Question 1

What is the cheapest way to replace a key for my 2004 Chevrolet Astro?

Accepted Answer

Call a mobile locksmith first. The 2004 Astro uses a basic metal key with no remote or electronic component, which means the job is faster and simpler than most modern vehicles. A dealer will often still pull you through their standard key-replacement process, which can involve towing, VIN verification, parts ordering, and labor charges that add up fast.

With me, I come to you in Coronado, decode the lock or use your existing key code, cut the key on site, and that's it. No tow, no wait, no separate charges stacked on top of each other. You get a working key at the vehicle for a fraction of what the dealer route costs.

Question 2

How much harder is it to replace a key when I've lost the only one I had?

Accepted Answer

On the 2004 Astro it's not dramatically harder. Because this is a straight mechanical key with no electronic pairing involved, all-keys-lost just means I need to decode the cut from the lock hardware rather than copy an existing key. I do that directly off the door lock cylinder. Once I have the cut, I make the key. The ignition doesn't need to be told anything new. Get a spare cut while you still have the original and the job is even quicker, but losing all keys on this van is nowhere near the ordeal it is on a modern vehicle.

Question 3

Do aftermarket keys work on the 2004 Astro, or should I stick with the factory blank?

Accepted Answer

For this van, the key blank brand matters less than the cut. There's no chip to verify, no frequency to match. A quality aftermarket blank cut accurately to your vehicle's code will work the same as an OEM blank. The word "accurately" is doing real work in that sentence though. A bad cut causes wear on the ignition cylinder over time, and a marginal cut may turn fine at first and then start sticking as the cylinder wears. I use professional-grade blanks from reputable suppliers and cut on calibrated equipment, so the key fits the way it should.

Question 4

My 2004 Astro key turns but the van won't start. Is that a key problem?

Accepted Answer

On this generation of Astro, a key that physically turns the ignition is doing its job. If the engine cranks but doesn't fire, or doesn't crank at all, the key itself is almost certainly not the cause. Look at the battery, the starter, fuel delivery, and the ignition switch itself. The ignition switch on these vans developed a reputation for wear over the years, and a failing switch can cause intermittent no-start symptoms even when the key turns normally. That's a mechanical and electrical diagnosis, not a key replacement job.

Question 5

Can I get a replacement key made in Coronado without going to a dealer or tow yard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That's exactly what I do. I'm mobile, which means I come to wherever the van is sitting, whether that's a driveway in the Cays or a parking lot near the water. The 2004 Astro is one of the easier vehicles to handle on-site because the key system is entirely mechanical. No diagnostic port needed, no software, no dealer-only security data. Bring the VIN if you have it, but even without it I can work from the lock itself.

2004 Chevrolet Astro
Key Replacement - Save vs Dealer in San Diego

Real Keys | Real Savings

2004 Chevrolet Astro
Key Options

Chevrolet Astro OEM Quality Without the Markup

2004 Chevrolet Astro Metal Key Replacement - Fast, Affordable & Professional

Save vs the Dealer on Your Chevrolet Astro Key

Chevrolet Astro Rapid Response, Done Right

Savings That Speak for Themselves

Chevrolet Astro Mobile Service FAQ

Chevrolet Astro Key Service Areas

Best Price on 2004 Chevrolet Astro Keys

2004 Chevrolet AstroKey Replacement - Save vs Dealer in San Diego

Real Keys | Real Savings

2004 Chevrolet AstroKey Options