Posted: 9/6/2012 6:53:36 PM EDT
| I've got an '08 Sierra and only one key. Can I just get a new key cut at the hardware store or do I need to get the dealership involved? |
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I've got an '08 Sierra and only one key. Can I just get a new key cut at the hardware store or do I need to get the dealership involved? You can get it at a place that makes key but if it has a chip in the key you will have to get a special key made at the dealer or a specialty place like a good locksmith. It will have to be programmed. |
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I'm not sure if the key I have is chipped. Sorry, wasn't clear on that.  Not chipped. I have a '08 Sierra too If your key has a circle with a cross inside (like the NATO headstamp), then you have a chipped key. It won't start with the new key if you don't program it. |
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My '09 Sierra is chipped, and as my '04 Grand Prix was also chipped, I would assume the '08's are.
So you are aware, you don't need a chipped key to unlock the vehicle, just to start it. I have a chipped key hidden inside the vehicle in case I ever loose my regular key, and then several non-chipped keys to unlock the vehicle to get to the chipped key to start it. I'm sure I will hear about how stupid it is to hide a key inside the vehicle in case someone breaks in, but I really don't see it as a problem so no point in pointing it out... |
| I've read that some people will stuff a chipped key (or just the chip) somewhere in the steering column, close enough for the car/truck to think that there is a chipped key in the ignition. So that way, they can use all the non-chipped keys they want. Obviously, it completely bypasses the security, but some people don't want it anyway. |
| As said before if it has a plus in a circle towards the top of the key it is a PK3 security key. A lot of dealers charge a half hour to program which is pretty fucked up. If you already have a programmed key the procedure takes 10 seconds. Insert old key turn to run then off. Install new key within 5 seconds and turn to run then off. You are now programmed. If you go to a locksmith make sure and buy a factory GM key. The aftermarket PK3 keys are very hit and miss........mostly miss. |
| several places that cut normal keys can cut and program chipped keys. several local ACE hardware stores have a machine that will check your key for a chip, give the code for the chip and will program the new key. they have most popular chipped keys in stock but can order ones they dont have. you are still looking at $75 min for a cut and programmed key from there. we had a key cut for my wifes WJ and they had the key in stock. cut it and programmed it in 5 min and cost us $76 plus tax. |
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I'm not sure if the key I have is chipped. Sorry, wasn't clear on that. Not chipped. I have a '08 Sierra too If your key has a circle with a cross inside (like the NATO headstamp), then you have a chipped key. It won't start with the new key if you don't program it. Yep, it's chipped. Guess I'll be heading to the dealership. 
Thanks for the help, guys! |
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I'm not sure if the key I have is chipped. Sorry, wasn't clear on that. Not chipped. I have a '08 Sierra too If your key has a circle with a cross inside (like the NATO headstamp), then you have a chipped key. It won't start with the new key if you don't program it. Well, I was mistaken. I looked and mine does have the cross/circle. I do remember specifically asking the service guy at the dealership and he said it was not chipped. I know, I know, take what they say with a grain of salt. (I asked because I had to replace one of my Nissan Pathfinder keys and was suprised at the price to replace a chipped key) |
| You can buy the key online. Have someone cut it. Look up programming instructions online. In many instances its just a special sequence of actions you do to have the vehicle recognize the key (put key in ignition, stomp the brakes twice, lock the doors, and turn on the windshield wipers). |
| If the dealer is good they will charge you for the key and program free. The only time I charged was if I had to do a 30 minute relearn due to all keys being lost. Like I said if they want to charge don't let them do it. It is as simple as I posted above. Cycle old key and then cycle new key within 5 seconds. |
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I know with Fords if you have two keys, you can buy a chipped blank key off the internet cheap, and have a Wal Mart, hardware store or whoever make the key for you. You can then program the key yourself.
However if you are like me and only have one key it costs about $80 at the dealership to make a spare, but you can have the 2 or subsequent spare made for the cost of the blank which was about $20 or so. So I had them make several spare just in case. |