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extra key for 2000 dodge minivan

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nanette1985

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I went to the local locksmith to have an extra key made for my new (to me) car. They told me that only the dealer can make a new key and it will be expensive.

What's expensive? Never heard of this before. Is this normal, or is my local locksmith an idiot?

Thanks.
 
Buy key that is made for your car from eBay or other seller. Most new keys have a chip in them. Then when you get the right key have it cut them program to your car.

I did this with my CTS. Way cheaper and easy.
 
Probably has a chip in it and is part of the passive alarm system.
So nope, the locksmith is probably on the money...

Bob
 
Originally posted by: cardiac
Probably has a chip in it and is part of the passive alarm system.
So nope, the locksmith is probably on the money...

Bob
Click to expand...

This

I need to get a key from the dealer also.
 
Cardiac is right your key has a RFid chip in it.
You will need to get a key from the dealership (or other key dealer) that corresponds to the one your car uses.
The key should be between $50-80.
Once cut, you can program the key yourself if you have both original keys (this varies, check your owner's manual for instructions or the Google).
If you do not have both original keys the dealership can program it for you, expect another $60 to 80 charge for it though.
 
There was a passive alarm system on the 2000 Dodge Minivan? I bought the original one (the one that got hit) new from the dealer and I don't remember that.

Well, thanks. How much is this key going to cost me?

EDIT - thanks for the info crackrabbit - what does it mean "program the key yourself?" It's just a regular key.
 
Originally posted by: princess ida
There was a passive alarm system on the 2000 Dodge Minivan? I bought the original one (the one that got hit) new from the dealer and I don't remember that.

Well, thanks. How much is this key going to cost me?

EDIT - thanks for the info crackrabbit - what does it mean "program the key yourself?" It's just a regular key.
Click to expand...

If they key has a big rubber grey head then it has the chip in it.
 
Originally posted by: princess ida
There was a passive alarm system on the 2000 Dodge Minivan? I bought the original one (the one that got hit) new from the dealer and I don't remember that.

Well, thanks. How much is this key going to cost me?

EDIT - thanks for the info crackrabbit - what does it mean "program the key yourself?" It's just a regular key.
Click to expand...

It isn't so much as an alarm as an ignition or fuel pump disablement.
If the computer doesn't see the the correct RFid key it won't start the car.

As Zerocool said if it has a large rubber head (Like This) it is an RFid key. The computer in the car can be programmed to accept new keys as long as the original two are present.
Look in the owner's manual for info on programming the computer to accept a new key.

If the key looks like this one it is simply a key and has no RFid component.
 
Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Originally posted by: princess ida
There was a passive alarm system on the 2000 Dodge Minivan? I bought the original one (the one that got hit) new from the dealer and I don't remember that.

Well, thanks. How much is this key going to cost me?

EDIT - thanks for the info crackrabbit - what does it mean "program the key yourself?" It's just a regular key.
Click to expand...

It isn't so much as an alarm as an ignition or fuel pump disablement.
If the computer doesn't see the the correct RFid key it won't start the car.

As Zerocool said if it has a large rubber head (Like This) it is an RFid key. The computer in the car can be programmed to accept new keys as long as the original two are present.
Look in the owner's manual for info on programming the computer to accept a new key.

If the key looks like this one it is simply a key and has no RFid component.
Click to expand...

I have one of each. Now what?

It's a nine-year-old car bought used, but my former car (which I liked and wanted to replace) also had one of each, when I bought it new from the dealer. It didn't have two with the large rubber heads, it had one of each.
 
Originally posted by: princess ida
Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Originally posted by: princess ida
There was a passive alarm system on the 2000 Dodge Minivan? I bought the original one (the one that got hit) new from the dealer and I don't remember that.

Well, thanks. How much is this key going to cost me?

EDIT - thanks for the info crackrabbit - what does it mean "program the key yourself?" It's just a regular key.
Click to expand...

It isn't so much as an alarm as an ignition or fuel pump disablement.
If the computer doesn't see the the correct RFid key it won't start the car.

As Zerocool said if it has a large rubber head (Like This) it is an RFid key. The computer in the car can be programmed to accept new keys as long as the original two are present.
Look in the owner's manual for info on programming the computer to accept a new key.

If the key looks like this one it is simply a key and has no RFid component.
Click to expand...

I have one of each. Now what?

It's a nine-year-old car bought used, but my former car (which I liked and wanted to replace) also had one of each, when I bought it new from the dealer. It didn't have two with the large rubber heads, it had one of each.
Click to expand...

Only the one with the large rubber head will be able to start the car.
The other can open the doors and turn the ignition to ON but that is all it can do.

If you only have one RFid key you are looking at $100-170 for a new one from a dealer.
Find all the ones in your local area and give each of their parts departments a call and ask how much a new key and programming would be.
 
I'm not going to keep quoting, but no - both keys start the car. In both cases. When I bought my orig. new 2000 minivan I remember my husband (now my ex) being upset because I gave him the boring regular key, and I kept the fat key - but I bought the car myself. Both keys do the same thing.

In this case, I purchased the used car and also have one fat key and one regular key. My teenager uses the regular key since he also drives it. I want to get an extra key in case one or the other of us loses a key - it happens.

This is confusing. But thanks for the info.
 
Originally posted by: princess ida
I'm not going to keep quoting, but no - both keys start the car. In both cases. When I bought my orig. new 2000 minivan I remember my husband (now my ex) being upset because I gave him the boring regular key, and I kept the fat key - but I bought the car myself. Both keys do the same thing.

In this case, I purchased the used car and also have one fat key and one regular key. My teenager uses the regular key since he also drives it. I want to get an extra key in case one or the other of us loses a key - it happens.

This is confusing. But thanks for the info.
Click to expand...

*Shrug*
If both keys start the car then I guess it isn't reading the RFid chip in it.

Take the skinny one down to Wal-Mart or your local locksmith and have another cut.

If it doesn't work you still have another key to open the doors with and you are only out a couple bucks.
 
Wow, thanks for your patience. The locksmith didn't have the code for the car in his book for his computerized key making machine - hence sending me to the dealer - but I'll bet WalMart etc doesn't use the fancy machine.

Much appreciate the discussion, I've learned a lot!
 
Originally posted by: princess ida
Wow, thanks for your patience. The locksmith didn't have the code for the car in his book for his computerized key making machine - hence sending me to the dealer - but I'll bet WalMart etc doesn't use the fancy machine.

Much appreciate the discussion, I've learned a lot!
Click to expand...

Yes I'm 100% sure Walmart uses that keymachine. They all use that key cutting machine to make them. They should have it there though.
 
If your ever in queens I have quite a few keys (I can cut and program it if ya need to)
or if you need key code or acesss pin just send me a pm
 
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