Owner-operated since 2007 · Licensed & insured #1100197 · Mobile across Hillsborough, Pinellas & Pasco

Sun–Thu 7 AM–9 PM · Fri 7 AM–6 PM · Sat closed

Free quote by phone (813) 455-6922
4.8 Read our Google reviews › Since 2007Owner-operated

Automotive locksmith · Tampa Bay

Transponder Key Programming in Tampa Bay

Chip keys · Laser-cut keys · Immobilizer programming

Most cars built since the late 1990s will not start without a programmed chip in the key. Smart Locks cuts transponder and laser-cut keys and programs them to your car's immobilizer at your location.

Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas & Pasco counties · see all service areas

  • Licensed & Insured
  • Owner-Operated by Danny
  • Fully Equipped Mobile Vans
  • Top-Rated on Google

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Tell us what you need. We call back with an honest price, usually within minutes during business hours.

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Transponder Chip Keys by Smart Locks in Tampa Bay
Transponder Chip Keys · on site

Automotive locksmith

What Is a Transponder Key?

A transponder key has a small chip in the head that talks to the car's immobilizer. If the chip is missing or not programmed to that car, the engine may crank but will not run, even if the blade turns the ignition. That is why a cheap hardware-store copy often opens the door but will not start the car.

We cut the blade to your car's code, program the chip with dealer-grade equipment and test that the car starts every time. We also cut laser-cut (sidewinder) high-security blades, the wavy-groove keys many newer cars use.

What we handle

Transponder & High-Security Key Services

  • Transponder chip keys cut and programmed
  • Laser-cut / sidewinder high-security keys
  • Spare transponder keys copied from yours
  • All-keys-lost transponder key origination
  • Immobilizer reset and lost-key deletion
  • Keys for "dealer only" models we can program
  • Diagnosing "key not detected" and security lights

Signs Your Key Chip Has a Problem

Transponder problems usually show up as one of these:

  • The engine cranks but stalls after a second or two
  • A flashing key or security light on the dash
  • One key starts the car and the other does not
  • A copied key opens the door but will not start the engine

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have a groove milled along the blade instead of notches on the edge. They are harder to copy, which is good for security, but they need a dedicated machine. Our vans have one, so we cut them on site.

How it works

Three Steps, One Visit

  1. Call or send the form

    Tell us what happened and, for cars, the year, make and model. We give you an honest price on the phone.

  2. We come to you

    A fully equipped Smart Locks van heads to your location, usually within 20 to 30 minutes in most of Tampa Bay.

  3. Job done on the spot

    Keys cut and programmed, doors opened or locks fitted at your location. You pay the price we quoted.

Questions

Transponder Chip Keys FAQ

How much does a transponder key cost?

Transponder keys generally run $120 to $220 depending on the vehicle. We quote the exact price on the phone.

Can a hardware store copy my chip key?

Some stores can copy the blade, but many cannot program the chip, so the copy will open the door but not start the car. We cut and program both.

How do I know if my key has a chip?

Most cars from the late 1990s onward use one. Tell us the year, make and model and we will know.

Keys by make

Car Keys for Every Make

Lost key, new fob or a spare: we cut and program keys for these makes on site. Pick yours for models, key types and common fixes.

Customer reviews

Top-Rated by Tampa Bay Customers

Real words from real customers. Most of our work comes from people who were sent to us by a friend.

4.8 Google rating · Smart Locks, Tampa
Read our Google reviews

I lost the only key to my car. After struggling with the car dealership, a tow company, and AAA, I found Smart Locks. Not only was the service quick (5 minutes to make two keys without an original) it was also professional and courteous. And the best part- around 1/2 the price the dealership was going to charge me for 1 key. I absolutely will call Smart Lock next time and will instantly recommend it to everyone else.

CalebTampa · Google review

Outstanding customer service. Danny is reliable, quick and professional. He came out on a Sunday night to the airport and got us going again in a few short minutes. He was communicative, efficient, and a pleasure to work with. I cannot say enough good things about his service, and highly recommend him for your commercial and residential needs.

Felipe FulgencioTampa · Google review

I'm extremely satisfied with smart locks, I went on vacation in Tampa, lost my rental car keys in the middle of the night, I called two other companies that was closed but Danny from smart locks was able to arrive within half an hour and make me a key in no time! Extremely fast, friendly and professional service, thank you Danny

ShayTampa · Google review

I locked myself out of the car and left the keys on the front seat. Along with the car keys was my house key. After calling a few different locksmiths, I got in touch with Danny. He was personable, professional, and quick to respond. The price he quoted me beat everybody else's and he was able to get the job done super fast. Through it all he was able to display the kind of demeanor that would keep a client relaxed during a stressful situation.

Sam RodriguezTampa · Google review

Need a Locksmith? We’re Ready to Help.

Call now for an honest quote. Mobile service across Hillsborough, Pinellas & Pasco counties, with the tools to finish the job on the first visit.

Trusted. Licensed. Local. Since 2007.

About Smart Locks

Smart Locks is an owner-operated locksmith company serving Tampa Bay for 19 years. Danny runs the business and stands behind every job, and we are fully licensed and insured (#1100197).

We specialise in car keys: lost keys, key fobs, transponder and push-to-start keys, cut and programmed at your car with dealer-grade equipment. We also handle home and business lockouts, rekeying, new locks, panic bars and door closers from fully stocked mobile vans.

Smart Locks Locksmith

Mobile Locksmith Service

On-site service across Tampa Bay. Our vans carry key machines, programmers and lock hardware, so most jobs finish on the first visit.

  • Monday – Thursday7 AM – 9 PM
  • Friday7 AM – 6 PM
  • SaturdayClosed
  • Sunday7 AM – 9 PM
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