the car to the dealer should you lose your car keys. You can try and call the AAA, or an automotive locksmith who should be able to make you a new car key on site.
Sterling Replacement Car Keys – All You Need To Know
FAQ Lost Sterling Key Replacement:
Q: Sterling key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Sterling 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 Sterling key can cost anywhere between $50 and $320. The price you pay depends on several factors:
- The type of key
- The car’s year of manufacture
- The day of the week, the time of day (or night!) & your location
- Where you get the key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
- Availability of the code to cut a new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are probably the most important factors as they dictate whether you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, or a regular “non-transponder” key. Keys for late model cars have better security features and so you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. Choose your Sterling model (from the drop-down menu) and the type of key you had for more accurate pricing 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.
A dealer typically charges about 10%-15% less than a locksmith for the key. However, you’ll probably have to tow the car to the dealer so they can code/program the new key or remote, so the total price is usually higher.
Furthermore, consider that if you are thinking about getting a locksmith to come out and make you a new key outside of regular business hours, the price is likely to spiral.
Finally, if your Sterling ignition cylinder has been changed in the past (quite often the case with older cars), this probably means that the code for the key may no longer be valid, so you will either have to get a new key cut manually by a locksmith or change the ignition once again so the dealer can’t be of help.
Call Us 24/7: 800-223-1453
Click to Get a New Key online
Q: How can I know if my Sterling key had a chip in it? I understand that some keys need to be programmed in order to start the car?
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, in case you lost your Sterling key and the key had a chip in it, it will have to be programmed/ coded on site in order to start the car.
An automotive locksmith for Sterling 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 Sterling keys:
The next image is of a Sterling key that has a transponder chip in it and therefore NEEDS to be coded. The chip is located inside the cover at the top.
Sterling Transponder Chip Car Key
The next image is of a Sterling key that doesn’t contain a chip and therefore DOES NOT NEED to be coded. It’s a simple metal key.
Sterling Non Transponder Car Key
Q: Can I get a Sterling key replacement by VIN?
A: That depends on the year of manufacture of your truck and the type of key you had.
The VIN gives dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by a code which makes the process very fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
- For vehicles older than 10 years: Sterling 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.
For more information click here
Q: I lost my 2006 Sterling Aktera truck key and I have no spare. I need to know how long does it take and do you make replacement Sterling keys on site?
A: Generally speaking, for a new Sterling 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.
Q: My 2004 Sterling Cargo ignition key won’t turn, what is the reason and can you change my ignition for me?
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 Sterling trucks can determine the reason on site and solve the problem. We can help you in this scenario.
Remember that losing your Sterling 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: Do you make replacement keys with chip for a 2009 Sterling Bullet? I lost my only set of keys and have no spare.
Sterling Car Key with chip
A: Yes. We can make replacement car keys of all types to all Sterling models. Please call us for immediate assistance.
Q: My Sterling transponder key will not start the truck. The battery is good, the lights are on and the radio works. What may be the reason?
Sterling Ignition Cylinder (Old version)
A: There are a couple of reasons for the key not starting the car – it could be a mechanical problem or a key-related problem. Please visit: My ignition key won’t start the car for more information.
Q: I lost my only set of keys for my 2007 Sterling Aktera and have no spare. I wanted to know how and is it possible to make a replacement key without the original.
A: Yes. We can make replacement car keys for all Sterling models, including duplicate keys without the original. Moreover, we can unlock the car for you as well. Please call us for immediate assistance.
Q: Can you explain why there is a difference in the cost of replacement keys between Sterling models? What would be the price for a newer model at the dealer VS an automotive locksmith?
A: The price for Sterling key replacement varies according to the year of manufacture and the model. In the main, there are two different types of Sterling keys when it comes to replacement key cost:
- Non-transponder chip key – there is no need to code the key.
- Transponder chip keys – the key needs to be coded.
Here’s an example of the price you can expect to pay for a key replacement:
Non-transponder Sterling replacement key cost –
Non-transponder Sterling car key
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 $85 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 $145.
Transponder chip Sterling replacement key cost –
Sterling Transponder Key Replacement
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 $180 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.
Q: I called my Sterling dealer as I need a replacement key for my 1991 Sterling 3500S. 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: Sterling 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 Sterling 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 $165.
Call Us Now: 800-223-1453
Click to Get a New Key online
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