Programming a new ignition key

[speedster60]

Newby here. I wanted to share a sucess story that others may benefit from. Recently purchased an 2010 base Vibe that was a rental and received one key. Called my local GM dealer and was told that a second key would cost $64 plus a program fee of $120. Did some research (including this site) and found lots of info. on programing the transponder to lock and unlock, but conflicting info on programming the (chipped) key to the ignition. Shopped around on line to various GM dealers and found one that would provide a new transponder and chipped equiped genuine GM uncut key for $50 delivered. Took the new key to a local locksmith who duplicated the cut from my working key for $5. He also told me that I would have to go to the dealer for the chip programming. So now I had a key that would mechanically open my doors and fit the ignition.Next, with the engine off, inserted the working key into the ignition and turned it to the run position, but did not start, waited for the dash lights to stabilize and removed it. Then inserted the new key into the ignition and turned it to run, but not start, and waited for the lights to stabilize, removed it ... and the key was programmed. Found the info on cheapfobs.com. I am blown away with how simple this was and wonder how the dealer can charge $120 to do what took no equipment and one minute.

[j42.snyder]

Not all Vibes sold in the U.S. came with an immobilizer system that requires a chipped key. In fact, from what I remember seeing, most did not. Here in Canada it was a requirement, so we all got it.Here's a link to a related finding: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=43424 In the photo in that thread, you can see that the words on the cylinder are molded in plastic. If yours is all metal, then there is no immobilizer to program.The only similar programming technique to what you did that I've seen work is on Ford products, but it requires two recognized keys to enter the programming mode before more can be added. The method you described seems suspiciously simple, if indeed you have the immobilizer installed.Let us know one way or the other for future reference please.Thanks,John

[speedster60]

Thank you j42.snyder for giving me a heads up. I should have researched more before posting. You are correct in that my Vibe does not have a chip and therefore needs no programming for a new key to operate the vehicle.The question still remains, why my dealer, with my vin in hand, does not tell me that I do not need to program my new key?Sorry for misleading other members.

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by speedster60 »The question still remains, why my dealer, with my vin in hand, does not tell me that I do not need to program my new key?1) They didn't bother to actually look up the car and see whether or not you actually needed it.2) $184 for a $5 key (at most)... $179 pure profit AND a happy customer who thinks everything went well! Some dealers are more unscrupulous then others and love dealing with uninformed customers. Some are just lazy. I'd suggest going to a different dealer next time.

[beemerphile1]

I went through a similar situation when shopping for a remote starter. I argued with several shops that claimed I needed a bypass module for the ignition. I finally found a shop that was willing to install the remote start without the bypass. Guess what? It worked then and still works a year later. Your dealer just assumed the key was chipped since most are. Since you didn't have them do the job you will never know if they would have charged you or not. Once they started the job, the tech certainly should know that programming wasn't needed.