Duplicating PROX Keys

04/11/2012

Duplicating PROX Keys

Can you duplicate these newer vehicle keys?

You may have seen that many newer vehicles are using the latest in car key technology - PROX keys. PROX keys are keys that do not need to be inserted into an ignition in order to start the vehicle. They can lock, unlock and start your vehicle by being within proximity (usually 1 ½ - 2 feet) of sensors placed around the vehicle. They don't ever have to come out of your pocket!

Can you duplicate PROX keys using the I-Tool? Yes and no. For many vehicles, you can duplicate the PROX key with an A-Key ChipKey. The A-Key will not function as a PROX key since it does not communicate with the proximity sensors. Instead, the A-Key will have to be placed in the ignition to start the vehicle and the blade placed in the door to lock and unlock. And because the key must go into the ignition to start the engine, vehicles that do not have a slot for the blade will not accept an A-Key. But for those that do accept a bladed key, it's a much less expensive spare key for your customers and an ideal insurance option to protect from lock-out.

Consult Hy-Ko's Auto Key Finder in your I-Tool software or Vehicle Reference Guide to determine if a ChipKey is available for a particular vehicle model year.