Where to Get a Remote Key Duplicated?
4 Answers
Remote keys can be duplicated at 4S stores or at some specialized key duplication shops outside. The main purpose of duplicating a remote key is to replicate the chip inside the key, as this chip is necessary for the remote key to lock or unlock the car. The shell of the remote key is not waterproof, so try to avoid exposing the remote key to water during daily use, as this may damage the chip. Precautions for using a remote key are as follows: 1. Do not knock or drop the key to avoid internal short circuits. 2. When replacing the remote battery, choose a reputable repair shop for the replacement. If you need to replace the battery multiple times within a short period, it is advisable to check if the chip is faulty.
I visited several shops before finally understanding the ins and outs of getting a remote car key duplicated. Dealerships (4S shops) are the most hassle-free but expensive—for instance, getting a new smart key for my Honda cost me 1,300 RMB, with the advantage of data synchronization with the factory. Local auto repair shops are much cheaper, but some small shops lack proper equipment; I once had a key duplicated that stopped working within six months. The most popular option now is going to specialized key stalls in auto parts markets, where they cut the key and program it on the spot for around 500 RMB. A word of caution: don’t be tempted by cheap online remote keys priced at a few dozen RMB—not only do you have to find a place to program them yourself, but they often conflict with the car’s anti-theft system. Losing all your keys is even more troublesome, as you’ll need to provide full documentation to prove ownership.
Getting a car key duplicated depends on the vehicle model and year. For older cars, simply copying the key blank will do, costing around 30 yuan. For regular remote keys, it's advisable to consult a professional automotive locksmith—our local Master Wang can get it done in ten minutes for just 200 yuan. If it's a smart key for keyless ignition, you must visit a shop with specialized diagnostic equipment. Last time I accompanied a friend to get a BMW key duplicated, a chain quick-service shop quoted over 900 yuan, only to find out it required connecting to German servers for data synchronization. Also, be aware that chip keys come in two types: encrypted and rolling code, with the latter being more troublesome to duplicate. After duplication, always test all functions—I once found out the trunk button didn’t work after getting my Ford key copied.
There are three practical scenarios for car key duplication. The most basic option is to copy just the metal teeth at a roadside locksmith stall, ready in minutes. For mid-range keys with remotes, you can buy the same model remote on Taobao and pay around 100 yuan for a repair shop to program it. Smart keys are best handled by professional services - remember to bring your vehicle registration certificate with anti-theft codes. Last time at the auto parts market, I saw a technician use a decoder connected to the port under the steering wheel for programming, completing the whole process in under twenty minutes for 400 yuan. Matching difficulty varies greatly by model - Peugeot requires original factory code cards, while older Toyotas can even be manually programmed.
