The four kinds of car key you will run into
| Kind | What it is | What a new one needs |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical key | Metal blade, no chip. Mostly older vehicles. | Cutting only. |
| Transponder key | Blade with a chip in the head that the car must recognize. | Cutting and programming. |
| Remote-head or flip key | Chip and remote buttons in one head, often with a folding blade. | Cutting, chip programming and remote programming. |
| Smart key (proximity) | Stays in your pocket; the car detects it. Push-button start. | Programming with a computer; usually an emergency blade cut too. |
Buying a fob online
Online fobs can save money, but many do not work. A fob has to match the exact frequency and chip your car uses, and some are used fobs that are already locked to another vehicle and cannot be reprogrammed. If you buy one, send us the listing and your VIN first and we will tell you if it will program.
When every key has to be present
Some vehicles only accept new keys while all existing keys are in hand. If you have spares in a drawer somewhere, bring them to the appointment so they keep working.
Fob batteries
If the remote is getting weak but the car still starts, try a new battery first. Most use a coin cell such as a CR2032, and a fresh one fixes more "broken" fobs than anything else. Most push-to-start cars will also start with a dead fob if you hold it against the start button or a marked spot on the console. Your owner's manual shows where.
Need a spare added? Key-En-Lock programs fobs and smart keys at your home or work anywhere in Brevard.