need help, lost keys

Holymoley Thomas, I would have done the same thing on the wife's Highlander. I gotta converse with google or the manual on that one.

ON edit, after reviewing some youtubes, I learned nothing about frying the fob. Enlighten me on the trick please.

ItsyRV wrote:
One of the problems you may run into is many dealers are no longer providing the necessary information based on VIN. They have closed off access to the system except for in-person service. This was due to (and it was reported here on RV Net awhile back) criminals were accessing the databases through employees at dealerships and making duplicate keys for cars they intended to steal. As a result, some dealers will not allow access unless it's being done at their dealership or though some form of authorized contractor. Fred the licensed locksmith may not be able anymore to get the information they need to do the work. Now, this is only when you don't have any of the original or a clone fob.

I ko'd a smart key fob for our 2019 Toyota Highlander attempting to change the battery (a story in itself). Anyway, called a local locksmith, no joy. Took it to the dealership, $250 for a new fob and $130 "programming charge". They needed the replacement fob, the remaining original fob and the vehicle. Service advisor said a complete reprogram of the system is required, and yes apparently only a Toyota dealer can do it. A Toyota thing? I dunno, I just needed a functioning key fob and the dealer took care of it. PS: service advisor showed me how to remove the #$!& battery before I left. :S

transponder keys:

this statement "Transponder chip keys – these types of keys must be coded on site with a special machine, otherwise the car wont start. These are more expensive to make"

is to encompasing of a blanket statement. Many transponder keys do NOT require on site coding with special machines. An example is many GM keys. You order the key by VIN number, after showing proof of ownership. When you get the keys if you have TWO working keys, you can easily program them yourself in the car including such things as the "valet" or "teenager" mode restrictions. If you don't have two working keys, then it is more complex and a locksmith or dealer needs to program them.

GM transponder keys in 2016 were around $40 each, Fobs more expensive of course.

More and more mfg are requiring proof of ownership to get replacement or spare keys. Recent interaction with GM, MB, and Acura dealerships, they require registration showing proof of ownership, valid ID matching, take your picture, have you sign documents before they are allowed to even order a replacement key or fob. In some cases they require the vehicle to also be present.

One of the problems you may run into is many dealers are no longer providing the necessary information based on VIN. They have closed off access to the system except for in-person service. This was due to (and it was reported here on RV Net awhile back) criminals were accessing the databases through employees at dealerships and making duplicate keys for cars they intended to steal. As a result, some dealers will not allow access unless it's being done at their dealership or though some form of authorized contractor. Fred the licensed locksmith may not be able anymore to get the information they need to do the work. Now, this is only when you don't have any of the original or a clone fob.

Hey everyone,
Thanks a lot for your help. I already found a solution!

I just wanted to post an update, after a long research I did, here is what I came up with.

First, here is a great article with some ideas on how to find lost car keys.


MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE:
https://lost-car-keys-replacement.com/blog/how-to-find-your-lost-car-keys/

Hopefully, you wont need any service ;)


I guess there is a huge difference between different keys, models, etc.
Also locksmiths and dealers charge different amounts for the very same key.
It helped me save a lot of money (more than $200).

Generally speaking, to get a replacement key, you have three options:
1.Call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for cars. Here is a phone number for a company that have many different locations and locksmiths: 800-223-1453. I think they work all around the US but not sure. Give them a call and ask.
2.Tow the car to the dealer.
3.Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).
Here is the link to read more:
https://lost-car-keys-replacement.com/chevy/silverado/

If you do call a locksmith or the dealer, don’t forget to mention some important information so they will check if they have the key blank and the necessary tools to code you the new key:
1.Year, make and model of the car
2.Your exact location including street address and zip (for the locksmith to find you easily)
3.VIN number of the car located on the dashboard – very important
4.Make sure you can show them proof of ownership – otherwise they will not make you a new replacement key.

Regarding the cost, it really depends on the type of key you had.
There are 3 main types of keys:
Non-chip keys: for older models (mostly 2000 and older)
Transponder chip keys – these types of keys must be coded on site with a special machine, otherwise the car wont start. These are more expensive to make
Key fob – push to start – these are the most expensive types of keys. Mostly made for models made after 2012.
The average cost is somewhere between $200-$460. It also depends on your location, time of day, weekend, etc etc.
Here is the link for some additional information:
https://lost-car-keys-replacement.com/blog/car-keys-replacement-cost/



Good luck!

wa8yxm wrote:
Depends on how fast you want the new key.
You can do a search for replacement keys on line.

https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/shop-by-car-make/chevrolet/silverado/2020-chevrolet-silverado/

https://www.amazon.com/5-Button-Compatible-2019-2020-Chevrolet-Silverado/dp/B085GM2RYD

Are two I found with a quick google search on 2020 silverado replacement key

getting a key is the easy part. programming it so it will start the car is the harder part. In many cases easy peasy if you have working keys/remotes.

Depends on how fast you want the new key.
You can do a search for replacement keys on line.

https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/shop-by-car-make/chevrolet/silverado/2020-chevrolet-silverado/

https://www.amazon.com/5-Button-Compatible-2019-2020-Chevrolet-Silverado/dp/B085GM2RYD

Are two I found with a quick google search on 2020 silverado replacement key

Ah, progress. :)

on my 2015 GM as long as you had TWO working keys, all you needed to do was get unprogrammed keys from GM, and then could program them yourself.

If you don't have TWO working keys, your at the mercy of GM to get a replacement key. So, as soon as I got the truck I ordered 4 extra keys, programmed them. that way each trailer has a spare key and I still have a couple of extra's in the house.

And this is why I made two extra keys when I bought my F150. I cloned them myself with the help of you-tube. All four keys are now "originals" that I can use any two of my existing keys to clone more if I loose one.