What a transponder key does
A transponder key has a small chip in the head. When you turn the key, the car reads the chip, and if the code is not one it knows, the immobilizer stops the engine. That is why a key that is only cut opens the door but will not start the car.
Signs the chip is the problem
- Cranks but won't start
The engine turns over and dies, or does not catch at all.
- Security light flashing
The key or lock light on the dash stays on or flashes when you try to start.
- Cracked key head
The chip can fall out of a broken key head.
Broken keys →
Cloned or programmed
Some chips can be copied from a working key. Others are programmed to the car as a new key with a programming tool connected to the vehicle. We use the right method for your car, at the car.
How it works
- Call or WhatsApp (956) 414-0903. Tell us the year, make and model, and where the car is.
- We come to the car.
- The work is done at the vehicle and tested in the door and the ignition before we leave.
Chip keys for most makes and models. If your model needs a dealer-only step, we tell you on the call. If all keys are lost, the person asking for the key should be able to show that the car is theirs (for example ID and registration or title).
Common questions
How do I know if my key has a chip?
Most cars from the late 1990s on use a chip key. If the car has a security light on the dash, or the key has a thick plastic head, it almost certainly has one. Tell us the year, make and model and we confirm.
My car cranks but won't start with a new key. Why?
The blade turns the ignition, but the chip has not been programmed, so the immobilizer stops the engine. The key needs to be programmed to the car.
Can a chip key be repaired?
Sometimes the chip is fine and only the shell or blade is broken. The chip can then be moved to a new shell, or the key is replaced.
Car key services
Car key replacement • Spare car key • Key fob programming • Smart keys • All keys lost • Broken key extraction • Ignition repair • Car lockout
Car keys by make
Chevy & GMC • Ford • Toyota • Nissan • RAM, Dodge & Jeep • Honda • Hyundai & Kia • Most makes
Home & business locksmith
Emergency & same-day • Residential • House lockout • Rekey • Lock change & smart locks • Commercial • Master key & high-security • Panic bars & exit devices
Car keys by city
McAllen • Edinburg • Mission • Pharr • San Juan • Alamo • Hidalgo • Weslaco • Mercedes • Donna • Harlingen • Elsa • Alton • Palmhurst • Penitas • Sullivan City • Rio Grande City
Request a callback
Leave your name and number. WhatsApp opens with your details so it reaches the locksmith's phone right away. Or just call.
Got it. We'll call you back.
Where we work
McAllen and nearby cities. We come to you.
McAllen • Edinburg • Mission • Pharr • San Juan • Alamo • South Alamo • Hidalgo • Weslaco • Mercedes • Donna • Harlingen • Elsa • Alton • Palmhurst • Palmview • Penitas • Sullivan City • Rio Grande City