Keys (built in FOB) for 2009 Vibe

[file014]

A) Do you have to use the FOB key to start the car? (is it electronic?)B) Where is the best place to order extra keys, if I have to get the FOB key?C) How to program the key (if it is electronic)?The dealer gave me 2 FOB keys. If I can make some plain keys, I will just do that, if they will start the car. If not, I want to get a couple extra FOB keys, maybe online if thats the best deal, and program them myself.

[shemp]

You don't need the fob to open the doors or start the car. I had an extra key made at a hardware store. I tested the new key in the door lock, and ignition, and it worked in both.

[ou.grizzly]

I believe the FOB from the 1st Gen Vibe/Matrix can be programmed for the 2nd Gen Vibe/Matrix and vice versa.

[Caretaker]

you do not need the FOB. Just break the driver's side window and reach under the steering column. Pull up the two hot wires and touch them together........voila

[file014]

nice. I just got back from finishing paperwork at the dealer and they said I can only use a FOB key which they conveniently sell for $90 or a chipped key minus FOB for $40. They said there are no blanks for a regular metal key. "Thats funny" I said, "it looks just like my Tundra key." And proceded to Walmart next door which was out of blanks. Im off to a different Walmart pretty soon.

[goochsmooch]

I've been down this road before.I found a blank a Home Depot and the key works to unlock the doors and it will fit into the ignition and even begin to turn the engine over.... but it just won't fire. I even had the fob with the chip near it... nothing. Don't lose your keys!

[metaxa44]

Hi , First of all what is FOB stands for???Second , can we just go and get a key in let say Home Depot , Wallmart ,ETC. ???Third. Where is the best place to go ???Thanks...

[lowincash]

i had a spare made for my 09 vibe and it only works locking and unlocking the doors. it will not start the car either. the 09 keys have a chip in it so you can't just cut a blank key and think it can start the car.

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by lowincash »i had a spare made for my 09 vibe and it only works locking and unlocking the doors. it will not start the car either. the 09 keys have a chip in it so you can't just cut a blank key and think it can start the car.I thought the 09 does not have a chip in it...

[file014]

Thread robber FOB is the term for the keyless entry remote that used to be separate from the key but on my 09 is integrated into the key.I went to another walmart tonight, they were out of blanks, so I went to Lowes. The geezer at the key maker had a story for me. He has some electronic thing that tells him if the key is chipped or not. Lucky for me it came up negative, because he said he wouldnt make the key if it was electronic. Reason being, a non-chipped key would start a car, but it would run for about 25 seconds and then die, and require a $2000 repair to the computer in the dashboard. Anyways, lucky me, it wasnt electronic.I had him cut 4 keys, with the toyota blank #35 (axcess keys). They are a little tight, but work fine. I can drive my car and it definitely goes further than 25 seconds and didnt die. I even took the FOB key inside the house and drove around to make sure it wasnt falsely activating the ignition.So, for an 09 1.8L 4A vibe, you should be able to use any old key (FOB/Chip not necessary). Try at your own risk.Thats my story and im stickin to it.

[file014]

hmm from reading the posts maybe Im lucky that my car works?I did try all 4 Lowes keys independently and for at least 1-2 minutes and was able to drive the car just fine.Other observations with the keys...I have the preferred package. To unlock the drivers door, I can unlock once. Unlocking twice will unlock all doors. Using the key in the passenger door unlocks all doors. Using it on the hatch only opens the hatch.You can turn the key to start briefly and let go and the car will turn over until it starts.

[metaxa44]

Are this keys expensive or just like any other keys???

[ou.grizzly]

Key Blank or FOB from a 2003-2008 Matrix/Vibe will work with the new 09+ Matrix/Vibe and vice versa. They key IS NOT CHIPPED.So this means if I want to buy a key/fob combination from a 2009 Matrix/Vibe it will work on my 2008 from my understanding.

[file014]

FOB key $90 (only available at dealer per dealer)Lowes Key $1.79I'm going to check with some locksmiths tomorrow about a cheaper FOB key.

[gimmegimme]

I think that every new car sold in Canada MUST have a chipped key by now (not sure exactly when they made this mandatory), so I'm pretty sure that the 09 key is chipped, at least for Canadian cars. I don't know if this is a requirement in the US, so maybe that's why it works for some people but not others?

[ned23]

Quote, originally posted by metaxa44 »Are this keys expensive or just like any other keys???The all-in-one remote keys are about $75 from the dealerCoincidentally, I logged in today to ask a similar question. Can anyone recommend a less-expensive 3rd party source for extra keys? I temporarily lost one of my keys while snow-blowing the driveway last night. I'm sure it will turn up in a month or two but it might be fried from being wet.

[ned23]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »I thought the 09 does not have a chip in it... I just was talking to a dealer who told me there are 3 different keys in "the system" for the '09 vibe. It's possible that there is a security key that goes with a security kit or something.

[lowincash]

http://www.keylessride.com/ord...E03D7you can get the oem key with remote for $59.00 on that site.

[ned23]

Quote, originally posted by lowincash »http://www.keylessride.com/ord...E03D7you can get the oem key with remote for $59.00 on that site.Thanks. I'm going to stop by the dealer with a printout of that page.

[file014]

I've been using strictly a $1.79 key I had made at lowes for the past 1.5 years. No chip in my vibe for sure.

[jake75]

The story about a $2,000 repair to the computer does not compute.I do know that now that my cars have expensive keys with integrated keyless remote I no longer misplace them as I often did before.

[SlammedNiss]

Quote, originally posted by file014 »because he said... a non-chipped key would start a car, but it would run for about 25 seconds and then die, and require a $2000 repair to the computer in the dashboard.The guy at Lowes is showing his lack of intelligence, which is probably why he's cutting keys and not doing much else. A non-chipped key, in a car that requires a chipped key will not start. It will not start and run for 25 seconds, and it will not cause $2k damage. The only thing it will do is cut the power to the fuel pump, which i why it turns over, but never starts.

[Vibe2.0]

I had a key made at Home Depot , Axcess "35". Works perfectly. My car has immobilizer listed as an option when decoding the vin but there is no transponder in the original key. I am repeating and paraphrasing something I read elsewhere that makes sense to me: The Vibe does not have transponders in the keys because it is a Toyota ignition / electronics and if GM was to make replacement keys they would have to buy Toyota's key hardware to make the replacements.This does lead me to another question. If the above is true does that mean the immobilizer is present but not activated? If that is true can it be activated and paired with a transponder key?

[SlammedNiss]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe2.0 »This does lead me to another question. If the above is true does that mean the immobilizer is present but not activated? If that is true can it be activated and paired with a transponder key?It's easy to see if it has the immobilizer present. Just pull the steering column shroud off, and if the immobilizer is present, you'll see something similar to below around the key cylinder. As far as activating it, I'm sure it's easier said than done.

[Vibe2.0]

Thanks for the post. never new this is what an immobilizer looked like.

[jake75]

See http://www.autotransponder.com...motesI am still confused - is the transponder feature only part of the security package, or is it a feature on all 2009 Vibes?

[Vibe2.0]

I am pretty sure that key would be a waste of money as you can just use a Toyota 35R ket from home depot. There is no active transponder on the original key. I have a 09 with security / immobilizer listed in options list and made a $2 copy at home depot. no issues at all. I do not think any of the Vibe keys have transponders.Anyone else want to weigh in please?

[jake75]

This reminds me of the discussions we had years ago about what coolant was OEM in the early Vibes. No one seemed to know for sure - including the people at Pontiac Motors. My dealer insisted it was Dexcool, but if it was, why did the manual say to change at 24,000 miles/24 months?

[file014]

I'm pretty sure its toyota pink coolant, which only comes 50/50 premixed at the dealership for $25 a bottle. Looks pretty easy to change if you stick with the same kind and don't have to flush it. Probably doesnt need it but once every 5 years.

[SlammedNiss]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe2.0 »I am pretty sure that key would be a waste of money as you can just use a Toyota 35R ket from home depot. There is no active transponder on the original key. I have a 09 with security / immobilizer listed in options list and made a $2 copy at home depot. no issues at all. I do not think any of the Vibe keys have transponders.Anyone else want to weigh in please?I can't speak for Vibes, but I can for an 08 Matrix. My Matrix has the transponder, and the car will not start with just a regular key.

[IMakeVibes]

Keys are also available on eBay, someone has to figure out how to program them. If you go this route, take the blank to a reputable locksmith, not Depot, Lowe's, etc., but someone who knows how to cut keys. They'll charge a bit more, but you'll probably have a better chance of not ruining your $50+ key.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors..._1182

[enfield577]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe2.0 »I am pretty sure that key would be a waste of money as you can just use a Toyota 35R ket from home depot. There is no active transponder on the original key. I have a 09 with security / immobilizer listed in options list and made a $2 copy at home depot. no issues at all. I do not think any of the Vibe keys have transponders. Anyone else want to weigh in please?I tried the key blanks off ebay (the guy in CA, I think it was). I couldn't find anybody around here who had the necessary skill to cut them (I wasted $5ea on two keys that wouldn't work after being cut).For sure, go to Home Depot and get them to use Toyota 35 blank. I was charged 75cents each, and they work just fine. They open all the doors and start the car as well - no transponder needed ('09 w/o alarm system).If you don't have a local Home Depot, hunt around for a place that has a "computerized" key machine. A moron could work this machine. Even if you can't read the complete instructions printed on the machine, it has pictures. All the operator has to do is stick your stock key into a slot, and the computer tells which key blank to use. Then they stick your key and the blank in a couple other slots, and the computer does it all. The operator doesn't need to know a thing about cutting keys.One thing I did run into - when I first went into Home Depot, the "expert" who got called over to cut my key took one look at it and said he couldn't do that one. I said, are you sure it's not Toyota 35? Give it a try. So he stuck my key into the ID slot and it told him to use ... wait for it ... Toyota 35. I had already picked two blanks off the hooks, and he let the computer cut them, and they work fine. Why he said he couldn't do it at first, I have no idea.

[jake75]

75 cents to get a double cut key made?

[enfield577]

Yep, maybe it was a special or something, but I was charged $1.50 total ... made me real happy. Especially after I went out to the parking lot and found that both keys actually worked.

[jake75]

I was at Home Depot tonight so I thought I'd have a key made if for no other reason than to see if my '09 key had a chip in it. The cost was a reasonable $1.97 plus 0.13 tax for the 35R double cut key. The good news - it does work in the ignition lock. The bad news, one side must not be cut exactly right as it will work (turn) if you put it in one way, but not turn if you put it in the other way. However, it works no matter which way you insert it in the doors/hatch locks.So at least for my '09 Vibe, there is no theft deterrent chip.

[j42.snyder]

There were 17,547 2009 Vibe's built with the Immobilization Security System - code BAE. You can find out if your car came with this by looking in the glove box at the vehicle info sticker. If "BAE" is listed there, then you'll need a "chipped" key.I suspected a higher number, as there were 17.938 Vibes sold in Canada for 2009, and I thought it was standard. Maybe all but the 1SA cars (without keyless entry) received it. Learn something new every day...John

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by j42.snyder » Maybe all but the 1SA cars (without keyless entry) received it. Sorry, but my Vibe has it.... and you don't get more basic then mine!!! (Well, maybe the white ones... )

Attached files

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by j42.snyder »There were 17,547 2009 Vibe's built with the Immobilization Security System - code BAE. You can find out if your car came with this by looking in the glove box at the vehicle info sticker. If "BAE" is listed there, then you'll need a "chipped" key.I suspected a higher number, as there were 17.938 Vibes sold in Canada for 2009, and I thought it was standard. Maybe all but the 1SA cars (without keyless entry) received it. Learn something new every day...JohnNo "BAE" Code on mine so that's one less thing to go wrong, and my $2 Home Depot key will work (though no keyless entry using that).

[file014]

where is that sticker found on the car? it's not the drivers door or hood.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by j42.snyder »There were 17,547 2009 Vibe's built with the Immobilization Security System - code BAE. You can find out if your car came with this by looking in the glove box at the vehicle info sticker. If "BAE" is listed there, then you'll need a "chipped" key.I suspected a higher number, as there were 17.938 Vibes sold in Canada for 2009, and I thought it was standard. Maybe all but the 1SA cars (without keyless entry) received it. Learn something new every day...John.. . by looking in the glovebox.

[jake75]

"New cars built in Canada" - I suspect that this may also be the norm for cars sold in Canada that are built elsewhere.Manatoba has a requirement applicable to a list of most stolen cars - would have to retrofit to get registered.And we thought our government was over intrusive!-----------------------------------------------------------From webAnti-theft device now mandatory in Canadian-made vehiclesLast Updated: Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 12:38 PM ETCBC NewsNew cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs built in Canada must be equipped with anti-theft engine immobilizers, Transport Canada has decided.The new regulation went into effect on Saturday.The ignition immobilizer chip, which fits inside a car key, can reduce auto insurance costs. The ignition immobilizer chip, which fits inside a car key, can reduce auto insurance costs. (CBC) Immobilizers are devices that prevent vehicles from starting without keys, thus preventing hot-wiring — starting a car's engine by bypassing the ignition system.An engine with an immobilizer won't start until it recognizes a computer chip in the ignition key.Owners of vehicles with immobilizers can expect lower insurance premiums, but those with higher-priced models should be careful where they keep their keys after they park. Organized theft rings targeting luxury cars have been known to break into homes in search of keys to deactivate immobilizers, says Rick Dubin of the Insurance Bureau of Canada.Auto theft costs Canadians at least $1.2 billion per year, taking into account legal and insurance costs, as well as health care for crime-related injuries, the insurance bureau says.About 159,000 vehicles were stolen last year, a slight decline from previous years. About half of them end up in "chop shops," where they're dismantled into parts to be sold off separately.However, a Montreal-based auto-tracking company is questioning the effectiveness of the new regulation. Boomerang Tracking Inc. says a study it conducted from 2003-2007 showed 36 per cent of stolen vehicles the company recovered had Insurance Bureau of Canada-approved immobilizer devices.Professional thieves will still be able to make off with cars by simply towing them or lifting them on to flatbed trucks, the company says.Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/sto...1nCf0

[star_deceiver]

Yup, immobilizers for everyone (pretty much)... but if a thief wants your car bad enough there's not much you can do to stop him/her!!!Swipe one of these and haul away whatever..... wouldn't be the first time here...

[file014]

Sure enough, mine does not say BAE. And i do not need a chipped key thank goodness.

[ajb812]

I think I may have gotten to the bottom of this. Posted this information in another thread ( http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...20539) but just wanted to include it here as well for anyone else looking for the information: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 this thread 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.To see what the engine immobilizer looks like removed see the image posted by SlammedNiss on page one of this thread ...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).