Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many questions about remotes and transponder keys in our store. We will be sharing some of those questions and answers as well as helpful hints to keep your keys and remotes in good shape.
Q: I have a crack in my remote shell. What should I do?
A: A crack in a remote case will allow moisture to accumulate on the electronic circuits. Corrosion will develop quickly and cause your remote to quit working. If you bring your remote into our store we will do a free evaluation and give you an estimate on repairs. We carry a wide range of replacement cases and covers to replace your broken ones and can repair most broken remotes, from battery replacements to electronic repairs.
Q: I can get my key online. Can I program it?
A: Many sellers online will tell you that you can get any hardware store to cut your key and you can program it yourself. Unfortunately, this is not true. Once your key is cut, it cannot be uncut. If it is cut improperly it is useless. Most "chip" keys cannot be programmed without automotive programming equipment.
Although we will cut and program a key you bring to us, we cannot guarantee that that key or remote will program successfully because it is not our product. We recommend that you buy your keys from us and we will stand behind them.
We sell high quality keys and remotes and guarantee them.Q: I have lost all my car keys. What do I need to do?
A: We can cut and program new keys to your car. We will need proof of ownership documentation (title or registration and owner's driver's license) to perform this process. This can be emailed or faxed to us. Once we receive documentation we will make your keys and come to your car and program your keys, usually within a few hours.
Losing your only car key is very stressful. We always recommend you keep at least two keys to every vehicle you own. Keep one in a safe place. We make the replacement process much easier for you.
Q: My key is getting a little bent and worn. Should I be concerned?
A: Yes. It is very important that you keep your key in good condition. A bent key has microcracks you may not see, but can break off in your ignition or door at any time. You need to bring your key in right away and let us make you a new one so you are not stranded with a broken key.
We have seen keys in very bad condition. When a key is barely working it can damage your ignition and door cylinders so they will have to be replaced as well. It is much easier and cheaper to go ahead and keep your keys in top condition to avoid key failure.
Q: I got a key cut at the hardware store but it won't start my car. Can you make a key that will start my car?
A: The key that you have has a transponder chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car's computer. We can program your car so your computer can read the chip and start your car.
Q: My chip key worked but now it won't start the car. What happened?
A: This could be caused by several things. You transponder chip could have been damaged or you could have a problem with your car's ignition. We can diagnose the problem for you.
Q: I have my own key and I need it programmed. Can you do this?
A: Yes. We can cut and program your key, but we cannot guarantee the key if it doesn't work so it s better to buy the key from us and get our guarantee.
Q: My remote quit working. Can you repair it?
A: Yes. We can perform a checkup on your remote as well as do electronic repair and battery replacement.
Q: If you repair my remote will it have to be reprogrammed?
A: Normally, a remote does not have to be reprogrammed.
Q: I dropped my remote and cracked the case. What should I do?
A: We can do a checkup on your remote and make sure it is functioning properly and replace the remote shell for you. This needs to be done quickly to guard against moisture and dirt contamination that could damage your remote.
Q: I have a 2000 Lexus and I've lost the master key. Can you replace it?
A: Yes.
Q: I have auto start on my car. Can you program a remote for my car with auto start?
A: Yes.
Q: I have a new Chrysler Town & Country that has a Fobik all-in-one remote key. Do you sell and program these keys for late model cars?
A: Yes, we do.
Q: I have a 2005 Honda Accord with a key FOB. Can you cut the key and program the remote part?
A: Yes. That key requires a high security laser cut, which we do in our store. We can add the remote to your car with our diagnostic equipment in our programming space at the mall.
Q: I've lost my only key for my Lexus. What can you do for me?
A: We can make you a new key FOB and cut and program it to your car.