Transponder keys cut and programmed
A cut key alone may not start your car. Cairn makes and programs chip keys at your vehicle throughout the Las Vegas valley.
- Standard key cut and programmed from $120
- Lost-key replacement and spare keys
- Vehicle identification and ownership check required
Answered day and night
A Cairn dispatcher answers every day of the year.
Licensed and insured
Employee technicians carry photo ID and a police work card.
Your price comes first
Approve the written price on a tablet before work begins.
When your car needs a chip key
The metal blade turns the ignition, but the transponder must also be recognized by the vehicle. These are the situations we handle.
Your only key is missing
With no working key to copy, the technician must make a replacement and program it to the vehicle.
You want a spare
A working key can be copied and another programmed while the original is available.
The key turns, but the car won't start
The vehicle may not recognize the chip. The technician checks the key and vehicle before recommending replacement or programming.
You bought a metal key
On a transponder-equipped vehicle, a correctly cut blade is not enough. The matching chip must also be programmed.
Your business needs fleet keys
We cut and program replacement and spare transponder keys for business fleet vehicles at their location. Vehicle compatibility is checked first.
Your key is damaged
A damaged key may need replacement. The technician checks the key type and whether another working key is available.
A working key, not just a cut blade
A transponder key has two jobs: operate the mechanical lock and communicate with the vehicle. Cairn handles both at the vehicle.
Key identification
We use the vehicle information to confirm which key technology is required and whether we can service that model.
Mobile key cutting
The service van carries key blanks and cutting equipment, so the replacement is made where the vehicle is parked.
Chip programming
The transponder is programmed so the vehicle recognizes the new key when starting.
Key testing and warranty
We test the new key with you. Keys supplied and programmed by Cairn carry a 90-day warranty.
What determines the key price
A standard car key cut and programmed starts at $120, before the separate $39 service call fee. You approve the written price after inspection.
Vehicle year and model
Different model years and vehicle makes use different key systems, affecting the replacement and programming work.
Key technology
A standard chip key and a proximity fob have different parts and programming requirements.
All keys lost
Starting without an existing key requires additional key-making and vehicle programming work, so it costs more than adding a spare.
Vehicle location
The $39 service call fee covers travel and inspection inside the service area. Boulder City adds a $25 travel charge.
Time of service
A $45 after-hours fee applies from 9 PM to 7 AM, on Sundays and on major holidays.
From vehicle details to a tested key
We identify the correct key before dispatch, verify ownership at the vehicle and explain the complete charge before starting.
Tell us about the vehicle
Give the dispatcher the year, make, model, VIN, location and whether a working key remains. We check service capability before dispatch.
Verify ownership
A technician arrives in a marked van and checks photo ID with registration, title or insurance in the same name.
Inspect and approve
The technician confirms the key requirements and presents the written price. Work begins only after your approval.
Make, program and test
We cut and program the key, test its operation with you and provide an itemized invoice listing the service call, labor and parts.
Questions about transponder car keys
Chip keys require more than matching the metal blade. Here is what matters when arranging a replacement.
Call (702) 000-0000All questionsWhy does my car need a transponder key?
Most vehicles made since the late 1990s have a chip-based key system. The vehicle must recognize the transponder before the engine will start, even when the metal blade fits the ignition.
Can you make a transponder key if I lost every key?
Yes, for vehicles our equipment supports. Without an existing key, the replacement must be made from vehicle or lock information and programmed without a working key to copy, which costs more than a spare.
Can you program a transponder key at my car?
Cairn provides mobile cutting and programming at the vehicle. Give us the year, make, model and VIN so we can check compatibility before sending a technician.
Do you program keys for European vehicles?
Many European vehicles from 2015 onward require dealer-only programming. We check your specific vehicle over the phone and tell you if it falls outside our equipment’s capabilities.
What documents do I need to get a new chip key?
Have your government photo ID and the vehicle registration, title or insurance card in the same name ready when the van arrives. The technician checks both before cutting or programming a key.
Other car key and ignition services
Car key replacement and programming
Replace a missing car key or add a working spare with cutting and programming at the vehicle.
Key fob programming
Get help with remote head keys, key fobs and push-button start systems.
Ignition repair
Have an ignition cylinder inspected when the key sticks, will not turn or breaks inside.
Automotive locksmith
See mobile vehicle lockout, broken-key, replacement key and ignition services.
Get a chip key that starts your car
Cairn serves drivers across the Las Vegas valley. Call for an urgent lost-key problem, or use the request form to arrange planned spare-key work.