Other/Misc: How To: Make a Functional Spare Key for 9$
12-15-2012, 07:20 PM
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How To: Make a Functional Spare Key for 9$
This is how I did it for my '06 Cobalt LS. I think +'06 cars have a chip in the key, and 2005 might not work the same way, not sure.
1) Check that your key has a (+) sign engraved in the metal. If it does, this will work for you.
2) Buy a key with chip on eBay, I'll leave the link of the one I got, I wanted the Chevy sign on it but if you want to go cheaper you can get it without chevy logo for like 6$ shipped.
New Chevy Buick Cadillac GM Circle Plus Transponder Chip Key for Ignition | eBay
3) Once you get the key, go to your local Home Depot to the hardware / key cutting cabin and bring your original car key, and your blank car key (the one you got on eBay). In my case, the guy said since I "brought the blank" that I was good and didn't charge me a cent.
4) On your way to the car, try to open the door with the blank key that you just cut in Home Depot, if it opens the car, it was well cut. (My key was pretty worn out so the new key had sharper edges but it still works perfect)
Programming Instructions (takes 15 seconds)
*Optional: I tried to turn the car on with the unprogrammed-new key to see if my car has protection against unprogrammed keys. It didn't turn on
5) Insert your ORIGINAL car key in the ignition and turn your engine on. Leave it on for like 3-5 seconds.
6) Have the NEW unprogrammed key ready in another hand. Turn off the car and pull out the ORIGINAL key off the ignition, IMMEDIATELY after this (in a range of 3 seconds) put in the NEW unprogrammed key and turn your engine on as quickly as possible.
7) It should start just like the original key, it should be programmed now.
8) Leave it on for 5-10 seconds. Turn off the car, and try to turn it on again.
Enjoy your new spare key, and all for just 9$! I don't know how much a dealer charges but for those who need a key for cheap this should help you.
Here I put pics of my before / after key.
BEFORE
AFTER
1) Check that your key has a (+) sign engraved in the metal. If it does, this will work for you.
2) Buy a key with chip on eBay, I'll leave the link of the one I got, I wanted the Chevy sign on it but if you want to go cheaper you can get it without chevy logo for like 6$ shipped.
New Chevy Buick Cadillac GM Circle Plus Transponder Chip Key for Ignition | eBay
3) Once you get the key, go to your local Home Depot to the hardware / key cutting cabin and bring your original car key, and your blank car key (the one you got on eBay). In my case, the guy said since I "brought the blank" that I was good and didn't charge me a cent.
4) On your way to the car, try to open the door with the blank key that you just cut in Home Depot, if it opens the car, it was well cut. (My key was pretty worn out so the new key had sharper edges but it still works perfect)
Programming Instructions (takes 15 seconds)
*Optional: I tried to turn the car on with the unprogrammed-new key to see if my car has protection against unprogrammed keys. It didn't turn on
5) Insert your ORIGINAL car key in the ignition and turn your engine on. Leave it on for like 3-5 seconds.
6) Have the NEW unprogrammed key ready in another hand. Turn off the car and pull out the ORIGINAL key off the ignition, IMMEDIATELY after this (in a range of 3 seconds) put in the NEW unprogrammed key and turn your engine on as quickly as possible.
7) It should start just like the original key, it should be programmed now.
8) Leave it on for 5-10 seconds. Turn off the car, and try to turn it on again.
Enjoy your new spare key, and all for just 9$! I don't know how much a dealer charges but for those who need a key for cheap this should help you.
Here I put pics of my before / after key.
BEFORE
AFTER
08-23-2013, 05:02 PM
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I kept my oem spare and didnt use it, in case I needed a fresh one to copy. Since like you said, they get worn down over time.
I also kept the code that came with the set of keys in case I needed one cut without an original.
I also kept the code that came with the set of keys in case I needed one cut without an original.
08-24-2013, 10:56 AM
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Keys can be cut using only your VIN number as well, at least from a dealer. Now, if you have little to no proof of owning the car (like if everything is locked in the car), that can be another issue if you're trying to get one made. But not all is lost if you don't have that code. I didn't even know there *was* a code that can be used.
08-29-2013, 07:15 PM
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ok, got my 2 keys for 10 bucks shipped.
got them cut, was told no charge but the girl was cute so i tipped her 10 bucks.
this thread is 100% win. followed the instructions and they both work.
i now have 3 keys that will start my car.
Dave
got them cut, was told no charge but the girl was cute so i tipped her 10 bucks.
this thread is 100% win. followed the instructions and they both work.
i now have 3 keys that will start my car.
Dave
haha. It would be located were its hard to see.
08-29-2013, 10:21 PM
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It depends on how much was paid out on it when it was totaled.
most insurance companies will not put full coverage on a rebuilt or salvage title.
if they do, they only give you 40-50% of blue book for it.
that is why mine booked for 14.5k and I got it for 6200.
Dave
most insurance companies will not put full coverage on a rebuilt or salvage title.
if they do, they only give you 40-50% of blue book for it.
that is why mine booked for 14.5k and I got it for 6200.
Dave
08-29-2013, 11:55 PM
#23
It depends on how much was paid out on it when it was totaled.
most insurance companies will not put full coverage on a rebuilt or salvage title.
if they do, they only give you 40-50% of blue book for it.
that is why mine booked for 14.5k and I got it for 6200.
Dave
most insurance companies will not put full coverage on a rebuilt or salvage title.
if they do, they only give you 40-50% of blue book for it.
that is why mine booked for 14.5k and I got it for 6200.
Dave
08-30-2013, 09:22 AM
#24
My buddy has an R-Title '85 RX7 that, for the longest time, his insurance let him have full coverage on. He wrecked it, and they tried to give him $500. When he questioned why they let him put full coverage on a car that they only valued for the same amount as his deductible, they had no responce. After throwing a hissy, he was reimbursed like 2 full years of insurance, and now just has liability haha
08-30-2013, 11:29 AM
#25
My buddy has an R-Title '85 RX7 that, for the longest time, his insurance let him have full coverage on. He wrecked it, and they tried to give him $500. When he questioned why they let him put full coverage on a car that they only valued for the same amount as his deductible, they had no responce. After throwing a hissy, he was reimbursed like 2 full years of insurance, and now just has liability haha