If your key is just metal from tip to head, then your key is definitely a basic metal key with no transponder. But, if your key has a black plastic head, then while it may be a basic metal key, it also may be a transponder key. Unfortunately, there is no way for you to tell if the plastic head contains a transponder chip. If your car was made after 1998 and is any make other than Kia, Hyundai, or Scion, then your car most likely uses transponder keys. A basic metal car key with no transponder is very easy to make if we have a key to copy from. If you do not have a key then we can still make you a copy, but we will have to use specialized tools and techniques to discover the proper cut code and fabricate a car key for you.

VATS stands for “Vehicle Anti-Theft System” and it is the first chipped key anti-theft feature used by GM. There are 15 different VATS chips, each with a different voltage. If the key turns but the car doesn’t detect the correct voltage, then the car will not start. If your car is an older GM, and you have a black bubble in your key close to the head, then you have a VATS key. If you lose the key, do not worry. We have the equipment to determine the correct VATS key needed and we stock all the possible VATS Keys. We have you covered!

Once upon a time, car keys were very simple pieces of metal with a rubber coated head. Now, for example, almost every Acura vehicle dating back as far as 1998 uses a transponder chip as a second layer of security to prevent automotive theft.

Even if your key does not have buttons on it, it doesn’t mean the key isn’t transponder. The transponder chip is imbedded inside the plastic head of your key.

The Transponder chip broadcasts a very long sequence of numbers, which is read by a sensor around the ignition lock. The sequence of numbers is unique to every transponder key, like a fingerprint. When a key is created for a car, the transponder’s unique number must be programmed into the car’s computer. This allows the car’s computer to recognize the car key, and the car will start. If the chip is damaged or unprogrammed, the car may start for a moment and then turn off, or just crank but never turn over. If they security light on your dash is flashing, that is a sure sign that the car does not recognize the key and will not start. We have special tools that allow us to program these special chipped keys to your car’s computer, so they will turn in the ignition and also start the car.

Remote head keys are keys with a standard metal blade that is inserted into the ignition in order to start the car, but it has a set of remote controls inside the head of the key. Hence, the name “Remote Head Key.” The head of the key is the remote for the car. These have widely replaced the old-style separate remotes. We have special tools that allow us to program these special remote head keys to your car’s computer so they will turn in the ignition, start the car and the buttons will perform their designed functions.

WSmart key and Proximity key are two terms to describe the same thing. Smart Keys are keys that may remain inside your pocket at all times. You approach the vehicle, and the doors will unlock by just touching the handle, and when you enter the vehicle, you don’t need to pull out your key, you just press a button or turn the ignition and the car starts. Cars equip with this kind of key are very convenient. A convenience you will pay for if you ever lose your car key. Smart Keys tend to be fairly expensive, usually more so than their less sophisticated remote head counter parts. We have special tools that allow us to program these special smart keys to your cars computer so they will start the car and the buttons will perform their designed functions.