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Lost or broken car key, iMLocksmith in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor and the surrounding area are the experts in replacing any lost, missing, Broken or stuck keys. No need to tow the car to the dealer anymore - iMLocksmith will make you a replacement auto key on the spot.

We use the latest auto key cutting and programming tools, we are leaders in transponder key making and programming, our equipment benefits us to be able of making a large and versatile variety of  keys, remotes, push to start, smart keys & fobs for a large variety of cars, for less than what the dealer charge.

Best of all, our Auto Locksmiths are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Car Key Replacement

Transponder Key

 

A Transponder chip key allows you to disarm a vehicle immobilzier system when used to start the engine.

The majority of keys to cars built after 1995 contain transponder chips.

When the car key is turned in the ignition, the engine control unit (ECU) in the car, sends an electronic message to the key, allow the car to start once provided the right key that receives the correct massage back. So even for a simple car key without any buttons, the key must be cut correctly to turn the cylinder lock and also needs to be programmed correctly to disarm the immobilizer. Car keys with chips can be programmed on board or using a special diagnostic equipment.

Vats Key

 

VATS stand for Vehicle Anti-Theft System also known as PASS-Key (Personal Automotive Security System). Each VATS key has a resistor embedded within the key blade, and each resistor has one of 15 possible values. Sometimes the resistors are refered to as a VATS Pellet or VATS Chip. Decoding a VATS key is very simple, but it requires that you know how to use an OHM meter. Any multimeter will have an OHM meter and radio shack, Electronic or hardware store will sell you one.

Remote Key

 

A Keyless remote key head entry is an electronic lock system that controls access to a vehicle without the use of a traditional mechanical key. The term keyless entry system originally meant a lock controlled by a keypad, that required pressing the buttons on the key for entry. Those systems have evolved in the past few years and now can be found on almost any vehicle.

Proxy Key / Smart Key

 

The smart, push to start key is the newest innovate key in the market, it allows the driver to keep the key fob in their pocket while unlocking, locking and starting a vehicle. The key fob identified via one of several antennas in the car's bodywork and a radio pulse generator in the key housing. Depending on the system, the vehicle is automatically unlocked when a button or a sensor on the door handle or trunk release is pressed. Vehicles with a smart key system fitted have a mechanical backup key, usually hidden within the smart key casing.

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