I only have 1 key left for my car. I know the keys are expensive because they have the chip and need to be programmed, but I have a remote starter installed. I had to give up a key for that, so I know they used the chip and left it in the car (steering column I think).

My question is since the chip's already in there, can I get a generic spare key from a locksmith or home depot?
This might work for people who don't want to spend a lot for their keys also. If you're willing to give up some security to save some money.

Does anybody know if this will work?

 

Yes.... and no.

I had the same problem as you back in the day with my old maxima.

you see, it will work, BUT you have to activate the remote starter first, otherwise the key w/o the chip will do nothing.

how the remote starter works, is that when you press the button to start your car, the "transponder" box takes the signal from the key, and sends it to the keyhole, thus tricking the car that the key is in the car when it really isn't. BUT the transponder ONLY sends that signal when you press the button to start your car... it is not alwasy on, ortherwise it defeats the point of having a chip in the key.

so yes, it will work, but you still need the remote to start the car. but once it is started you can use the fake key and still drive the car.

 

when i had a hondur, they wanted like 50bux for a programmed key. i just gave them my vin and told them to cut on a regular key. good for sticking in your wallet when you lock yourself out or battery is dead.

 

if it is newer that 2000 it will not work at all have to get a programmed key and cut it !!! Newer remote starts cut signal after the ignition is turned on in a chip key setup. Because if you think of it what happens if your car is running and someone puts a screwdriver and bust the ignition and role, there is no security!!

 

Oh well, I thought it might work. What if I took the chip out of the remaining key and put it in the steering column, so it would register the key is in there. Then would this setup be possible?
I just don't want to spend $50+ per key.

 

it depends on the way u installed your remote start.... =)

 

Well, once again yes and no.

the keys needs to be very close to the keyhole in order for the car to pick up the signal from the key. if you can find room for the key and tape/velcro the key in there, it should work. but hope that that the key doesn't move....

 

I had to get hte alarm shop tp remove the key, get new keys made and reprogram all the keys, and then have the shop put the remote start key back in.

 

what shop did it for you? having a remote start on a manual tranny is illegal in many states.

I had to get my friend to do it for me because all the shops told me that they couldn't. the dealer gave me a hard time about when i first had it installed and took my car into service too. but all is well... atleast my car has been warm for me in the mornings.