Transponder key replacement in Toronto is one of the most common car key jobs we hear about. Most cars built since the late 1990s have a small chip in the plastic head of the key. When you turn the key, the car checks the chip's code, and if it does not match, the engine cranks for a second or does not start at all. A hardware store copy without a programmed chip opens the door but will not start the car. A local technician cuts the blade and programs a chip to your car, at the car.
How do you know it is a chip key?
Look for a thick plastic head with no buttons, and a small key or car symbol on the dash that lights up or blinks when the key is out. If your key has buttons in the head, it is a remote head key with a chip inside, covered on the fob page. Not sure? Give us the year and model and we can tell you.
Why does the car crank and then stop?
That is the immobilizer doing its job. Common causes: a copy with no chip, a chip that cracked after the key was dropped, a chip that lost its pairing after work on the car, or a blade so worn it barely turns. The fix is a new key with a programmed chip, or reprogramming the old chip if it still reads.
How is a chip key programmed?
The technician cuts the blade on a mobile key machine, then connects programming equipment to the diagnostic port under the dashboard. With one working key, many cars accept a new chip quickly. With no working key, the car's security system has to be accessed first, which takes longer. Some older cars accept a new chip through a sequence done with two working keys; ask, it can be the cheapest route.
What does a chip key cost?
We quote chip keys on the phone from your make, model and year, before anyone is sent. The price depends on the blank, whether you have a working key, and whether the car needs a security code. A copy from a working key is at the low end. No working key at all is an all keys lost job and costs more.
Before you call
- The year, make and model.
- How many working keys you have now.
- Whether the security light on the dash blinks when you try to start.
- Photo ID and the ownership for the technician.
Chip key questions
Can I copy a chip key at a hardware store?
Some stores clone common chips. Many cannot, and a blade-only copy will not start the car. A car locksmith programs a chip to the car itself, so it works like an original.
My key worked yesterday and now the car will not start. Why?
If the dash security light blinks, the car is not reading the chip. Try your spare. If the spare works, the chip in the first key failed and a new key fixes it.
Does a transponder key need a battery?
No. The car powers the chip when the key is in the ignition. Only remote buttons, if there are any, use a battery.
Can the new key be cut from my old worn key?
If the old key still turns, the technician can decode the cuts from it or from the key code, so the new one is cut to factory depth instead of copying the wear.
My key broke off in the ignition. Is that fixable?
In most cases, yes, depending on the lock. The technician pulls the broken piece out, cuts a new chip key and programs it in the same visit.
Related key jobs
Car cranks but will not start?
Call (416) 555-0150 and tell us whether the security light blinks.