However, things started to get complicated with the security chips. At first you could simply get your key cut as that's all there was to it with a straight physical key (this is how it is in my 1998 Mazda Protege, duplicate key cost $3 total). While the intention was to increase security and decrease car theft, the natural consequence is that it makes it more difficult for owners to get duplicate keys. My total cost was under $100 CDN to have my Smart Key ($50 for the key, $20 for the software/cable, and $15 for the SEED code).īackground Information: (skip if you're already familiar with the components)īriefly speaking, the evolution of the ignition component of a car went from a physical key alone, to a physical key with a security chip (the rubber head keys) to completely keyless ignitions (referred to as a 'Smart Key'). What I will walkthrough is how to add a Smart Key (a used one) to a car with a Smart Key System (aka SKS), which is a car that doesn't have a traditional ignition key (you push a 'Start' button instead) You can find much of this information in other threads and throughout the web, however, my experience was very difficult because I found some of the information confusing and at times in conflict with other information, so I thought I'd summarize all my learnings here for other people to benefit.
