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Smart key question

5837 Views 22 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Goggles Paesano
So I just bought a sweet new to me 2010 yellow 251(!!!!!!!iiiiii)
I have only one key with it so my question is, do I need the electronics in the key for it to run? Meaning if I have a key cut to work but it doesn't have the chip in it will the car run?
Also, can I transfer the electronics from a key from my old 251 to this one somehow?

Lastly, if no to transferring or using without chip where is my best source for a replacement key?

Thanks for any help

Will this work?
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There is a transponder in the key that is “mated” to the immobilizer circuit in the car. You can probably have a new key blank cut for your old 451 key fob, then have the car reprogrammed to accept your old key fob. The dealer can do this (yuck) or a locksmith with good skills and the correct equipment can do this in minutes. It’s not always inexpensive, I think I paid $50 for cutting the blank and programming, but it’s far less than the dealer will charge!
I have a copy of the 451 factory service manual and can confirm there is a transponder receiving antenna mounted just under the ignition key slot. Just below the ignition tumbler assembly is the immobilizer circuit enclosure.

The hardware is there, but I have no way of knowing whether the SAM is “listening” to the immobilizer circuitry. Your observations have prompted me to actually try my 2008 without the fob.
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