Chipped Keys

[JustPassinThru]

Originally Posted by bronsin

How much is a chipped key to replace? The key to my wifes 05 Camry (109k miles) is completely worn out. The drivers door keyslot is also about 30 degees from vertical. Does anyone know what this means? The spare keys all work but not in the drivers door.

Anyway she wanted a chipped key when she bought the car but I said "Trust me, you do NOT want a chipped key!"

So....how much can I tell her I saved us?

Also, what problems are we looking at down the line since the locks have been operated with a worn out key? Will we need a new ignition switch for instance?

Against my advice my wife always locks her car even in places it doesnt need to be locked. Now her drivers door lock is trashed!

If they would only LISTEN! (but they dont!)

Trust me, you do not want a chipped key.

In fact...I leave a key in one of the coin trays to work the ignition. So many times I'd locked my keys inside the car, over the years...now with theft-resistance systems, it's harder to force your way in. Harder and more expensive to have someone do it - cops don't open doors anymore and a Slim Jim won't do it.

So, I keep my key ring on a hook on my belt; and I leave an ignition key in the change slot. It's out of site of casual viewers. Once in the car, I just grab it and use it.

My 2009 had a chipped key and a keyless fob on the head of the key. Every TIME I'd bend down to do something, it would lock or unlock or trip the alarm on the car. EVERY time.

The 2012 I have has no chip and no keyless entry. I'm liking it.

Theft? Not likely. This is not a highly-desired car, not as a car and not for parts. And if by chance it IS stolen...that's why I have insurance.

And the cops don't need to know about where I keep a key.