How to Make New Car Keys

You will never realize the value of your car keys until they are lost or damaged. The key is the soul of the car and if lost or damaged, you will face many difficulties. Luckily, there are ways to get a new car key that’s been lost or malfunctioned. However, in some cases, this is also very expensive.

Table of Contents

For old car keys

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Record the VIN of the car. This is necessary information when you want to make a new key. In some cases, the VIN is on the driver’s side panel and can be read through the windshield. You can also find it on the rear wheel rim, in front of the engine block, in the trunk, along the door frame stand or on the chassis (between the carburetor and the windshield washer).

If you’re not sure where the VIN is on your vehicle, you can look it up in your car insurance document. Usually the VIN will be listed in the upper left corner of each page.
A VIN is a sequence of 17 alphanumeric characters. The letters I, O and Q are not included in the VIN to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. In addition, this sequence of numbers only began to be used after 1981. Vehicles manufactured before 1954 did not have a VIN number. .

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Record year of manufacture, make and model of vehicle. This is essential, whether you decide to buy a new set of car keys or not. The above information will tell you the specific type of key that needs to be replaced. Remember that the key is unique.

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Call a nearby auto locksmith. This should be your first choice. Locksmiths are an effective solution that costs about half the cost of buying a new key from the manufacturer or dealer. They also don’t usually charge a vehicle inspection fee. The locksmith will open the car and proceed to make a new key. While hardware stores don’t have enough equipment to make new keys (not just copy keys), locksmiths often have more complicated machines. The older the car, the higher the chance of getting a new key.

If you lose the control key (key fob), depending on the complexity, a skilled locksmith can help you rebuild a new one. In addition, they can assist in reprogramming the new key (instructions are also included in the user manual). Don’t forget to bring any other keys that came with the car with you, as sometimes these keys won’t work until a new key fob is programmed. Some cars need to be programmed using specialized equipment that only locksmiths and dealers have. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Consumer Reports Go to Source}

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Find replacement keys online. Sometimes you can find keys made by third parties, even genuine ones, online for much less than buying directly from the manufacturer. Search Google for reputable agencies or companies that specialize in this area. Again, the more modern the car, the more complex and difficult the key will be to renew. Cho Tot is also a good place to start looking. However, you should note: some cars have to be keyed and programmed with specialized equipment. Before ordering, call nearby services to see if anyone can cut and program the keys purchased online. Besides, do not forget to compare the price of reprogramming service with the cost of making a brand new key from a locksmith.

Make a new smart key

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Check to see if a replacement key is covered by your car’s warranty or insurance plan. Sometimes with new or high-end cars, no one other than the manufacturer/distributor has the ability to change the key. In this case, you may be able to get a discount through the warranty. Have all your vehicle information, a valid photo ID, and another set of keys (if any) ready to bring to the dealer.

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Visit your local locksmith shop. Depending on the complexity of the smartkey, the locksmith can sometimes program the smart key as well. Many newer car keys have anti-copy chips. However, if the smartkey uses a magnetic chip (transponder), you can make a new key at a locksmith for less than 1,000,000 VND depending on the model and region. Manufacturers have been using transponder technology since the 1990s, a chip that exchanges signals with cars mounted on the top of the key. If the wrong key is inserted into the lock, the car will not start. Keys using magnetic chips are available at most locksmith shops. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Buy replacement car keys from a third party. Just search for the keyword “make car smartkey” on the Internet, you will have countless choices from these services. Usually, the amount you spend is only about 75% of the fee from the agent. However, the ultimate goal is still cutting and programming the key, so compare the prices between the parties before deciding.

Handling faulty electronic keys

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Wait a minute. Sometimes too hot or too cold temperatures can also cause the electronic key to not work properly. In addition, if you jog with the keys in your hand, sweat can also cause some problems. Please wait a while and try again to see if the key is still faulty before deciding to replace it. Sometimes the key can work again.

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Reset all keys. The control key can malfunction after some change or repair takes place with the vehicle’s electrical system (such as changing the battery). Find the user manual (or buy it online) for the specific car and do a full key reset through the steps in the guide.

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Replace batteries. If you’ve noticed that your key is not working properly in recent days, it’s likely due to a dead battery. Replacement batteries for keys are inexpensive and can be found at electronics stores, auto repair shops, or online. Do not forget to prepare information about the make, model, year of manufacture and VIN of the car. The process of changing the key battery is very simple and you can do it yourself. Just unscrew the Philips screw on the back of the key, remove the old battery and insert the new one. It is done! ^{[4] X Research Sources}

You can also go straight to the dealer or the manufacturer, but this is a lot more expensive, especially if they charge a technician to replace the battery with a new one. Check to see if replacing the key battery is covered under the warranty.

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Reprogram the key. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can go to a dealer or locksmith, but the easiest solution is to follow the instructions in the user manual. Normally, the process of resetting the key varies from model to model, but will generally involve pressing a set of buttons in a certain order. ^{[5] X Research Source} Please refer to the manual.

Advice

Replacing a new key at the dealer should be a last resort as it will cost you twice as much as other options.
Always read the user manual to understand how to reprogram a specific car key. For some cars, this operation is not mentioned in the manual, but you can ask the seller of the remote control key or search online. Don’t try to guess.
Before ordering a key fob online, you must have a plan in place to cut and program the key. Some control keys are simple enough that you can program them yourself, but others require the hands of a professional locksmith or dealer. Therefore, you should plan ahead by calling to ask.
Dealers and locksmiths will charge a programming fee whether the key is working or not, please “choose the gold side”.
A locksmith’s warranty usually also covers the cost of reprogramming, while online sellers can provide a new key fob (but you still have to pay to reprogram it). In some cases, it is more optimal to spend a few hundred thousand more to make a new key from a locksmith.
You should have a spare key ready, so it will cost less than waiting until the key is damaged/lost.
If you are stuck outside of your vehicle and need a new key immediately, call your insurance company and roadside assistance. If the keys are in the car, they can help you.
If you live abroad and have registered for OnStar service, your car can be unlocked remotely if you provide your VIN and personal PIN to the operator.
You should make an extra spare key and put it in a magnetic car key holder. Then, hide the container in a secret place under the car that only you know about. This will help you avoid getting stuck outside the car.

Steps

For old car keys

Make a new smart key

Handling faulty electronic keys

Advice

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