Car key replacement
Replace lost or damaged keys, including chip keys when supported by the vehicle.
Low Rate Locksmith provides Dodge Stratus key replacement and mobile locksmith service across the USA and Canada. If you lost all keys, need a spare, or your remote stopped working, we can help identify the Stratus key system on your vehicle, cut the right key, and program it when required—then test lock and start functions before we close out.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Typical Cost Range: $120-$550 (depends on year, key type, and situation). Industry-typical examples: mobile locksmith $75-$200 (metal key all keys lost), $140-$260 (transponder key all keys lost), $69-$169 (remote spare), $119-$219 (remote all keys lost). Exact price is confirmed at dispatch. |
| Programming required? | Sometimes. Many 2001-2006 Stratus chip keys use OBD-II programming for the immobilizer; remotes and early mechanical keys vary by year and equipment. |
| All keys lost? | Often serviceable on-site after we confirm identity and ownership, then determine whether your Stratus uses a plain metal key, remote, or a transponder (chip) key system. |
| Online fob accepted? | Sometimes, but compatibility has to be checked first. Used/remanufactured fobs may be locked, wrong frequency, or wrong FCC ID for your Stratus. |
| What to prepare | Vehicle year, your ID, proof of ownership/authorization, the vehicle location, and whether you have any working key/remote. |
Replace lost or damaged keys, including chip keys when supported by the vehicle.
OBD-II enrollment for many transponder systems, plus verification after programming.
Help with buttons, cases, and remotes that stopped responding.
When the key is fine but the cylinder or ignition mechanism is worn or binding.
Regain entry without damaging the vehicle, then plan a spare key if needed.
Remove a broken key from the ignition or door, then cut a replacement.
The Dodge Stratus spans multiple security setups from 1995-2006, so the correct service depends on what your vehicle actually uses. Early Stratus vehicles may use a purely mechanical key (with an optional remote). Many 2001-2006 Stratus variants use a transponder (chip) key tied to a Chrysler SKIM immobilizer system, which requires programming before the car will start.
If you’re not sure what you have, we can identify the key type from the existing key (if present), the vehicle’s behavior, and the parts that match your Stratus.
The mechanical part the key turns; wear here can mimic “bad key” symptoms.
Often keyed to match the ignition; damage or mismatch affects convenience and security.
May be used less often and can reveal whether the key is correctly cut.
The physical blade profile and shoulder spacing must match the Stratus lock hardware.
The electronic ID the immobilizer checks before allowing the engine to start.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge dealership | OEM parts and dealer records | Towing, appointments, higher total cost |
| Mobile locksmith | Lost keys, spare keys, no-tow situations | Requires ID, ownership proof, compatible parts |
| Online fob | Possible savings when exact part is known | Used/refurbished fobs may be locked or incompatible |
| DIY programming | Add-a-key for older mechanical/transponder | Not suitable for all-keys-lost or some immobilizer-equipped vehicles |
Aftermarket remotes can work well when the FCC ID and frequency match what your Stratus expects. The risk is buying the wrong FCC ID, a remote that can’t be paired, or a used unit that’s already bound to another vehicle.
If the remote doesn’t lock/unlock but the car starts normally, the fix may be as simple as a new fob battery or a re-pairing step. If the engine won’t start on chip-key variants, the issue may be immobilizer recognition, not the remote buttons.
| Years (context) | Key system (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1995-2000 (early production) | Mechanical metal key + optional remote | Industry data indicates remotes may use FCC ID KYPT03C98JA. No transponder chip is listed for this band. |
| 2001-2006 (many trims) | Transponder key (chip key) + remote | Common immobilizer: Chrysler SKIM. Transponder chip: ID64 (when equipped). Transponder FCC ID listed: CY24. Remote FCC ID listed: GQ43VT17T. Exact setup varies by vehicle equipment. |
Your Stratus total cost depends on whether you have a working key to copy, whether the vehicle uses a transponder (chip) key, and whether you’re dealing with an “all keys lost” situation that requires creating a key from scratch and enrolling it to the car.
Below are industry-typical ranges (not a quote), shown as dealer vs mobile locksmith. Exact price is confirmed at dispatch after the year, key type, location, authorization, and compatibility are reviewed. Prices shown are $USD; Canadian customers pay the equivalent in CAD.
| Scenario | Dealer | Mobile locksmith |
|---|---|---|
| Metal key (all keys lost) | $50-$150 | $75-$200 |
| Remote (spare) | $75-$150 | $69-$169 |
| Remote (all keys lost) | $125-$250 | $119-$219 |
| Transponder key (all keys lost) | $180-$350 | $140-$260 |
| Transponder key (spare) | $125-$250 | Quoted by VIN |
| Factor | Cost impact |
|---|---|
| Spare key with one working key | Usually lower because cutting/duplication is simpler and programming can be an “add-a-key” where supported. |
| All keys lost | Usually higher due to vehicle access, key origination, and any immobilizer enrollment steps. |
| Transponder / immobilizer-equipped Stratus (common 2001-2006) | Usually higher because the chip must be recognized by the SKIM system before the engine will start. |
| Customer-supplied fob or key | Depends on compatibility and condition; some parts can’t be paired or may be locked. |
| Emergency timing or remote location | May affect the service call cost based on mileage and availability. |
| Vehicle-side issue (battery, ignition cylinder wear) | May require diagnosis before key work can be completed reliably. |
Final pricing is confirmed after the vehicle year, key type, location, authorization, and compatibility are reviewed.
We identify whether your Stratus uses a plain metal key, a remote, or a transponder key tied to SKIM, then cut and program a working key when supported.
On transponder-equipped Stratus models, a cut key can still fail if the chip isn’t enrolled or the immobilizer isn’t recognizing it.
If doors lock/unlock but the engine won’t start, the problem is often chip/immobilizer recognition rather than the remote buttons.
The Stratus is typically turn-key, but “no response” symptoms can still come from low vehicle voltage, wrong key type, or an ignition/immobilizer issue.
We can help confirm whether an aftermarket key or fob matches your Stratus system before time is spent trying to program incompatible parts.
When a vehicle reports key recognition problems, we check fob battery/condition, vehicle 12V battery state, key/fob compatibility, and whether there’s a start-system fault.
If ID and ownership/authorization can’t be confirmed, we stop the job and do not cut or program keys.
We confirm ID and ownership/authorization and capture the basic vehicle details required for key work. Requirements can vary across U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
We identify the key system on your Stratus and select compatible blanks, chips, and/or remotes. This prevents wasted time on wrong FCC IDs or incompatible aftermarket parts.
We cut the key to the vehicle and, when the Stratus uses a transponder system, we perform the required SKIM enrollment via OBD-II where supported.
We verify function (locks and start-related behavior) and document the work completed so you can keep a record for your files.
| Stage | Deliverable | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle ID | Vehicle details captured for correct parts and procedure | Work order notes |
| Authorization | ID + ownership/authorization confirmation recorded | Checklist on the work order |
| Cutting | Key cut to match the vehicle locks (when applicable) | Physical key + recorded key type |
| Programming | Transponder/remote enrollment when required and supported | OBD-II programming log notes |
| Verification | Lock/unlock and start-related function checks | Pass/fail confirmation on closeout |
| Closeout | Final scope review and documentation you can keep | Receipt + service summary |
We align the job to your Stratus situation (spare, lost keys, remote issue, ignition issue) before tools come out.
ID and ownership/authorization are required. If it doesn’t check out, we stop.
We check key type details like chip requirements and FCC ID family to reduce failed programming attempts.
We test what we serviced (locks, starting behavior, remote functions when applicable) before the job is marked complete.
Mobile service can reduce towing needs for many all-keys-lost situations across the USA and Canada where coverage is available.
Automotive key work is not the same as house keys. We use automotive procedures and verification steps appropriate to the vehicle.
When the vehicle supports it, we can discuss OEM-equivalent vs aftermarket options and what changes in programming and testing.
You receive a service summary and receipt so you know what key type was supplied and what was tested.
We route you to the right next step for Dodge Stratus keys, remotes, programming, lockouts, and ignition-related key issues.
If you still have one working key, making a second is usually simpler than all-keys-lost origination and immobilizer enrollment.
Most Stratus vehicles are turn-key, but remote and chip-key setups can still vary. Confirming the key type early prevents ordering the wrong parts.
If you buy online, match the correct FCC ID and ensure the part is new/unlocked. Unknown remotes are a common cause of programming failures.
Make sure the car is reachable (not blocked in a garage, snowed in, or locked behind a gate) so service time stays focused on the key work.
Low vehicle battery voltage can cause programming interruptions and false “no start” symptoms. A stable 12V system helps enrollment succeed.
When you can schedule instead of dispatching during an urgent window, you may reduce service call variables (availability depends on your USA or Canada location).
Share your year + situation and we'll confirm compatibility and a typical price range. Or call the dispatch number directly.
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