I have a '99. After a long walk through the yellow pages and contacting many dealers I found a locksmith that cut and programmed my key for $100. I had a key, so this was a spare.

He cloned mine so he did not even need my car there.

I am not sure if he would do it mail order or not, so that is something you can inquire about, but if you are in Atlanta this may help you.

I got his name from a locksmith that did not do my car but said this guy was honest. He had a good mobile unit and new a bit about our cars.

Peter McGrath. 404-220-9227. Atlanta Locksmith | 24 Hour Locksmiths| Ambu-Lock

 

How did he pair the key without having your car there?

 

My understanding is that the transponders for pre-2001 cars can be cloned. This requires the presence of a working transponder (presumably with the key as it is embedded in the plastic key handle). The car does not have to be there because the secret number stored in the car is not changed. Presumably, some enterprising folks have figured out a way to read the secret number off of the early transponders.

For 2001+ cars, the technology was updated some, and the cloning is no longer possible, to my knowledge. In that case, the secret number in the car has to be updated and pushed (by the car) to all the transponders. All of that is built into the car's control modules and is engaged with the right messages through the diagnostic port.

 

fmertz,

That is correct, as far as I understand it. I think cloning tools are part of many legitimate locksmiths tool kits at this point.

Even though this is a pretty simple task and takes under 10 minutes, many locksmiths try and price at just a few bucks under the dealers. In Atl the dealer was going to charge $280. One dealer here monopolized the Jag market by purchasing the two smaller dealers so all prices are up.

Giand,

I did have my car there so we tested on the spot, it just did not need to be there for him to do what he did.