bought the wife an 08 impala ss in Feb. it came with one fob and one key. first thing i did was make a copy at the local ace hardware. i tested it in the door and it worked so i put it in a safe place for that moment in the future where she loses it or something. anyway, while cleaning the car out this past weekend, we found a second fob the dealer said they lost (it was in the spare tire well). i programmed it and put the spare key on it. i figured i now have my own set without all her bajillion keys, fobs, and danlgy girly things that will actually fit my pocket. i go to use it last night and it doesnt work. i turn the key and i get a security message on the dash and the car doesnt start. tried her original and it works. wtf? the cuts look identical and it turns the ignition and works the door locks, etc. why will it not start? i googled and found one page that said i had to turn the original key on for 5 sec then off, then the same with the duplicate. that didnt do squat. why it no worky?

 

the "real" keays have a chip in them that comunicates with the security system in the ignition, you have to get the key made at the dealer which usually isnt cheap. not like the older cars where you can make 5 copies for $2.75 , ,

 

Your wife's original key has a "chip" in it so having a duplicate made at a hardware store will only work for the locks. You need to go to a GM dealer so they can cut you a key and program it so it will start the iginition.


Edit: Beat me to it ^

 

haha i hate when that happens,

 

ah, thats kinda what i figured. ugh, bad memories of the old passkey system are coming back to me. argh!

 

Turbo Brian, I like your name.

 

Does the key have a + sign below head of key itself? If it does I can tell you how to program it your self.

 

its not going to if he got the duplicate made at a hardware store

 

How do you program it yourself?

 

to program a GM key, not a hardware store key, start the car with your original, shut it off, and within 10 seconds take out the original key, insert the new key, and restart the car. pretty simple. i work at a gm dealer and have to do it for ppl all the time.

 

Beat me to it! Same here as working for GM dealer.

 

it only takes one key? my dad bought an 04 mustang a few weeks ago and the dealer had to make the second key to the tune of $68 because in order to program keys on a ford you need 2 originals.

 

thats why i dont buy mustangs cuz i dont wanna have to buy 2 keys