Car key replacement
Replace a lost or damaged key, with cutting and programming when required for your Eclipse’s year.
Low Rate Locksmith provides Mitsubishi Eclipse key replacement and locksmith service across the USA and Canada.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Typical Cost Range: $120-$550 (industry-typical; exact price confirmed at dispatch). Examples by scenario: spare key (mobile locksmith) $180-$220 on some early/non-chip keys, $200-$300 for many remote-key setups; all keys lost (remote key) dealer $260-$360, mobile locksmith $300-$300. Some dealers quote by VIN for certain years/key types. Canadian customers pay the equivalent in CAD. |
| Programming required? | Sometimes. 2006-2012 Eclipse remote keys typically use an immobilizer and OBD programming; other years vary by year/trim and are confirmed on the vehicle. |
| All keys lost? | Often yes, after ID and ownership/authorization are confirmed. The process depends on whether your Eclipse has an immobilizer/transponder system or a simpler mechanical key. |
| Online fob accepted? | Sometimes, but compatibility must be checked first. Used/refurbished remotes may be locked, mismatched, or not programmable to your Eclipse. |
| What to prepare | Vehicle year, location, a photo ID, proof of ownership/authorization, and whether you have a working key or you’re at all-keys-lost. |
Replace a lost or damaged key, with cutting and programming when required for your Eclipse’s year.
Enroll a transponder/immobilizer key or remote functions to match your vehicle’s system.
Help with dead buttons, worn cases, battery contact issues, and pairing problems.
Regain entry without key damage when you’re locked out of your Eclipse.
Remove a snapped key from a door lock or ignition and then cut a replacement key.
Address key-won’t-turn and ignition cylinder wear when the problem isn’t just the key.
Eclipse owners usually call us for a few repeat issues: lost keys, worn keys that don’t turn cleanly, remotes that stop responding, and “starts sometimes” problems caused by immobilizer recognition or ignition wear.
📞 If you’re not sure which problem you have, call (833) 439-8636 and we’ll route you to the right Eclipse key path for your year and situation in the USA and Canada.
The main variable on an Eclipse is the year/trim security setup. We start by identifying what your vehicle accepts, then we cut and/or program accordingly.
Eclipse key compatibility is year-dependent. Some years are simple metal keys, while later years can involve remote keys and immobilizer chips. We confirm the exact match on your vehicle before we cut or program.
Programming and ignition work overlap on many Eclipse calls. A key can be cut correctly but still fail if the immobilizer doesn’t accept it, or if the ignition cylinder is worn.
The Eclipse ran across multiple generations and markets from 1989-2012, which is why “Eclipse key replacement” can mean anything from a basic cut key to an immobilizer-enrolled remote key. For U.S. and Canadian vehicles, the exact system is confirmed on the vehicle before we cut/program.
When an Eclipse key won’t work, the failure point can be the blade, the chip/remote, the ignition cylinder, or the vehicle’s receiver/module. We narrow that down before recommending parts.
The mechanical turning component; wear here can cause sticking, no-turn, or intermittent turning.
Physical keying can differ from ignition wear; we test both when you have key-turn issues.
Some owners discover trunk-key issues only after a new key is cut; we verify access where applicable.
The vehicle-side electronics that receive remote lock/unlock signals; pairing and compatibility matter.
Binding pressure can make a good key feel “stuck.” We check this before calling it an ignition failure.
If you’re comparing dealer service, a mobile locksmith, and online parts, the correct choice depends on whether you’re at all-keys-lost, whether programming is required, and whether the part is actually compatible with your Eclipse.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi 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 modern Smart Key |
Aftermarket keys and remotes can work, but only when the frequency, electronics, and chip type match what your Eclipse expects. If you bring your own part, we verify compatibility before any cutting or programming begins.
A remote that “suddenly stopped” can be a simple fob battery issue, but some symptoms are caused by low vehicle voltage. Stabilizing the vehicle’s 12V system is often necessary before programming or module communication.
Eclipse key systems change by year band. This table is a practical starting point; final identification is done on the vehicle because trims and markets can differ between the USA and Canada.
| Years (context) | Key system (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1989-1994 (early production) | Mechanical key (no chip) | Cut key to match locks/ignition; no immobilizer enrollment is typical on these early setups. |
| 1995-1999 (varies by trim/market) | Other/unknown (confirmed on vehicle) | Some configurations may use simple keys and separate remotes; we identify what your Eclipse accepts before quoting programming. |
| 2000-2005 (varies by trim/market) | Other/unknown (confirmed on vehicle) | Key blank profile and remote pairing requirements can differ; bring any existing key/fob for comparison when possible. |
| 2006-2012 (common later-era setup) | Remote key + immobilizer (Mitsubishi IMMO, ID46 / PCF7936) | Programming is commonly done via OBD for add-a-key and all-keys-lost situations; remote functions and start authorization must both be tested. |
| 2007-2012 (when equipped) | Smart key / proximity + push-to-start | Not every Eclipse has push-to-start. If equipped, proximity-style service typically requires more validation steps and compatibility checks than a turn-key system. |
Mitsubishi Eclipse pricing depends on your year band, whether the vehicle uses an immobilizer/transponder system, and whether you need a spare key or you’re at all-keys-lost. Remote keys typically cost more than basic mechanical keys because pairing/testing is part of the job.
Typical Cost Range: $120-$550 (industry-typical; exact price confirmed at dispatch). Scenario examples: spare key (mobile locksmith) $180-$220 on some early/non-chip keys, $200-$300 for many remote-key setups; all keys lost (remote key) dealer $260-$360, mobile locksmith $300-$300. Some dealers quote by VIN for certain years/key types.
| Factor | Cost impact |
|---|---|
| Spare key with one working key | Usually lower (less setup time; may be an add-a-key scenario when supported) |
| All keys lost | Usually higher (more steps to originate and verify a working key) |
| Smart key / push-to-start | Usually higher (additional security pairing steps and stricter parts compatibility) |
| Customer-supplied fob | Depends on compatibility (used/incorrect parts can’t be programmed and can add diagnostic time) |
| Emergency timing or remote location | May affect service call cost (dispatch confirms before work begins) |
| Vehicle-side issue (battery, ignition) | May require diagnosis before key work (low voltage or a worn cylinder can mimic “bad key” symptoms) |
Final pricing is confirmed after the vehicle year, key type, location, authorization, and compatibility are reviewed.
We identify whether your Eclipse uses an immobilizer/transponder or a simpler mechanical key, then cut and program a working key when supported after authorization is confirmed.
Often points to immobilizer recognition, a damaged key head, or a vehicle-side issue; we test before recommending parts.
Remote lock/unlock can work even when the immobilizer won’t authorize starting; we verify both functions separately.
If your Eclipse is equipped with proximity/push-to-start, detection issues can be fob-related, voltage-related, or a compatibility problem.
We can check whether your aftermarket key/fob matches what your Eclipse can accept before attempting programming.
On proximity setups, we check fob battery, vehicle 12V battery, part compatibility, and start-system communication before any enrollment attempt.
No ID and ownership/authorization means no key cutting, no programming, and no bypass attempts.
We check photo ID and ownership/authorization documents. Requirements vary by U.S. state and Canadian province, but the policy is consistent: no authorization, no key work.
We confirm the correct key blank/fob type for your Eclipse and whether programming is required for starting and/or remote functions.
We cut the key when applicable and, on immobilizer-equipped vehicles, enroll it into Mitsubishi IMMO through OBD when supported. If you’re supplying the key, we confirm it can be programmed before proceeding.
We complete lock/unlock/start checks and verify remote behavior where applicable, then document what was done so you have a clear record of the service.
| Stage | Deliverable | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle ID | Confirmed year/system direction based on what’s present on the vehicle | On-site check |
| Authorization | Documented ID + ownership/authorization verification | Visual review |
| Cutting | Key cut to match door/ignition keying (when applicable) | Physical key |
| Programming | Immobilizer/transponder enrollment and/or remote pairing when required | OBD programming session (when applicable) |
| Verification | Lock/unlock/start and remote function testing where supported | On-vehicle test |
| Closeout | Summary of the parts used and the functions verified | Work order notes |
We explain what’s included for your Eclipse year and what requires extra parts or diagnosis before starting.
We require ID and ownership/authorization in the USA and Canada before any cutting or programming begins.
We confirm key blank and electronics compatibility before attempting enrollment, especially for customer-supplied parts.
We test starting authorization and lock functions on-site so you’re not guessing after the tech leaves.
For many situations, mobile service can avoid towing and allows testing at the vehicle.
Automotive key work is different than house keys; immobilizer and remote enrollment steps matter on later Eclipse years.
When your Eclipse supports it, we can discuss OEM-style vs aftermarket options based on compatibility and availability.
You get a clear record of what was cut/programmed and what was tested.
We route you to the correct page level: make hub for Mitsubishi-wide questions, and this model page for Eclipse-specific key needs.
If you still have one working key, adding a spare is usually simpler than all-keys-lost origination on immobilizer-equipped Eclipse years.
Push-to-start/proximity setups (when equipped) change the parts and programming steps. Confirm what your Eclipse has before ordering anything online.
Wrong frequency, wrong board, or used remotes that are locked can’t be paired. Compatibility checks save time and prevent repeat dispatches.
Programming and testing require access to the vehicle and stable working conditions around the door and ignition.
Low battery voltage can interrupt module communication during programming. If the car has been sitting, a voltage check can prevent delays.
If you’re planning a spare key, choosing a non-emergency window can reduce the chance of added dispatch surcharges.
Share your year + situation and we'll confirm compatibility and a typical price range. Or call the dispatch number directly.