Key for 2007 Tahoe

[MrBig]

Not sure where this topic belongs, but here you go..

I had a plain metal key made at a hardware store for my 2007 Tahoe before I knew there was a computer chip in the existing key. I tried it in the ignition and it didn't work. Then I tried my original spare (with a chip) and it started the truck. Then I tried the hardware key again (with the old key on the keyring) and it started and ran. But there was a theft warning on the dash, so I drove around the block, shut it off and used the old spare.

Will this plain key work if I have the other key with the chip on the keyring? Chevy says no (but it worked!). Can I just drive it with the warning on the dash or will it shut down or cause some other issue? I'd like to avoid the $65 charge of a new key if this one will work.

Thanks

[Maverick]

I might be missing something here, but if you have to have the spare key on the ring to make the new one work why wouldn't you just use the spare key?

[CAMAN]

I might be missing something here, but if you have to have the spare key on the ring to make the new one work why wouldn't you just use the spare key?

So if he loses the new key he will have the old one as a spare....duh!!!

[Tom7227]

I can't give you a direct answer but -

I was down to my last key and I went to a local locksmith and she only charged $28 for a new key with the chip. She gave me instructions on how to re-program the system to make sure both worked. If you're over in White Bear Lake check out the local locksmith that's right on 61.

[Maverick]

But the new key is useless without the spare and he has to have them on the ring together. So if he loses it he will also lose the spare.

[CAMAN]

LOL!!!! My jokes tend to go over peoples head. Sorry.

[LightningBG]

Ok. so here is actually a possible solution.

Take your new metal key and put it in the drawer at home.

Use your old spare (with the chip) for everyday use.

If you lock your chipped key inside, use the spare.

If you lose your chipped key, go to the store and get a chipped one made from the non-chipped spare. But you'll have to get a ride, because you wont be able to drive your car.

Or - bite the bullet and get a key made properly.

Whatever you do, dont keep these keys on the same ring.

(I feel slightly foolish just answering this)

[MrBig]

Thanks guys. I have the old/broken key on the ring in case the computer chip in there communicates with the engine and "fakes" it into believing the plain metal key is good. My concern is that since I get a warning message on my dash, will it shut down the engine at some point or something else? If anyone knows this, please advise. Chevy wouldn't let me talk to their Technician's cuz they need to keep them busy working rather than hand out free advise is what the manager told me. I guess I understand...sort of.

I may just go with the "real" spare until something happens. As you say, if it's locked in the truck, I can use the "fake" spare. But if it's lost, then I've got other problems. Or maybe I'll check into locksmith's.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I wouldn't mess round with this system. If you want a spare key it would be in your best interest to at least research the proper key needed and whether or not it needs to be programmed into the anti theft system.

If the anti theft light is on solid and it stores a particular code and the battery goes dead or is changed it will shut own the vehicle. So if the anti theft light is currently on, or was on while driving it may be worth clearing those codes if they have not already reset themselves.