Here’s what you need to know to buy the right chip key, remote keyless entry fob, or proximity key for your car.
1. Find out the Year, Make, and Model of your vehicle
Check your insurance documents or owner’s manual to figure out what kind of car you have.
For example: 2010 Ford F-150
2. Determine the FCC ID
You will need to know the FCC ID. Most factory remote keyless entry fobs and keys have a FCC ID number listed on the back or under the key (for flip out keys). Use this to search the Internet. If your key or fob doesn’t have a FCC ID listed on it then you’re screwed. Ok, just kidding, use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to call the dealer and ask for the part number for your key or fob (also useful to get a price for comparison purposes).
3. Compare the look of your Key/Fob/Prox key to the one you’ve found.
Look carefully at the buttons. Make sure there is the same number of buttons and have the same symbols on them. There can be very subtle differences between the different button functions on a key.
4. Buy Brand New keys
Don’t buy used keys. Some used keys can be reused without any special requirements (Toyota prox keys can be reused, but you have to reset the immobilizer. Nissan/Infinity prox keys can be reused easily). All Chrysler/Dodge/Ram/Jeep keys are locked once they’ve been programmed and can’t be reused unless unlocked (requires special equipment). If you do buy a refurbished Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep key make sure the seller has unlocked/virginized the key (otherwise it won’t program to your vehicle).
If you do these 4 things you can be confident you have ordered the right key. Don’t forget about emergency slip in keys! All the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep FOBIK keys have slip in emergency keys. All Toyota/Lexus, Acura/Honda, Nissan/Infiniti, Kia/Hyundai, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, GM, and Ford Proximity keys have slip in emergency keys.
Some examples of the emergency keys:
Thanks for reading!
Curtis Taitinger, Certified Journeyman Locksmith
