Q: How can I get my car to start when the theft system won't allow my key to turn over?

asked by on August 03, 2016

My key got broke and I thought I could buy a new one. The key doesn't have the chip in it it needs for it to start so the theft system kicked in. It says it may not restart and tells me to remove the key from the ignition.

My car has 236670 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The security chip is designed to keep your vehicle from starting without the owner’s key. Unfortunately, you will need to obtain a key with a chip and have it programed to the vehicle. A mobile locksmith may be able to provide this service or you may have the local dealership cut and program a key for you, using your VIN number.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

My car makes a very odd beeping noise, what gives?
Hi there. This is most likely a service reminder indicator chiming. Take note of any messages on the display panel. It could also be the seat belt reminder chiming. This could be due to the belt being unfastened or the...
Check engine light on & car delays
If all of these trouble codes are related to the throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-throttle-body), I would recommend having your vehicle's throttle body inspected by a qualified mechanic who is proficient at engine diagnostics. This inspection would check the throttle body for...
Tranny troubles
You need to have the transmission leak from the bell housing fixed. The fluid leaking is causing the transmission shift problem. The trouble code P2271 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2271-obd-ii-trouble-code-o2-sensor-signal-stuck-rich-bank-1-sensor-2-by-robert-kulp) indicates that the O2 sensor after the converter shorted rich. This may happen if...
While driving my Jeep Commander randomly turns off. The most recent one it didn't want to turn on until several tries.
Hello. You would need to have the computer tested to see what codes are stored in the memory and then have them diagnosed. I suspect that it is the crankshaft sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) that is the cause for the stalling, but...
AC will only blow air on defrost and not on vent.
Hello, on this particular model of vehicle they have whats called a blend door actuator in the HVAC unit under the dash. If it doesn't switch from defrost to front air, this is probably your issue. This repair is very...
My 2003 Saturn Vue is having clutch issues
Hello - most likely your clutch hydraulic system has worn out. If fluid leaks on the ground under front driver side of the car (clear fluid, but oil film on the fingers), the clutch slave cylinder has worn out, or...
Won't start without holding gas pedal to floor, stalls @ intersections
Hi there. As you already know, replacing parts without diagnoses can be expensive and time consuming without resolution. The most likely cause for the symptoms you have described is a faulty fuel pressure regulator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pressure-regulator-replacement). Removing the vacuum line to...
I have nissan Teana 230 JM. Engine is getting hot and some smoke is coming when running 20-30 kms, but not showing any warning...
Of course, first make sure that the engine is fully and correctly configured for CNG. If not, that alone will create problems, including overheating. If the engine is configured for CNG but it is still overheating, you can request an...
I fill up my gas tank and I put unleaded plus when it is required to put unleaded regular and I always put that on the highway I n
Hi Patricia. Thanks for contacting us today. While running the recommended fuel to your car is important, it's less likely that the swap to a higher octane has created this temperature issue. It's most likely that there is a different...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a 403-hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine, a fully configurable cargo bed, and a fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation system.
How to Safely Break Into Your Own Car
If you locked keys in your car you may need to break into your car to get them out. Use a coat hanger to or slim metal tool to open a locked car door.
How to Remove a Broken Car Key From the Ignition
After After many years of use, your car key may break off in the lock. When this happens, it renders the lock unusable until you can get the broken piece out. If your car was already locked when the key...