Chrysler LHS Key Replacement (1995-2001) in San Diego County

Q: How much does a replacement key cost for 1995-2001 LHS at dealer?

Here is the honest answer: expect $250 to $500 at the dealer for a replacement key with cutting and programming. Aftermarket blanks run $15 to $30 online, but you still need professional programming for the transponder. We do the whole job, key blank included, for $95 to $165 depending on your year. The van rolls to your location in San Diego County, so there is no tow and no dealer waiting room.

1995 - 2001

Chrysler LHS down to one key in San Diego and sweating the spare? The van rolls to your address and flashes a replacement at the curb, '95-'01, 100+ five-star reviews. Book now and skip the tow.

✓ Google Guaranteed✓ No Tow Required

Talk to a Chrysler Tech

Text

How Chrysler LHS Keys Changed Over the Years

Mechanical Key Only

1995-1997

A standard mechanical key, no chip, no remote, no electronics at all. Your 1995 to 1997 LHS starts with a simple cut metal key in the ignition. No transponder means no programming; we just cut the key to match your locks and you are on your way.

Remote Head Key with Keyless Entry

1999-2001

On a 1999-2001 LHS, uses a Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIM) transponder ignition key plus a separate 4-button keyless entry remote fob (FCC GQ43VT17T, operating at 315 MHz, powered by a CR2032 or dual CR2016). The ignition key carries a Chrysler Texas Crypto 4D transponder chip that the SKIM module verifies before allowing the engine to start. The remote portion can be programmed on-board if you have a working fob, which keeps things quick and affordable.

Which Key Does Your LHS Use?

🔑

Standard Mechanical Key

1995-1997

A plain metal key with no electronics. We cut it to match your ignition and door cylinders. No programming needed.

🔑

Transponder Key + Separate 4-Button Remote Fob (SKIM)

1999-2001

Two pieces: a transponder ignition key with a Chrysler Texas Crypto 4D chip (SKIM-protected) and a separate 4-button keyless entry remote fob. Both need to be paired to your car, but the process is straightforward with the right tools.

The Real Cost of a Chrysler LHS Key

All prices include the key blank, cutting, programming (if applicable), and curbside service in San Diego County.

Key Type

EZ Car Keyz

Chrysler Dealer

1995-1997 Mechanical Key

Standard cut key

$75-$120

$150-$250

1999-2001 Remote Head Key

4-button remote head key

$95-$165

$250-$500

Chrysler Key -Tap to Call

EZ Car Keyz vs. the Dealer

Wait until your last key dies and you are looking at a tow to El Cajon plus a dealer programming fee. Cut the spare today and skip the whole loop.

EZ Car Keyz

Chrysler Dealer

1999-2001 Remote Key

$95-$165

$250-$500

Service Location

Your driveway, parking lot, wherever you are

Their service bay, after a tow or a drive

Wait Time

Same day, usually within the hour

1-5 business days for parts and scheduling

Hours

6 AM to 11:30 PM, 7 days a week

Monday through Friday, business hours

Lockout Service

$105-$145

Not offered; you need a tow truck first

Skip the Dealer - Call (619) 876-1271

Common Chrysler LHS Key Problems

🔑

Floor Shifter Ignition-Park Interlock Failure

Key slips out but the shifter is not in Park, or shifter wiggles with the key pulled. On 1995-2001 LHS this is the BTSI interlock giving up after 20-plus years, losing its handshake with the ignition. Dial (619) 876-1271 before it rolls.

🔋

Remote Fob Battery Drain

The CR2032 or CR2016 batteries in your 1998-2001 fob are the usual suspect when the remote stops working. But corroded battery contacts are the real problem on a lot of these, especially after moisture. Sometimes a cleaning is all it takes.

⚡

Ignition Switch Failure

Before recommending a new key, we check the ignition switch. Recall (NHTSA 98V226000) on 1995-1998 LHS where the switch wears and causes stalling or no-start. The key may be fine; switch is not reading it. We diagnose in Pacific Beach or National City.

🚗

New Key Won't Start the Car

People buy aftermarket remotes online, get them cut at a hardware store, and wonder why the car will not start. On 1999-2001 models with VTSS (Vehicle Theft Security System), the Sentry Key module must recognize the key. Unprogrammed, it is just plastic.

Can You Program a Chrysler LHS Key Yourself?

1995-1997

Yes - DIY Possible

No programming needed. These are plain mechanical keys with no electronics. You just need a properly cut blank.

1999-2001 (Remote Only)

Yes - DIY Possible

Yes, if you have one working remote. Turn the ignition to ON, hold Unlock for 10 seconds, press Panic for 1 second while still holding Unlock, then release both. When you hear the chime, press any button on the new remote. This programs the remote buttons only.

1999-2001 (Transponder, if equipped with SKIM)

Yes - DIY Possible

Yes, but only if you have two already programmed keys. Insert the first key, turn to ON for 5 seconds, remove it, insert the second key for 5 seconds, then insert the new key for 5 seconds. Each step must be timed precisely. If you only have one key or zero keys, you need a locksmith with a scan tool.

How It Works

Chrysler quick quote in San Diego County

Call or Text Us

Reach us at (619) 876-1271. Tell us your exact year and what happened.

Chrysler driveway ready in San Diego County

We Drive to You

Anywhere in San Diego County, from Encinitas to National City to Carlsbad.

Chrysler key initialized in San Diego County

Cut, Program, and Test

Fresh key cut curbside, program the remote to your LHS using on-board procedures or our Autel IM608, and test every function before we leave.

Related Services

Every Service We Offer →

Chrysler LHS Key Questions

Can I program a new key fob for my 2001 Chrysler LHS myself? ▼

Short answer: your remote buttons, yes; the transponder side, no, not without a tool. The fob procedure on the 2nd-gen LHS goes ignition to ON, hold Unlock ten seconds, tap Panic for one second while still holding Unlock, then release. The car chimes and you press any button on the fresh fob to bind Lock, Unlock, Trunk, and Panic. The 1998-on Sentry Key transponder (Texas Crypto 4D 4D64) is a different story and needs a scan tool. Ring (619) 876-1271 and we will roll the van out and program it where you sit.

What type of key does a 1995-2001 Chrysler LHS use? ▼

It depends on your year. The 1995 to 1997 LHS uses a plain mechanical key with no remote and no chip. The 1998 to 2001 models use a remote head key with four buttons (Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic), a standard blade, and a CR2032 battery. Later models may also have a transponder chip tied to the SKIM immobilizer system operating at 315 MHz with FCC ID GQ43VT17T. If you are not sure which one you have, snap a photo and text it to (619) 876-1271.

Why won't my new key start my Chrysler LHS? ▼

The most likely cause is that the transponder chip in your new key was never programmed to the SKIM module in your car. The remote buttons and the transponder are two separate systems. You can DIY the remote pairing with a working fob, but the chip that actually lets the engine start needs to be matched using a scan tool. We handle this curbside anywhere across San Diego County, usually in under 30 minutes. Call (619) 876-1271.

How much does a replacement key cost for 1995-2001 LHS at dealer? ▼

Call (619) 876-1271

💡

San Diego Trivia

Here is the trivia: the 2001 LHS was one of the last full-size sedans built on Chrysler's LH platform before the nameplate was retired entirely. That quietly makes it a collectible among Chrysler enthusiasts. The four-button remote system (part number 04602260AA) has been a parts catalog mainstay ever since.

Service Area