How to duplicate car keys with chips

By Milan I. Published: 11/02/22 Updated: 11/06/23

Over the years, car manufacturers have tried to think up ways to stop car theft. They've created things like kill switches, glass break sensors, and even double key systems to make it harder on car thieves. They have managed to significantly decrease car theft only after implementing chip keys and laser cut systems technologies into their vehicles.

A "chip key" is also called a "transponder key." It is a car key equipped with an electronic authorization device called a transponder. The transponder can transmit the right “password” to your car and allows the immobilizer to start.

With the introduction of chip keys, the problem of how to duplicate car keys with chips arises. A chip key is not a regular metal car key. It stores the password of the vehicle. Each coded chip key has its particular signature. Since it has a unique password, you cannot just copy this key, unlike the regular metal car keys. You must match a new chip key with your car’s unique password to get it working.

Usually, there are three options you will have in terms of programming your transponder key. As the leading car key replacement company in Calgary, we will explain all the different ways you can get a duplicate car key. Keep reading to learn more.

What are car keys with chips?

Car keys with chips are called “transponder keys.” They were introduced in the early ’90s to defeat the thriving car theft at the time. Chip keys have unique digital code stored in them, they communicate with your car’s antenna every time you turn your ignition. Each vehicle has a unique “password” which means that you have to have the right chip key in the ignition to start the car.

A transponder key can come in many different shapes and forms, such as remote flip keys, “smart keys,” flat transponder keys, etc. But they all operate in the same way; every time the key turns your ignition, it sends the password, and if it matches, the car will start.

The benefits of chipped car keys

Transponder keys are more secure

If you are worried about the cost of replacing your car keys with chips, you should definitely consider the benefits. Transponder keys significantly improved your car's security. Without transponder technology, our cars were very easy to steal, duplicate car keys were easy to get. Cars weren't as secure as today, and car theft was a major problem.

Replacing chip keys can get complicated and often require unique car programmers; making duplicate car keys now involves programming procedures, something old cars did not need.

Old car theft methods became obsolete

After introducing transponder keys, car theft methods such as Hot-wiring no longer worked. Bypassing the ignition would not start the car because you must have the correct "password" sent to start the vehicle. Today even if someone forces or bypasses your ignition switch without sending the proper signal to your anti-theft system, the car will not start.

Ways to duplicate car keys with chips

The following options will help you understand how to get duplicate car keys with chips.

Option 1: Get a duplicate from your local Dealership

You can get a new chip key duplicate from your local dealer. A dealership often charges more for car key services than automotive locksmiths. When you go with a dealer, you often would have to book an appointment ahead and drive your car to them. Usually, this procedure will take several hours for them to complete. The benefit of choosing your local dealer is that you know you will be getting a genuine OEM car key.

Option 2: Call your local automotive locksmith

An automotive locksmith would be able to provide you with a duplicate chip key for most cars. Usually, you would be paying less than what you would have paid at your local dealer. The benefit of a car locksmith is that more often than not he would provide a mobile service, significantly saving your time on booking and driving your car to your dealer.

Option 3: You might be able to do it yourself

Some cars allow you to program your key fobs yourself! You should check your car manual and see if your car is equipped with an On-Board programming option. If it does, you would be able to program your new fob keys yourself with some easy instructions. You can purchase a new key fob online; remember to look for a reputable source when buying car keys online.

Recommendations in Duplicating Car Chip Keys

• If you decided to purchase your new automotive keys online, remember to buy them from a trusted source. Some vendors sell their car keys for a relatively cheap price, lots of times, those keys fail shortly after your program them.
• Some vehicles offer an Onboard programming option, it is always recommended to check your owner's manual to see if your car has this option. In many cases, it will include the programming instructions and some great insights such as how many chip keys your vehicle can store in the system, etc.
• If you decided to go with your local locksmith, as someone who needs to choose their local locksmith - if you're looking for a qualified one, then it's essential that you don't just go with the cheapest cost. Since a wrong programming procedure might lead to some expensive repairs and compromised security. You want a competent specialist working on your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

It could be an absolute nightmare if you misplaced your chip car keys. Luckily they're replaceable. There are several ways to get a new transponder key; you have to figure out if you want to do it by yourself or with the help of your local car locksmith or the dealer. If you are located in Calgary AB and need a key replacement, you can contact local locksmith CarKeyAction.

We provide mobile chip key replacement service in Calgary and the surrounding for your convenience. You may call us at 403-589-8978, send us an email at info@carkeyaction.com, or visit our full automotive locksmith service page. Whatever make and model you might have, our team of professional car locksmiths has got you covered.