I have a key such as this:



But this has happened:


Since it's a chipped key, Home Depot won't duplicate it. Dealership is asking for ~$150.


Is there a much cheaper way to fix this? Is there a way to purchase a chipped key that is uncut, that will work in my car if I get it done at the Depot?

4/27/2011 5:58:15 PM

You can purchase a chipped key blank for like $20 online but it still has to be programmed for your vehicle by either the dealer or a locksmith with the right equipment. Call around and see if any locksmiths can do it for less, but I'd still expect you'll be paying $80-100 total.

4/27/2011 6:13:05 PM

you can drill a hole up near the top. the chip is near where the metal meets the plastic.

4/27/2011 6:27:25 PM

Ace makes chip keys. I have a Toyota one, it works fine. I think it was $40, which is still cheaper than the dealer.

4/27/2011 8:04:07 PM

The GM ones are trivially easy to bypass...just chop a wire under the dash and solder in an appropriate resistor. Never dealt with toyota though.

4/27/2011 8:17:36 PM

It's a Nissan Maxima

4/27/2011 8:41:36 PM

Wait, you didn't break the chip. Just drill a hole in it and tie it on your keyring with mechanics wire. Or pay $40 at Ace.

What I've also done before is take apart the steering column, remove the receiver, chop the transponder head off the old broken key and strap them together inside the dash. Then have the hardware store make you some cheap keys.

[Edited on April 27, 2011 at 11:33 PM. Reason : .]

4/27/2011 11:28:14 PM

Theres a place in crabtree valley mall that specializes in this, so i'm thinking it wouldn't be too expensive. can't remember the name tho

4/28/2011 11:07:53 AM