having my car keys replaced

[denisewells]

Hi I am Denise from california and and I am kinda new here. Here is my problem:

My car keys broke into pieces for my 1999 nissan maxima. I called for a locksmith and they can have it replaced but it will cost me $160. Do you think its worth it? I just needed my keys back.

All replies would be highly appreciated

[keysman]

do you have all the pieces?
If not $160 is reasonable.

[Altashot]

I agree. The price seems fair. If it is a transponder key, $160 is cheap IMO.

M.

[2octops]

I wouldn't touch it for $160.

Nissan key blades tend to wear out very quickly due to design. The cuts wear beyond spec and a new key generally needs to be cut to code for it to work properly. Also the 99 Maxima was the first year for a transponder for Nissan so the new key will also need to be programmed to the vehicle.

That's a $225 job around these parts.

[lunchb0x]

If it's not a remote key you can replace the key and use the old immobiliser chip, I charge around $80 using a JMA key,and we are more expensive here in Aus compared to the stated. If it is a remote key and the remote works it will still be under $100. if the key doesn't work at all then it will $200 +

[Evan]

My car keys broke into pieces for my 1999 nissan maxima. I called for a locksmith and they can have it replaced but it will cost me $160. Do you think its worth it? I just needed my keys back.

@denisewells:

Here is the thing, if you wanted a cheap replacement key, you should have noticed that the key was becoming worn and taken it with the car to the locksmith shop... There would have been no service call charge for that in most situations... Just the actual cost of making the key plus applicable sales tax...

Your problem is now your ONLY key has broken and you can no longer move the car... This means that the locksmith must come to the vehicle to do all the work (which is why they charge a service call fee)...

$160 sounds like a reasonable replacement cost for a vehicle key since it will no doubt need to be fitted and checked in all the locks on the vehicle if the broken key was that worn... It could even need to be impressioned... If your vehicle has one of those fancy chip keys that would need to be programmed into the immobilizer computer after it works in all the locks...

Chalk it up to a lesson learned, when your ONLY key gets worn or bent, its time to replace it before it breaks and costs you more money to deal with...

~~ Evan

[Wizer]

I know im a bit far away, but if customer has all pieces of that key, I would cut a new transponder key (JMA) to code for 63 euros. Year 2000 model would need the car towed here, and would cost 105 euros...

[GWiens2001]

@Wizer,

Are you saying that you can have my car towed to Finland for €105??? Maybe I can stow away in the trunk! I can visit you, Zeepia, and some other friends I have there! (Natsku and Pia).

Gordon - About to be towed from Arizona, USA!!!

[Wizer]

mm,.. no, its my broken english again.
Tow your car here on your own cost, and I will make that key for 105e.
Assuming your transponder is ok.

[GWiens2001]

Darn! One can always hope.

By the way, Wizer, your english is excellent.

Gordon

[LockDocWa]

Rocketkeys.com will sell you a NISSAN DA31-N-PHT Chip Key - JET MFG for under $15.00.
Now you need to find a locksmith to decode your old key and (using a code machine) cut your new key.
If that same locksmith has cloning equipment, clone your old key on your new blank (cut key).

No trip charge will be incurred.
NOTE ! :
Make sure to make a test key before cutting your $15.00 blank.

[mhole]

Chalk it up to a lesson learned, when your ONLY key gets worn or bent, its time to replace it before it breaks and costs you more money to deal with...

I'd go further - when you only have one key, it's time to get a spare cut. Always. Not having a spare is always going to end in tears if your key is stolen, broken, lost or whatever. Nobody sells locks with just one key, for a reason!

[Evan]

Chalk it up to a lesson learned, when your ONLY key gets worn or bent, its time to replace it before it breaks and costs you more money to deal with...

I'd go further - when you only have one key, it's time to get a spare cut. Always. Not having a spare is always going to end in tears if your key is stolen, broken, lost or whatever. Nobody sells locks with just one key, for a reason!

I will agree with the logic behind that statement, although I had a car with one key for a while and yes, that is a risk, I knew the bitting code and it would have cost me a trip charge and a code cut key origination charge... Older cars or fleet vehicles without the fancy electronic chips in the keys are easy if you know the key code numbers...

~~ Evan

[funkalicious]

If it's not a remote key you can replace the key and use the old immobiliser chip, I charge around $80 using a JMA key,and we are more expensive here in Aus compared to the stated. If it is a remote key and the remote works it will still be under $100. if the key doesn't work at all then it will $200 +

Many remote start systems take one of the chipped keys and essentially tape it inside the steering column so you'll be able to start the car without having a key in the ignition. I would say the cheapest solution would be to have a key cut that doesn't have the immobilizer chip and attach the current non-functional key inside the steering column. This would essentially defeat the purpose of the immobilizer chip but it would get the car running again at minimal cost.

[lunchb0x]

If it's not a remote key you can replace the key and use the old immobiliser chip, I charge around $80 using a JMA key,and we are more expensive here in Aus compared to the stated. If it is a remote key and the remote works it will still be under $100. if the key doesn't work at all then it will $200 +

Many remote start systems take one of the chipped keys and essentially tape it inside the steering column so you'll be able to start the car without having a key in the ignition. I would say the cheapest solution would be to have a key cut that doesn't have the immobilizer chip and attach the current non-functional key inside the steering column. This would essentially defeat the purpose of the immobilizer chip but it would get the car running again at minimal cost.

Yes,that's a really good idea, then it also makes the car easier to steal and will most likely void theft insurance if you have it. The best option is to do the job properly in the first place.

it's only the crappy after market remote start kits that require you to use the transponder key under the dash not the factory systems.