GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey folks,Wondering if someone can clarify something for me....i'm trying to get a remote car starter installed and one company quoted me around $150...I figure that sounds about right. THEN he says "wait, you have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe? That's an extra $100 because we have to bypass the transponder in your key".Now, I read through the manual up and down and I didn't see anything about a transponder. Am I missing something here? Does anyone know for sure about the transponder? Just want to make sure i'm not getting screwed!As usual, thanks in advance for the replies!

i dont think there is a transponder in the key I have a 2003 and there is none. unless they changed something in the 05 easiest way to tell is by starting you car with a copied key.

05 manual makes no mention of passkey. In addition, the picture of the key in the manual is identical to the 03/04 key. Hence, your key is transponder-less. Tell them they're full of bunk.

There is definitely no transponder in the 03 keys.

Look at the key, at the bottom, where the metal part meets the plastic. If you don't see a little 'square' in the plastic on either side of the metal, you don't have a transponder.You don't need any special interfaces for the Vibe.

If you did have a GM transponder, typically they'd charge you $65 or so for the PASSKEY bypass, then whatever they felt like charging (usually around $20-$25) for the 'labor' of installing it above and beyond the security system.

my '04 has NO transponder....I had a couple spare keys made at Wal-mart shortly after i bought my vibe for a couple bucks and they work fine.

I have an 05 too and there is not a transponder in the key. I tested it at work on the key cutting machine (it has an electronic tester to detect a transponder) specifically to see if it had one... and it does not. You should go back to them and raise all kinds of hell with a manager or someone higher up and maybe you can get a break on the original price as compensation for almost being ripped off.

There's no transponder in the Vibe key. I own a 2005 Vibe and my insurance needed that I install an anti-starter (anti-démarreur) because we don't have the Pass-Key system.

Wow, thanks for the replies guys. I had a funny feeling about the guy in the first place....this just cemented it. I'll go find a more reputable dealer! Thanks again!

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Look at the key, at the bottom, where the metal part meets the plastic. If you don't see a little 'square' in the plastic on either side of the metal, you don't have a transponder.You don't need any special interfaces for the Vibe.I have an 05 and I do see a little platic square on my key, like you say, right where the metal meets the plastic. I don't know anything about passkey or a transponder though...Just my 2 cents.

If any keys do could it be from the anti-theft option?

Interesting....now that I look more closely at my key, I do kinda see a little plastic square. But it looks like it's filled in with more plastic. Almost looks like they put a hole in the key as if there was going to be a transponder, then filled it in with more plastic since there isn't one.It wouldn't surprise me if Pontiac uses the same generic plastic moulding for the keys for all their cars...then they can put transponders in the applicable ones, and fill in the others.

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »If any keys do could it be from the anti-theft option?hhmmm... my key doesn't have a square, but I don't have the anti-theft option either..... oh.... wait..... um.... well... er.... I do, yeah, yeah!.. I DO have the anti theft thingie... so don't any of you be gettin' any ideas about stealing my car... cuz that anti-theft thingie is working just great!

No Vibe, to date, has a transponder key. Can't speak about the '06's yet.

that doesnt mean the salesman is nessicarlty dishonest just doesnt know how every car in the world is equipped. just tell him it doesnt have a transponder and see what he does

The anti-theft option added a glassbreak sensor and alarm that used the factory door pins / interior lamp - nothing in the ignition.

I think it's been pretty well covered that the Vibe does not use a transponder but I had looked into this a week or two ago myself so figured I would throw it out there.I checked Bulldog's website as they have an application guide that tells which vehicles need bypass systems and they state that the Vibe does NOT require a bypass.

There is no transponder in 05 Vibe key. This is one of the differences between the Matrix and Vibe. Matrix has it, Vibe does not. When I inquired about a remote starter they told me the same thing, another $100. I walked.

I'm pretty sure the Matrix doesn't have it either. Where did you get this information?

Sure does. Check the Toyota website. It's called engine imobilizer on Toyota and Lexus products.

Only the 2005 Matrix has an RF Based transponder in the key, the 03 and 04 do not. No versions of the Vibe (to date) have a transponder.Ref: http://www.drdetailshop.com/Tr...e.htm