Replacement keys for 2008 Cobalt SS
11-18-2018, 09:07 PM
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Replacement keys for 2008 Cobalt SS
I went to HD and they told me the key was chipped and had to go the dealer. I can imagine that's going to be $ and have seen some advertised on amazon and other places that are programmable - anyone tried them with luck? I need a remote as well and those are generic and know I can get them online
Thx
Matt
Thx
Matt
11-19-2018, 09:51 AM
#2
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Gonna be a little bit of a text wall but hear me out 
The best place is to get keys on ebay. You can actually buy them cheaper there than I can at work with my discount. (I work at a gm dealer) Gm no longer produces their own replacement keys for these older vehicles. We use a company called strattec, There is a couple options for keys now online but only one from dealers. When you search for these you need to look at the photos and make sure there is a wide slot in the blade and a (+) at the head of the blade. (this is also known as a circle plus). This is a chip key and it is required to learn to the theft module to start the car. There is a couple styles you can still get online and they range usually from 13-20 bucks, sometimes you can catch a deal of 2, 5, or 10 key packs that save a couple more dollars per key. You can search Strattec 23372322 for a key that has the small hole and gm logohttps://www.ebay.com/itm/STRATTEC-CHEVROLET-DOOR-LOCK-IGNITION-KEY-UNCODED-GM-EMBLEM-23372322-CIRCLE/252816232009?epid=0&hash=item3add058e49:g:VMoAAOSw 4A5Yytvj:sc:USPSFirstClass!38301!US!-1:rk:2:pf:0, you can find it in both gm packaging(search the number only) and strattec package. Then there is Strattec 692931 for the older wide slot key with the bowtie emblemhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine...ZvKp:rk:2:pf:0, then there is Strattec 23234400 (also can search strattec 5913736) for the small hole bowtie key https://www.ebay.com/itm/STRATTEC-Recall-GM-Chevy-Logo-Circle-Plus-Transponder-Key-Blank-23234400-5913736/262198236161?epid=1156974748&hash=item3d0c3b9401:g :uHkAAOSweW5Vb2cq:sc:USPSFirstClass!38301!US!-1:rk:2:pf:0. That key is similar to the keys handed out during the ignition recall. Sometimes you can still find one of the old gm made small hole bowtie keys, its number 23277037https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine...S!-1:rk:1:pf:0.
Now there is a lot of aftermarket companies that sell keys for really cheap (5-10 dollars a key) I have seen a lot of them work but I have also seen a lot of them not program (or work initially but then lose programming) Your call if you want to go that route. If you have a key that starts the car now its really easy to program more, if you don't then its a little harder but it can be done without going to the dealer.
The best place is to get keys on ebay. You can actually buy them cheaper there than I can at work with my discount. (I work at a gm dealer) Gm no longer produces their own replacement keys for these older vehicles. We use a company called strattec, There is a couple options for keys now online but only one from dealers. When you search for these you need to look at the photos and make sure there is a wide slot in the blade and a (+) at the head of the blade. (this is also known as a circle plus). This is a chip key and it is required to learn to the theft module to start the car. There is a couple styles you can still get online and they range usually from 13-20 bucks, sometimes you can catch a deal of 2, 5, or 10 key packs that save a couple more dollars per key. You can search Strattec 23372322 for a key that has the small hole and gm logohttps://www.ebay.com/itm/STRATTEC-CHEVROLET-DOOR-LOCK-IGNITION-KEY-UNCODED-GM-EMBLEM-23372322-CIRCLE/252816232009?epid=0&hash=item3add058e49:g:VMoAAOSw 4A5Yytvj:sc:USPSFirstClass!38301!US!-1:rk:2:pf:0, you can find it in both gm packaging(search the number only) and strattec package. Then there is Strattec 692931 for the older wide slot key with the bowtie emblemhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine...ZvKp:rk:2:pf:0, then there is Strattec 23234400 (also can search strattec 5913736) for the small hole bowtie key https://www.ebay.com/itm/STRATTEC-Recall-GM-Chevy-Logo-Circle-Plus-Transponder-Key-Blank-23234400-5913736/262198236161?epid=1156974748&hash=item3d0c3b9401:g :uHkAAOSweW5Vb2cq:sc:USPSFirstClass!38301!US!-1:rk:2:pf:0. That key is similar to the keys handed out during the ignition recall. Sometimes you can still find one of the old gm made small hole bowtie keys, its number 23277037https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine...S!-1:rk:1:pf:0.Now there is a lot of aftermarket companies that sell keys for really cheap (5-10 dollars a key) I have seen a lot of them work but I have also seen a lot of them not program (or work initially but then lose programming) Your call if you want to go that route. If you have a key that starts the car now its really easy to program more, if you don't then its a little harder but it can be done without going to the dealer.
Last edited by Kolt; 11-19-2018 at 03:57 PM.
11-19-2018, 01:40 PM
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For Kolt's TL;DR: There are no "chips" in the keys like more modern vehicles (Cruze). The only thing you would need to be programmed are the FOBs which usually cost 1/2hr labour from the stealership.
For my old G5 (SE), I bought a key from the local hardware store and had them copy it. Worked perfectly fine for unlocking and ignition (although new keys have sharper edges so it may take some wiggling to get it inserted properly).
For my old G5 (SE), I bought a key from the local hardware store and had them copy it. Worked perfectly fine for unlocking and ignition (although new keys have sharper edges so it may take some wiggling to get it inserted properly).
11-19-2018, 01:48 PM
#4
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These actually do have chips. Maybe the Pontiac was different, im not sure since g5's never come in anymore, but the cobalt's require the circle plus/ (+)chip key and it does require a program to start the car. Simple to do with a old key, otherwise you have to do the 30min 3 cycle key learn.
11-19-2018, 01:52 PM
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These actually do have chips. Maybe the Pontiac was different, im not sure since g5's never come in anymore, but the cobalt's require the circle plus/ (+)chip key and it does require a program to start the car. Simple to do with a old key, otherwise you have to do the 30min 3 cycle key learn.
Of course, the 2 I did test drive were beaten to **** (clutch was bad on the 2.4, ....the 2.0 should've been scrapped).
EDIT: You're right the G5's never had chips, even the 2.4L (the real GT model).
11-19-2018, 01:54 PM
#6
my SS has Passkey 2, i think its called. its chipped
i had a key made from the hardware store and that key will open doors and the trunk. but it will not start the car.
i had a key made from the hardware store and that key will open doors and the trunk. but it will not start the car.
11-19-2018, 02:00 PM
#7
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Aftermarket keys sometimes do not have any labeling on them and ive seen some from locksmiths that were chipped but did not have the (+) symbol. We even sell cheaper chipped keys from strattec that are blank on the head. But yes a chip is required on the cobalts, both my 08 ls and 08 ss have them. The size of the key doesnt matter too much bc the chip in the key is tiny, its only about 2/3mm wide, 2/3mm thick, and about 4/5mm long.
Last edited by Kolt; 11-19-2018 at 02:15 PM.
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11-19-2018, 02:01 PM
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Aftermarket keys sometimes do not have any labeling on them and ive seen some from locksmiths that were chipped but did not have the (+) symbol. We even sell cheaper keys from strattec that are blank on the head. But yes a chip is required on the cobalts, both my 08 ls and 08 ss have them. The size of the key doesnt matter too much bc the chip in the key is tiny, its only about 2/3mm wide, 2/3mm thick, and about 4/5mm long.
11-19-2018, 02:13 PM
#9
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On another note for OP on fobs, if you need keys and fobs I recc getting one from the seller artiway on ebay. I have one for my ss. The fob doesn't go as far of distance as the original but it doesn't bother me bc I love having the key and fob in a smaller package. There is a few different designs too.
Here is the links to the ones he has.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/I-KEY-STYLE...6AaD:rk:1:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/R-R-STYLE-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-KOBGT04A-ENTRY-CLICKER-FOB/362486458664?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item5465e069 28:g:m1EAAOSwBNtbDX8M:rk:2:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-STYLE-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-ENTRY-KOBGT04A-FOB-RFID-BEEPER/132855101678?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1eeec7f8 ee:g:W5sAAOSwgTJbD2cI:rk:3:pf:0
The one i have > https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALLin1-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-KOBGT04A-ENTRY-TRANSPONDER-FOB/132281306060?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1ecc948b cc:g:KTkAAOSwepJXYZr5:rk:4:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/R8-STYLE-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-KOBGT04A-ENTRY-TRANSPONDER-FOB/131848852015?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1eb2cdd2 2f:g:GroAAOSwepJXYZqT:rk:6:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHROME-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KOBGT04A-TRANSPONDER-FOB-CLICKER-BEEPER/132281305056?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1ecc9487 e0:g:eQcAAOSwaLhZgRPv:rk:7:pf:0
For fobs it is required to have a tech 2 to program them or i hear there is a module you can buy on amazon/ebay that plugs into the dlc for programming fobs. Haven't messed with them personally since I'm at a dealer but i have heard people say they work.
On these flip keys though they have to be programmed twice, once for the chip to start the car, then the fob part has to be programmed.
Here is the links to the ones he has.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/I-KEY-STYLE...6AaD:rk:1:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/R-R-STYLE-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-KOBGT04A-ENTRY-CLICKER-FOB/362486458664?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item5465e069 28:g:m1EAAOSwBNtbDX8M:rk:2:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-STYLE-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-ENTRY-KOBGT04A-FOB-RFID-BEEPER/132855101678?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1eeec7f8 ee:g:W5sAAOSwgTJbD2cI:rk:3:pf:0
The one i have > https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALLin1-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-KOBGT04A-ENTRY-TRANSPONDER-FOB/132281306060?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1ecc948b cc:g:KTkAAOSwepJXYZr5:rk:4:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/R8-STYLE-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KEYLESS-KOBGT04A-ENTRY-TRANSPONDER-FOB/131848852015?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1eb2cdd2 2f:g:GroAAOSwepJXYZqT:rk:6:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHROME-FLIP-KEY-REMOTE-FOR-CHEVY-CHIP-KOBGT04A-TRANSPONDER-FOB-CLICKER-BEEPER/132281305056?fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item1ecc9487 e0:g:eQcAAOSwaLhZgRPv:rk:7:pf:0
For fobs it is required to have a tech 2 to program them or i hear there is a module you can buy on amazon/ebay that plugs into the dlc for programming fobs. Haven't messed with them personally since I'm at a dealer but i have heard people say they work.
On these flip keys though they have to be programmed twice, once for the chip to start the car, then the fob part has to be programmed.
Last edited by Kolt; 11-19-2018 at 02:20 PM.
11-19-2018, 02:29 PM
#10
Senior Member
For op when you get mroe keys, the process for learning a new key is simple, if you have a existing key that starts the car here is what you will do.
Start the car with the original learned key.
Turn car off, remove old key, insert new key, and start the vehicle all within about 10 seconds.
Let the car run and watch the theft light, it should go out within 15 seconds of starting the car with the new key.
If you don't have any old keys this is what you will have to do, I recc having a battery charger connected bc this will take about 30-45 minutes.
With an unlearned key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Start the car with the original learned key.
Turn car off, remove old key, insert new key, and start the vehicle all within about 10 seconds.
Let the car run and watch the theft light, it should go out within 15 seconds of starting the car with the new key.
If you don't have any old keys this is what you will have to do, I recc having a battery charger connected bc this will take about 30-45 minutes.
With an unlearned key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Watch the theft light, after about 10min(minimum)-15min(maximum) the light will turn off.Then turn OFF the ignition, wait 5-10sec, then turn the key back to the on position again.Repeat that two more times for a total of 3 on off key cycles.
On the 3rd on cycle when the light turns off, turn off the key, wait about 5 seconds, then turn the key to the start position to start the car, the veh should start and the theft light should go out after 10-15 seconds. Now you have a learned master key and you can do the shorter above procedure to learn the rest of the keys.
On the 3rd on cycle when the light turns off, turn off the key, wait about 5 seconds, then turn the key to the start position to start the car, the veh should start and the theft light should go out after 10-15 seconds. Now you have a learned master key and you can do the shorter above procedure to learn the rest of the keys.
11-23-2018, 09:23 AM
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Thanks for all the help!
Btw - the trick for distance with the fob is putting it under your chin (seriously) - you can search for the Car Talk guys and they did a piece on it.
Btw - the trick for distance with the fob is putting it under your chin (seriously) - you can search for the Car Talk guys and they did a piece on it.
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