Glossary of Terms

We provide high quality key and remote replacements using the same OEM electronics that came with the original keys and remotes your vehicles were manufactured with.

 

Below are the different types of keys and remotes we provide.

 

Standard Mechanical Key

These types of keys are usually all metal, or metal with a plastic head.  They only need to be cut in order to work for you vehicle.  Most vehicles before the year 2000 will use these types of keys, and don't require any programming - you just have it get it cut.  You can get these types of keys cut at any automotive locksmith, dealership or local hardware store.  Call around to get the best price, and you shouldn't expect to pay more than $5.00 to $10.00.

 

Transponder Chip Key

These types of keys have a transponder chip embedded in the plastic head of the key and will need to be cut and then programmed to your vehicle before it will work.  We recommend taking transponder chip keys to licensed professional automotive locksmiths with good reviews, or your dealership (it doesn't need to be the same dealership from where you purchased the vehicle.)  Prices can vary, so be sure to call 2-3 professionals to get a quote, so you know you're getting the best price.

 

Keyless Entry Remote

These remotes will usually have simple functions such as locking and unlocking the vehicle doors, open the trunk/hatch, set off the panic alarm, open van power doors and remote start the engine if your vehicle originally had it equipped.  Your vehicle needs to have originally come with the functions on the remote in order to use them - you can't buy a remote with extra functions, those buttons will end up doing nothing.  Keyless entry remotes will have to be programmed to your vehicle before it will work.  Some remotes can be programmed by yourself using included programming instructions.  We recommend taking keyless entry remotes to licensed professional automotive locksmiths with good reviews, or your dealership (it doesn't need to be the same dealership from where you purchased the vehicle.)  Prices can vary, so be sure to call 2-3 professionals to get a quote, so you know you're getting the best price.

 

Integrated Remote Head Key

These key and remote combos will have the key blade that unlocks the doors/starts the vehicle coming out of the remote section.  They basically work as transponder chip keys and keyless entry remotes, but combined into one unit.  The key portion will need to be cut, and the remote section programmed to your vehicle before it will work.  We recommend taking integrated remote head keys to licensed professional automotive locksmiths with good reviews, or your dealership (it doesn't need to be the same dealership from where you purchased the vehicle.)  Prices can vary, so be sure to call 2-3 professionals to get a quote, so you know you're getting the best price.

 

Fobik Key

These types of key and remote combos will have a plastic insert into your vehicle's ignition, instead of a metal key blade.  They work much the same as integrated remote head keys.  They usually come with a removeable metal key blade to open the doors in emergencies. They emergency key blade will need to be cut and the remote part programmed before it will work for your vehicle.  We recommend taking fobik keys to licensed professional automotive locksmiths with good reviews, or your dealership (it doesn't need to be the same dealership from where you purchased the vehicle.)  Prices can vary, so be sure to call 2-3 professionals to get a quote, so you know you're getting the best price.

 

Smart Key / Intelligent Key / Prox Key

These types of remotes sometimes have feature where the vehicle unlocks as you approach it with the key, and usually come with vehicles that have a push-to-start ignition.  They usually come with a removeable metal key blade to open the doors in emergencies.  They emergency key blade will need to be cut and the remote part programmed before it will work for your vehicle.  We recommend taking smart keys to licensed professional automotive locksmiths with good reviews, or your dealership (it doesn't need to be the same dealership from where you purchased the vehicle.)  Prices can vary, so be sure to call 2-3 professionals to get a quote, so you know you're getting the best price.