We Lost Both Sets of Keys to my Chevy Silverado and I'm Getting New One Without the Hassle or Cost of a Mechanic

Losing your car keys is something that happens to almost every car owner at some point. But what happens when you lose both sets of keys? Not only is it frustrating, but it can also feel like an overwhelming task to get new keys made, especially if you don’t want to go through the hassle of involving a mechanic or dealership. For those who have lost keys before and are looking for solutions, there are ways to handle this situation without breaking the bank.

One such case recently popped up on a discussion forum I frequent, called “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion.” A user named Karrisa Sours shared their dilemma. Karrisa had lost both sets of keys for their 2015 Ram 1500. They had lost the first key a few months ago and the second key just recently. Here’s what Karrisa had to say about the situation:

“Okay, guys, so we lost both sets of our keys a few weeks ago, the first one a few months back and the second more recently. I know, it’s not good. Anyway, how can I get a new key programmed without taking it to my local mechanic? 2015 1500, pic for attention.”

While this may sound like a nightmare scenario for some, there are actually multiple ways to get a replacement key programmed without involving a dealership or mechanic. And, just like Karrisa, you might find that these solutions can be both practical and cost-effective.

Picture taken from Karissa's public post.

The Common Solution: Going to the Dealership

As one commenter, Jake Neu, pointed out: “If you have no working keys, you'll need to have the truck towed to a dealership to have new keys made and programmed. You may also need to replace the BCM.” BCM stands for Body Control Module, a crucial component in modern vehicles that controls functions such as keyless entry, alarm systems, and starting the vehicle.

In situations like this, the dealership typically has the equipment and technology required to program new keys. However, the drawback is that you will likely need to tow the vehicle to the dealership if all of your keys are lost and you can’t start the vehicle.

While this may be a straightforward solution, it’s also one of the more expensive options. Dealerships charge for both the key-making process and the programming, and depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it could cost anywhere from $150 to $500 or more. That’s a significant chunk of change for a simple replacement key, and it’s not something that everyone wants to deal with.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives?

Luckily, not all hope is lost when you don't want to take the car to a mechanic or dealership. There are cheaper alternatives that may be available, depending on where you live.

John Hunter, another commenter, shared a great solution that might work for some: “In Ontario, we have a mobile technician who can make and program all automotive keys and fobs in about five minutes. There may be someone like that in your area as well.”

This option is incredibly convenient because a mobile technician will come directly to you, saving both time and the need for towing. Mobile locksmiths are equipped with all the tools necessary to cut and program keys on the spot. Typically, their rates are much more affordable than dealerships, and they can handle almost any kind of key, from basic metal keys to modern key fobs.

Before opting for a mobile technician, though, it’s a good idea to research local locksmiths or key services that specialize in car keys. Some locksmiths even offer mobile services, so you don’t need to worry about hauling your vehicle around.

Calling Around to Local Locksmiths

If you can’t find a mobile technician or simply prefer a more traditional approach, calling around to local locksmiths is another option. Many locksmiths now offer key programming for vehicles, making it possible to get your keys replaced without involving a mechanic. Tracy Mckee Brennan shared a helpful piece of advice when she mentioned: “Call around to a locksmith. I found one who replaced my key when my dad lost mine. But be aware that if you find the old keys, they will no longer work. Something deletes all keys that are not present during the locksmith's programming process. You can have them reprogrammed, but all keys must be present with the car at the time of programming.”

This is an important point to note. When keys are programmed, the system typically deletes any previous keys that aren’t physically present during the process. This means that even if you happen to find one of your lost keys after the replacement is made, it won’t work unless it’s reprogrammed at the same time as the new keys.

The Risks of DIY Solutions

Some people may consider trying to program the keys themselves, especially with the abundance of online tutorials available. However, this is often not recommended, especially if you have a modern vehicle. In many cars today, key programming is integrated with the car’s security system, making it incredibly difficult (and in some cases, impossible) to do without the proper tools.

Additionally, using the wrong key or trying to bypass the system could result in damage to your vehicle or its electronics, which could be even more expensive to repair than simply having a professional take care of the key replacement in the first place.

Consider the Long-Term Solution: Preventative Measures

While losing your keys is a frustrating and unavoidable part of car ownership, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of it happening again. It’s always a good idea to have at least one spare key on hand, whether it’s a traditional metal key or a key fob. Many vehicle owners keep spare keys in a secure location, such as with a trusted family member, or in a lockbox designed for keys.

Additionally, there are modern smart key options that allow you to remotely access and start your vehicle with a mobile app or phone, eliminating the need for a physical key altogether. While this can be a pricey upgrade, it’s worth considering if you find yourself misplacing keys frequently.

In the case of key fobs, many new vehicles have a "keyless entry" system, which means you don’t have to worry about using a traditional metal key. However, if your key fob battery dies, you’ll need a backup option to gain access to your vehicle.

In fact, if you’re looking for more info on upgrading your truck or understanding modern technology like keyless entry, be sure to check out my article on the brilliant combination of electric and diesel power in the latest Chevy Silverado. It's a perfect example of how modern technology can make car ownership a lot easier.

Key Programming: The Takeaway

So, how does this all apply to Karrisa’s case with their 2015 Ram 1500? There are a number of solutions for getting new keys programmed without going to a mechanic or dealership, including:

1. Contacting a mobile technician – These professionals can program keys at your location, often at a lower cost than dealerships.
2. Visiting a local locksmith – Many locksmiths can handle key programming, but you’ll need all the keys present at the time of programming.
3. Dealerships – While the most expensive option, this will ensure that you get new keys programmed correctly.

The key takeaway is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the best solution depends on your location, the vehicle model, and your budget. Just like I mentioned in my article about the future of truck-based technologies in the Chevy Silverado and how electric vehicles are changing the game, it's always worth considering your long-term vehicle security needs to avoid having to go through the key replacement process again.

A Lesson Learned: Take Care of Your Keys!

The moral of the story here is simple: always take care of your car keys. Keep spare keys in safe locations and consider investing in technology that can prevent key loss. As I discussed in my recent article on the Silverado and keyless entry systems, it's better to be proactive than to face the inconvenience of losing both sets of keys.

If you’re considering buying a car with advanced tech features like smart keys or fobs, check out my piece about the Rivian R1T and Silverado LT EV for more on what to look for when upgrading your vehicle’s security.

Now, it’s your turn to share!

Have you ever lost both sets of keys to your car? How did you handle the situation? Share your experiences in the comment section below!

Also, what do you think is the most cost-effective solution for key replacement? Please let me know your thoughts.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.