I recently got a new truck that came with only 1 key and one remote. A new remote from the dealership with programming $80. A new key for it is a different story because it is chipped. The price on a new key with programming was $179 per key. A chipped key has a receiver in the key head which is read by a scanner when placed in the ignition(tells the car the key matches). Auto companies say it is for extra security. It prevents someone from copying the key and stealing your car. If someone is going to steal your car it is not because they will steal your key, get it copied, then sneak on by your house , put a key in and drive away. Your car will be stolen regardless of the security key because it wont be used at all. These keys prevent you from going to your local hardware store on getting a $2 copy and force you to spend big $$$ at the dealership or locksmith. Here is how to get around it.
Step one:
go to your local hardware store and get 2 keys cut (price for me was $4.09. They will tell you they cant make a copy because they are chipped, just tell them make it anyway it is bypassed. Now that you have your new keys they will unlock the car and unlock the ignition but will not start the car.
Step 2:
remove the bottom of the steering column cover (it should be 1-4 screws). look for the chip sensor. In mine it is the black ring around the ignition cylinder. When you stick your key in the ignition it unlocks the cylinder and the key sticks through the ring telling the computer the key matches.
Step 3:
There is one screw underneath the sensor module attaching it to the column. Remove the screw. There are wires that run from the dash to the ignition with slack. When you remove the sensor let it hang to the floor.
Step 4:
take your old key and stick it inside the ring and electrical tape it securely to the ring. Make sure you start the car at the same time with your copied key so your car starts (sometimes they need to face a certain direction).
STEP 5:
Now snap or cut the teeth off the key. This way you don't just leave an extra key under your dash. Then just stuff the ring anywhere under your dash with the loose slack and tape or wire tie it to column wires. Test one more time for start, then reattach bottom column cover.
STEP 6:
I ordered my doorlock remote on ebay for 5$ and free shipping with programming instructions ( as simple as turning key 10x and hitting lock button.
STEP 7:
Enjoy your new non chipped working keys. The total cost for 2 keys and remote from the dealership was $440 but I only spent $9.08 and it only took 20 minutes. It will not make your car any less secure because you still need a key to start.
