What a transponder (chip) key is
A transponder key has a tiny chip built into the plastic head. When you start the car, it reads a unique code from that chip and only starts if it matches — a built-in anti-theft system. Almost every vehicle from 2000 and newer uses one. That is why a chip key can't just be copied at a hardware store: the chip has to be programmed to your specific car.
What I do — cut AND program, on-site
- Cut the blade to match your ignition.
- Program the chip to your vehicle so it starts and runs.
- Spare chip keys while you still have a working one.
- All keys lost — a brand-new chip key generated from scratch.
I cover most makes and models, older cars included, and I do the whole job where you are — usually 20 to 50 minutes of work once I arrive for a spare chip key, or 30 to 60 if every key is lost.
North American, Japanese and Korean vehicles, plus Jaguar and Land Rover. Not German makes or Volvo — ask and I’ll tell you yes or no before you wait.
Clone or program: two ways to make a chip key
If you still have a working key and your car uses a chip type that can be copied, I can clone its code onto the chip in the new key. That only works for cloneable chips, and only while a working key exists. Most cars need the new key programmed to the car instead, so the immobilizer learns it. With every key lost there is nothing to clone, so I program a brand-new key using the vehicle’s security data.
Either way, a spare chip key starts from $160 and all keys lost from $200, all-in with taxes, and you pay only once the key starts the car.
What to bring
Before any work, I always check your vehicle registration and a matching photo ID — a standard part of how I work, to confirm the vehicle is yours.
From $200 for a chip with no working key left · from $160 for a spare. Final price depends on your vehicle and key type.
You always get the price up front and pay only once the key works. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Interac e-Transfer or cash. Every price includes the key, the cutting and the programming — no hidden extras.
1-year warranty on my work · No call-out fee — you pay only for the result.
“Andy was very good with a challenging 2006 Mazda 6. Unfortunately my key was very worn for a true copy and he burnt through many keys trying to establish the right copy to no avail. Finally Andy called the Mazda company and received the proper code. Very reasonable prices and great quality!! Thank you Andy!”
— Reg Luining
Not sure what you need? Text or WhatsApp a photo of your key or fob for an exact quote — I usually reply within a few minutes between 8 AM and 9 PM; messages sent overnight get an answer from 8 AM.
Which car key do I have?
Not sure what kind of key your car uses? Here is the quick way to tell:
- Basic / mechanical key — a plain metal blade, no buttons and no chip. Common on older vehicles (before 2000).
- Transponder (chip) key — a key with a plastic head and a hidden chip inside; no buttons, but the car will not start with a copy that has not been programmed. Most vehicles 2000 and newer.
- Remote / key fob — a key (or flip key) with lock/unlock buttons; the fob must be programmed to your car.
- Smart / push-to-start key — no metal blade to turn; you keep the fob in your pocket and press a Start button. A proximity key, fully programmed to the vehicle.
Still not sure? See all 7 key types with photos, or send me a photo on WhatsApp (why I ask) and I will tell you what you have and what it costs.
Real jobs, up close
A few keys I’ve cut and programmed on-site in and around Winnipeg — real cars, real work.
Programming a brand-new key for a Nissan
New Nissan smart key programmed on-site
A new Hyundai smart key, made at the car
Cutting a fresh key on my own machine
Professional key-cutting gear, brought to you
A spare Toyota smart key, cut & programmed
Frequently asked questions
- What is a transponder (chip) key?
- A transponder key has a small chip inside the plastic head. When you turn the ignition or press start, the car reads a unique code from the chip and only starts if it matches. Most cars from the late 1990s and 2000 onward use one as an anti-theft measure.
- Can you cut and program a chip key on-site?
- Yes. I both cut the blade and program the chip to your car right where you are, for most makes and models, older cars included. A chip key is more than a plain cut key because it has to be programmed to your vehicle, not just cut.
- Do you need the original key to make a chip key?
- Not always. If you still have a working key I can usually add a spare faster. Even with no working key, I can generate and program a brand-new chip key from scratch on-site for most vehicles.
- How much does car key programming cost in Winnipeg?
- A transponder (chip) key cut and programmed at your car is from $160 all-in, taxes included, while you still have a working key; with no key left it is from $200. Push-to-start keys are from $170.
- What do you need from me to give an exact price?
- Your year, make and model, a photo of the key you have (or your VIN if there is no key), whether a key still starts the car, and the area or town you are in. That tells me which chip your car takes, and you get the all-in number before I set out — no travel fee inside Winnipeg, and for the surrounding towns a travel fee already inside that number.
- Is a new chip key covered by a warranty?
- Yes — 1 year on my work, against defects in the cutting, the chip or the programming. It does not cover physical or water damage, a lost or stolen key, or a fault in the car itself, and I need to see the key to assess it.
Helpful reading
- What is a transponder (chip) key?
- How car key programming works
- What to bring for a new car key
- Metal keys for older cars
Key pages by model: Toyota Corolla · Toyota Camry · Honda Civic · Honda Accord · Chevrolet Silverado · GMC Sierra · Jeep Wrangler · Hyundai Elantra
Need a chip key in Winnipeg?
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