Chevrolet Key Replacement Houston Texas

15-09-2019 - We want to welcome you to OkeyDoKeyLocksmith! Have you lost or broken the key to your Chevrolet? Do you want to copy remote fob, side winder or transponder key? Scanning for a convenience and reasonable key replacement services?

Great news

Okey DoKey Locksmith offer 24/7 fast and affordable Chevrolet replacement keys. Call for immediate assistance, free estimate and scheduling. Our expert mobile car locksmith come to you to duplicate or replace your lost keys on-site.

Furthermore, we can solve all your Chevrolet key, locks and ignition dilemmas.

Does Chevrolet use transponder keys?

Chevrolet VATS keys

In 1985 GM introduced the VATS key-lock on the Chevrolet Corvette. The VATS technology used on the following Chevrolet models:

• Chevrolet Camaro 1989-2002
• Chevrolet Caprice 1995-1996
• Chevrolet Corvette 1985-1990
• Chevrolet Impala 1995-1996
• Chevrolet Lumina 1994-2000
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1994-1999

PASSKey I/II

In 1999, Chevrolet started to use PASSkey technology on the Chevrolet Venture. Most Chevrolet OEM keys stamped with a PK or PK2. The technology were slowly adopted on other models and the PASSKey II systems followed shortly.

PASSKey III and transponders

In 2004 Chevrolet Malibu started to use the Circle Plus transponder and in 2005, Uplander started to use the PASSkey 3 transponder. These transponders have 10 cuts that operate the door and the ignition. Transponder technology were slowly adopted on other models.

Chevrolet FOB and smart keys

In 2010, GM introduced a Remote Flip Key on the Camaro, Cruze and Equinox. This is a high security with a laser cut switch blade that “flips” out of the FOB. Depend on the model and year, the FOB may be a proximity smart key based on the Passive System (E-Z Key).

Why does Chevrolet use transponder keys?

Chevrolet transponder keys used mainly as an anti-theft technology. The immobilizer configured to accept each unique programmed key by a code. When a key with unmatched code turned in the ignition, the vehicle will not start.

How does Chevrolet immobilizer works?

How does Chevrolet VATS key works?

The VATS key uses a resistor pelet in key "shaft" and a Theft Deterrent Module to validates the key. There are only 15 different ressistances possible for the key. If the TDM recognize the resistance value, it will send a valid key signal to the PCM allowing it to start.

How does PASSKey works?

In Passkey system is actually not a transponder, but very similar to the VATS! The Theft Deterrent Module validates the resistance of the chip in the key. The PASSKey includes more that a 100 resistances.

In addition to the resistance check, PASSKey also use the PASSLock system as an extra safety feature. The PASSLock module and measures and record voltage data through a magnitude sensor placed on the ignition. It basicly check the proper key cut profile and determines if the cylinder is aligned. If the PASSLock recognize the key it will allow the car to start. This is effective when cylider is broken, damaged or picked usually by a thief trying to hotwire the vehicle.

How does PASSKey II works?

PassKey II works like the PassKey I, but the TDM is built into the BCM instead of the ignition. The BCM sends a digital start/no start signal to the PCM over the data bus. One more change from PASSKey I is that halting the engine done by the fuel system instead of the ignition.

How does PASSKey III works?

The Passlock III is actually the first transponder used by GM. The chip is located inside the plastic covering of the key and stamped "PK3" on the metal blade. The ignition lock cylinder contain an antenna that reads the transponder data and sends a it to the PCM. If the PCM recognize the code from the key, it will allow the engine to drive. Some higher end models use a key fob instead of metal blade.

Later version of the PK3 called PK3+ or + have the same infrastructure and fuctionality as the PK3 system. The only difference is that the PK3+ use an encrypted transponder and requires dedicated programmers.

Can you program a transponder key yourself?

VATS/PASSKEY I/II duplication requires special VATS reader and is possible and not recommended as a DIY project. For more information read here about VATS keys.

Chevrolet uses a simple on-board procedure to add keys for the PASSKey III vehicles using one already programmed key. First you need to have a blank key or buy cut key online. Once you have the key in hand, follow to following instruction to program a dublicate key yourself.

How do I know if my Chevrolet has a transponder key?

Following are the list of Chevrolet models that use transponders:

• Chevy HHR 2006+
• Chevy Aveo (optional-rare) 2004+
• Chevy Venture 1999-2005
• Chevy Uplander 2005-2008
• Chevy Caprice 2011+
• Chevy Malibu 2004+
• Chevy Equinox 2007+
• Chevy Captiva 2012
• Chevy Impala 2006+
• Chevy Cobalt 2006-2010
• Chevy Traverse 2009+
• Chevy Silverado 2007+
• Chevy Volt 2011+
• Chevy Tahoe 2007+
• Chevy Monte Carlo 2006-2007
• Chevy Cruze 2011+
• Chevy Avalanche 2007
• Chevy Sonic 2012+
• Chevy Express 2008+
• Chevy Corvette 2005+
• Chevy Camaro 2010+
• Chevy Suburban 2007+

Duplicate Chevrolet keys

Chevrolet key duplication on-board

Chevrolet use a very simple technique to duplicate PK keys. All you need is one existing programmed key and a new blank transponder key and follow the instruction below:

1. Get a blank key online or at the dealer.
2. Go to a local hardware store and cut the key. (You can also avoid the two first step by ordering a cut key online service).
3. Insert an existing functional key into the ignition key-hole and turn it until a lock symbol appears on the dashboard.
4. Once the lock symbol turns off, pull the first key out.
5. Insert the second un-programmed key.
6. Wait for the lock symbol on the dashboard to go on and off.
7. The second key is now program.

Chevrolet key made by VIN

Using the VIN and proof of ownership, a locksmith or the dealer can duplicate a new key.

Chevrolet key cloning

There is also a way to clone the key chip value to a blank read/write chip key. This usually done by a locksmith or the dealer using a dedicated programmers and tools.

Lost Chevrolet keys

Lost metal key blade

If you lost all your keys to a Chevrolet that made before 1990, your key has no chip. All you need to do is to go to the dealer or to a locksmith store with the VIN and cut a new key.

This process is quite simple and should cost less than a 100$ in most cases.

One exception to the above is if the ignition changed and is not in sync with the VIN. In this case a locksmith need to replace the ignition again or to make a new key. This done by reading the key grooves inside the ignition cylinder. This process is more complex and requires a locksmith with the right machine and experience.

Lost Chevrolet VATS key

If you Chevrolet made between 1990 to 1997, your key might be a VATS.

When losing all VATS keys, a new key has to sync with the resistance of the TDM on the lock cylinder. This means that the car towed to the dealership or to use the service of a mobile locksmith who will come out to the site of where the car is at.

Lost Chevrolet transponder key

If you Chevrolet made after 1997, your key probably uses a PASSKey III transponder chip. When losing all the keys to an transponder immobilized Chevrolet, the ECU reprogrammed to accept a new key. For this, the car towed to the dealership or to use the service of a mobile locksmith who will come out to you.

My Chevrolet ignition key wont turn! What to do?

There are many reasons for ignition problems! Please check our article about ignition repair and replacement.

How much is a replacement Chevrolet key?

Service	Price
Car Lockout	$60-$120
Locked keys in trunk	$60-$190
Door lock rekey/repair/change	$160-$280
Lost key replacement	$120-$200
Duplicate car key	$100-$180
Remote/Flip keys	$200-$300
Keyless entry device	$220-$320
Ignition repair	$110-$180
Key extraction	$80-$130
Ignition replacement	$160-$280
ECU re-flash	$225-$285

* Estimates above includes the technician coming out to you the parts and the labor.

Final price depends on:

• The state of the lock and the computer in the vehicle.
• The type of equipment that the technician need to use.
• The type of key that you would like to have.
• The chip configuration.

The tech will diagnose the vehicle and provide a price for you to approve before doing anything.

How long does it takes to make a key?

Our emergency mobile vehicle lock-smith are on a prompt call 24-7. Ready to handle all your Chevrolet keys and locks obstacles. We usually arrive at customer location fast.

Our service van is comprehensively paired with modern programming, diagnostic and cutting hardware able to restore keys onsite. A key replacement process for a vehicle usually done same day.

We feel honor in administering an affordable cost and reliable services. Give us a call at for a FREE ESTIMATE and our Chevrolet expert will arrive to your place ASAP. Okey DoKey Locksmith is always here to meet your needs in a professional way.

References

1. chevrolet.com
2. wikipedia - Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS)
3. Chevrolet Forum - Discussion forums for Chevrolet lovers. Get together to discuss anything related to Chevrolet automobiles.
4. edmunds - American online resource for automotive information.

Related articles/services

1. Car key replacement
2. Ignition repair
3. Car lockout