Need a second key
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 753
Likes: 241
From: New Hampshire
Need a second key
2018 c7 only came with one key, what is the best way to get a second. I am sure there is a thread about this if someone can direct me to it
Thanks for any help
Thanks for any help
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,517
Likes: 1,303
From: Windermere FL
You can scan the BST forum here for a match. And there is always Fleabay too.
But the key, pardon the pun, is to make sure the one you get will work on your car. There was a sticker on the back of your fob that has the part number that you need to match. Verts and Coups have different fobs. Also different years have different fobs. You can program the fob easily with instructions in the manual, if you get the right one!
You also need to order a key blank to open the rear lock to get in with a dead battery. A local lock smith can cut it for you but be prepared for a shock what they charge just to cut the key!
But the key, pardon the pun, is to make sure the one you get will work on your car. There was a sticker on the back of your fob that has the part number that you need to match. Verts and Coups have different fobs. Also different years have different fobs. You can program the fob easily with instructions in the manual, if you get the right one!
You also need to order a key blank to open the rear lock to get in with a dead battery. A local lock smith can cut it for you but be prepared for a shock what they charge just to cut the key!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,913
Likes: 1,957
From: Colo Spgs, CO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 104
From: Tank sticker? I ain't got no tank sticker! I don't need no tank sticker! I don't have to show any stinking tank sticker!
Rockauto has new ones at good price but they don't include the metal key. Make sure you check part number on your existing fob to verify the Rockauto part.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 733
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I bought an extra fob and the mechanical key (for a different car), supplied by an in dependent shop. It was a big fiasco- the mechanical key had to be recut twice before it (barely) worked and the fob works but feels super cheap. Next time I'll make sure I get OEM stuff, like I did for our C6 and C7. Cost more but worked perfectly from the beginning.
EDIT:
On our various cars, the car and the fob had to be "trained" to work with each other, we couldn't just buy the fob and use it immediately.
Sometimes the training is easy, sometimes complicated. Lots of discussion and a great "how to" right here of CF.
EDIT:
On our various cars, the car and the fob had to be "trained" to work with each other, we couldn't just buy the fob and use it immediately.
Sometimes the training is easy, sometimes complicated. Lots of discussion and a great "how to" right here of CF.
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Nov 15, 2024 at 10:52 AM.
I Love My C7
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3,437
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From: Go Bucks!…
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
We used Toms Key recently- 1 for a Honda Civic and the experience was so easy we decided to get an additional 1 for the 2014 Silverado. Kind of pricey but the process was really easy. They will even fix your order if you mess up (like I did) and order the incorrect key fob for your vehicle. They will also provide (for a deposit that you get back) a programmer if you need it for your vehicle/key.
Tom's Key Company | Online Spare Car Key Services
Tom's Key Company | Online Spare Car Key Services
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 2,342
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
i needed an extra, called several dealers, about $200 but price for programming varies!!
buy from the dealer, get it right the 1st time!!
buy from the dealer, get it right the 1st time!!
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Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
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Likes: 4,745
From: SE WI
I bought the OEM FOB at CarAndTruckRemotes.com for like $89. Local dealer cut the key for free. I used the thread linked in post #3. It worked but the DIC interface can be buggy as you'll see in the thread. If you supply the key FOB, the dealer I spoke with could program it for less than $100. They need the car to do it. The one I got a quote from said they just charge 1/2 to an 1 hour of labor at $150/hr. In my case the entire thing cost me only $89. Not bad.
PS: Make sure you buy the correct remote. It's all in the thread linked in post #3.
.
PS: Make sure you buy the correct remote. It's all in the thread linked in post #3.
.
Last edited by Zjoe6; Nov 15, 2024 at 11:07 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 82
Likes: 68
From: Lake Hartwelll GA
This^^^
I have replaced or bought 3 different keyed FOBs from 3 different manufacturers and they were all ~$300 total. This includes cost of FOB, key cutting and programming. All 3 have been flawless and worked well for many years. The price is higher going to the dealer, but buy once, cry once applies here.
I have replaced or bought 3 different keyed FOBs from 3 different manufacturers and they were all ~$300 total. This includes cost of FOB, key cutting and programming. All 3 have been flawless and worked well for many years. The price is higher going to the dealer, but buy once, cry once applies here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 2,342
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This^^^
I have replaced or bought 3 different keyed FOBs from 3 different manufacturers and they were all ~$300 total. This includes cost of FOB, key cutting and programming. All 3 have been flawless and worked well for many years. The price is higher going to the dealer, but buy once, cry once applies here.
I have replaced or bought 3 different keyed FOBs from 3 different manufacturers and they were all ~$300 total. This includes cost of FOB, key cutting and programming. All 3 have been flawless and worked well for many years. The price is higher going to the dealer, but buy once, cry once applies here.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,459
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
So does the process. Problem is people ask "How much does it cost to program the key?", take the number and basically challenge the next guy to beat it. If you never ask how they came out with that number, you might get something you don't want. They can ADD the key for cheap or they can erase all keys and reprogram 2 keys for memory functions and it will be longer than just adding the key.
Administrator
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The link in post 3 is very good. 
