Vibe 2009 key/immobilizer

[mailxd]

Asked about an extra key(remote) for Vibe 2009 Basic, Below is what the dealer says. Is it really true that a plain key will not start Vibe 2009? If so, what is the most reasonable way to get an extra key/remote (not with 120USD...)Thanks.-0---Question: Does the key has anything to do with the immobilizer on the vehicle?Dealer: The key itself is not part of the immobilizer, but the transmitter is.Question: Could you let me know how much does it cost to get a third key (including remote)?Dealer: It would run around $120.00 to add another key/transmitter to the vehicleQuestion: "Is this particular vehicle equipped with an immobilizer that talks to the transmitter in the remote (which is together with the key)? If somebody simply copies my key without remote, will he be able to start the engine using the copy?"Dealer: the immobilizser is in the remote, a key by itself will not start the vehicle

[ajb812]

From what I've found, under certain conditions the 2009+ vibes may or may not be equipped with the engine immobilizer - chipped keys.- From what I've read in another thread ( http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=36212) a law in Canada requires the chipped keys / immobilizer system, so all vibes sold originally in Canada should have it.- In the U.S., the Vibe only seems to have the immobilizer system if you have the factory security system installed. You can determine this easily by looking at the ignition cylinder (no need to take off the steering column cover). If you see a small silver section in the middle, surrounded by a black ring that has the ignition positions (lock, acc, on, start) written on it, then you do have the security system. Otherwise, you will see a large single silver circle piece (about the size of a half dollar) with the ignition positions written on it (no black ring present). In this case you do not have the security system, and should not need a chipped key.Here is what the engine immobilizer looks like removed ... I have had extra keys made for my Vibe GT, and did need the chipped keys in order to be able to start the car (09 with factory security system).

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[mailxd]

Thanks!By "the factory security system", do you mean the thing that beeps if you hit the car/break the window while the vehicle is alarmed? I suppose it's not standard on basic model, so I can probably just get a 2USD extra key to open car/start engine~ good to know~

[ajb812]

Yes, the factory alarm will flash the lights and honk the horn when the car is broken into (window broken, doors forced open w/o key, etc). You can also tell if you have it by looking at the panel on the dash to the left of the steering column. Next to the traction control / vsc disable button, you will see an insert that has "security" written on it - this is the glass breakage sensor for the alarm.The factory security system / alarm, was not standard on any of the models, on my GT it was a extra $300 option ...

[mailxd]

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=36249The above post also confirms that for 09 Vibe in the US, 1) a plain key works well enough--- can I just stop by Home Depot and they have 2) remote control can be programmed at home --- any particular model I should use off Ebay? There are sth around $40 around on Ebay, e.g.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories

[ajb812]

Quote, originally posted by mailxd »http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=36249The above post also confirms that for 09 Vibe in the US, 1) a plain key works well enough--- can I just stop by Home Depot and they have 2) remote control can be programmed at home --- any particular model I should use off Ebay? There are sth around $40 around on Ebay, e.g.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories1) Yes, you should be able to go to Home Depot or someplace similar to get the key cut - I believe it's a Toyota 35 key that is needed.2) Yes, the remote can be programmed yourself, that is the method I used when I got new keys made myself.That one on ebay would work. In this case, it depends what you want. Do you need:1) A simple key without the keyless buttons, just to unlock the doors (manually) and start the car - if so, then a simple Toyota 35 key from Home Depot or someplace similar will work (should only be a couple dollars).2) A key just like original, with the keyless entry buttons to lock / unlock the car - if so, then the one you listed on ebay would work.Either way you will be able to get into the car and start it, just depends on what you prefer ...

[mailxd]

Thanks for the superb clarification! What's as good as getting a Vibe this week? Maybe finding this helpful forum !Btw, still looking for cargo cover/mat: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=43412

[ajb812]

No problem - glad I could help!