Cheapest way to get a spare key

[mangzilla]

Hey guys, I was just wondering what is the cheapest way to go about getting a spare key? I tried doing some research and there are that many different topics to cover all to do with black keys and red keys and all this other stuff. Then i read that you can get the key heads and make "duplicate" instead of another whole key or something.

Can someone please just give me a rundown on the cheapest way to get a spare key?

[])R@G()N]

Lock smith is the cheapest way to get a spare.

[mangzilla]

do they do the actual key head as well? or do they just make the key and you get your own key head and screw it in and program it?

[cunno]

they should get the key head too. call and ask?

[jughead1]

There are three main ways to get a spare key. I went through this excersise about a year ago.

1. Holden dealers will supply you with a complete key, programmed and cut, ready to go. Costs around $250 plus.

2. Mr. Minute and other key places sell the key heads for around $150, priogrammed. I think they will cut a new key blade for around $30 or so.

3. Buy the key head on ebay - costs vary, but hover around the $60 to $90 mark. Some of the sales include programming, others charge extra. This is for the key head only. You can use your old blade (if the key head has stopped working) or get a new one cut from Mr. Minute or some such.

I found 3. (ebay) to be the cheapest for my needs. But you should do your own costing before you decide.

Cheers,

JG

[bloomers]

So if you have an unprogrammed head then Mr. Minute can programme it? Also to do the programming would you just need to supply the vehicle VIN?

[TonyJZX]

i think i went to an unknown random key cutter dude (not a chain like Mr. Minit) and it cost me $80 ready to go and i thought i got ripped!

[jughead1]

So if you have an unprogrammed head then Mr. Minute can programme it? Also to do the programming would you just need to supply the vehicle VIN?

I think Mr Minute (and others like them) only program keys they supply. But you can ask them (I suggest before you buy the key head).

i think i went to an unknown random key cutter dude (not a chain like Mr. Minit) and it cost me $80 ready to go and i thought i got ripped!

I am sure some places will do it cheaper. Only way to find out is to ask around. When I did it, I could not find any place cheaper, so I did it the ebay way.
But instead of getting new blades cut, I simply put the old blades into the new heads (the old head buttons were completely gone, and water got into the keys).

JG

[NV-MY-VT]

Ah yes. Broken head buttons. I just filled mine with silicon.

Works a charm...

[browny08]

help dudes ,,vt wagon series2 same prob have blade,, no head bit.. and car wont crank ,,immobiizer flashing ,,tried the 40 minute thing no good,,need the elecric bit have donor car but its a series 1,,

[aimzzi]

hey i went to a locksmith for my old vr key i had i got 2 cut and a descrpition on how to program it for $80 about a year ago, the best way to go around it all is to get so quotes from a few different places and choose whats best for you, i'd even ask a few mates because they may even know a locksmith who can cut one up for you cheaper.

[])R@G()N]

I think Mr Minute (and others like them) only program keys they supply. But you can ask them (I suggest before you buy the key head).

Yes thats right, I got a head off ebay and took it to mr minute to program and they wouldn't do it, They will only do keys they supply. $80 for new key and programed head,
I had to go to a auto elec to get the key head programed which cost more then buying the whole lot from mr minute.

[Trayner]

5 finger discount is normally the cheapest way to get something

[mangzilla]

the bloke i got my car off said he programmed a key himself cuz the old one has ruined buttons. is that possible?

[ucwepn]

I need a spare, My original key of unknown age could die at any time lol theres a couple of places near me so will investigate.

[aimzzi]

well it depends on the car i know with my old vr commadore i could and i think its the same for a vt but id look into

[Brett_jjj]

I can program new ignition keys for VR/VS's with a Tech 1 scantool, and I just bought a new unprogrammed genuine keyfob from ebay for $45 and programmed it with the Tech 1. I just had to remove the actual metal key from the old fob and fit it to the new fob.
Theres 2 options when programming these keys, you can (1), add an extra key so theres more than 1 key for the car. Or(2), do a complete new key, which will leave any previous working keyfobs useless. This second menu is the one usually used at holden dealers when the ignition key has been lost or stolen etc. You need a security code to do a complete new key installation, whereas if you just want to add an extra key, you dont need the vehicles security code.
My car previously showed on the scantool that the last ignition key I had bought (bought and programmed through the local holden dealer for around $150 all up including programming), was the 5th ignition key to be programmed for my car since it was new. But the weird thing Ive noticed is that now Ive done this new key, it shows that its the first key for this car, but I only added the key, I didnt do a complete renew of it because I have 2 other working spare keys that I keep for emergencies, and I still wanted to be able to use these to open and start the car if the need be, and I tried these keys to see if they still start the car, and they do, the remote part doesnt work any more though as the batteries are flat in the fobs.Id say you can only have 5 igniton keys for these cars,and after the fifth, its reset back to the first one again.Thats why I rechecked the old keys to make sure they still allowed the car to start.
Also a flat battery in the fob wont stop the key reader from reading the fob. Its only the remote that wont work once the keys battery is flat. Once these keys have been programmed, the security code is stored in non volatile memory so its never lost and can always be read with the key reader, Im pretty sure the reader supplies the power to the fob for this.
Im not too sure if any other types of scantools can access the security stuff on these cars, but if you know someone who owns a scantool, its worth finding out if it can access the security stuff, and then just buy the new unprogrammed keyfob from ebay for around $40 -$50 and program it yourself. If you want a new key, and not just add an extra one, then you can obtain the security codes for your car through your local holden dealer who use your vehicles VIN and they can then access it online. You will probably also need to show them your drivers licence and the rego papers for the car, and they may want you to pay a fee for them retrieving it for you.

[Rusty]

I have found someone in Brissy who can supply Genuine GM Key and fob as well as programming and cutting for $100 even. All parts supplied