Chevrolet Key Types We Replace and Program — From Classic Cuts to Smart Keys
Chevrolet has used several distinct key technologies across its lineup over the decades, and our technicians are trained to handle every generation. Older Chevrolet trucks and sedans from the 1990s and early 2000s typically use a standard double-sided metal key — straightforward to cut, but still requiring the right key blank and a precision cut to avoid ignition wear. From the mid-2000s onward, most Chevrolet vehicles moved to transponder keys: a metal blade with an embedded microchip in the head that communicates with the car's immobilizer system. If the chip isn't recognized, the engine won't start even if the cuts are perfect — which is why dealer-grade programming equipment is essential, and exactly what our mobile units carry.
More recent Chevrolet models — including the Equinox, Silverado, Malibu, Traverse, Colorado, and the Blazer — use proximity key fobs and push-to-start smart keys that require both physical cutting and multi-step OBDII programming. The Chevrolet Blazer EV, GM's fully electric SUV, adds an additional layer of complexity: its digital key architecture and over-the-air software integrations mean that programming requires up-to-date, manufacturer-compatible tools. Our team stays current with these evolving systems. Whether you need a spare cut-and-programmed key, a full replacement after a loss, or a re-flash of a fob that's stopped communicating with your vehicle, we handle it on-site in Ardsley with no need to visit a dealership.
