Key problem

[jbreau12]

I have a 2008 Silverado and have broken both keys. I don't want to say how. I should have gotten a replacement when I broke the first one but didn't. I need to have a new one cut and programmed to my truck but I live 30 miles from the nearest dealer and have no way of driving my truck. Is there a way I can have a key cut and program it myself to avoid having it towed to a dealer? Thanks for the help

[MikeNH]

Doubtful. Only a dealer can usually cut keys without one being intact to copy. And the learn procedures you can do solo also usually require a key.

[foghorn23]

I'm not sure about any of what I'm going to say, so someone with more expertise might check in. I believe that the chip for the GM key is in the black plastic portion of the key. IF you still have the teeth part of the key, a locksmith might be able to cut a blank. If you could then take the black key head from the OEM key and tape it to the newly cut blank it might work????

 

I guess this all depends on how you broke the original keys and how much is left of them. I'm not sure, but on the wife's Subaru if the chip is near the ignition (within a 2-3 inches) it deactivates the security system. Again I don't know if my idea would work or not

 

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[jbreau12]

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can put the original key within a couple inches of the ignition and use a new key.

[foghorn23]

I'm not positive it would work, just the best thing I can dream up. (you may want to keep the # of the towing company handy ) Let me know if it works. Good luck

[xGMCx]

I'm no expert, but I'd call the dealer first. Something tells me that they can cut/order a key with just a VIN number and proof of ownership.

[yamahas]

I am going to get some extra keys for my truck. They dealer wants the truck and all other keys I have for the truck. Seems like there is a huge process they need to go throug ( they even wanted an appointment!?). I would definitly call them to see what your options are.

[MikeNH]

It isn't a small process. The dealer I worked at the parts person could look up the key code on his computer by VIN and have the machine cut the key but then you need the scan tool to program/learn the key. A few of the models used the funky side-cut keys popular with the German brands and those had to be ordered special as a set, you couldn't do just one. And programming it you had a long ass alphanumeric code that you had one shot to get right. You messed it up you bricked the ECM. I was the first guy in the shop that had to do one and I was shitting bricks the whole way through.

[Rolling]

Take identification and proof of ownership ( title/registration) to the dealer, they can cut one by VIN for the vehicle. If the parts counterperson is semi knowledgeable they can go to GMGlobalconnect and pring the SI instructions to program the key on your own. Its a really boring half hour process, but it is something you can do yourself without an original key.

Here is a hint for ya, get a second vehicle and hook up jumper cables to your truck. You CAN NOT let the battery run down while your programming the new key.

[waumo1]

I am going to get some extra keys for my truck. They dealer wants the truck and all other keys I have for the truck. Seems like there is a huge process they need to go throug ( they even wanted an appointment!?). I would definitly call them to see what your options are.

 

Sounds like in your case you have a working key. If that is the case, you can get a key from ebay or a locksmith, have it cut and program it yourself in about 10 seconds. The instruction are in your owners manual. I bought 2 on ebay, my locksmith charged <$3 to cut both of them and I programmed them both successfully on the first try.