Question 1

Are you licensed and insured to work on Kia vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EZ Car Keyz is fully licensed through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS License LCO#6792) and carries full insurance. We are also NASTF Vehicle Security Professional certified, which means we have authorized access to the security codes and programming protocols needed for late-model Kia vehicles. Kia owners on forums specifically recommend asking locksmiths if they have NASTF access before hiring them. Not every locksmith has this, and without it, some newer Kias cannot be programmed at all.

Question 2

How do I know you are not a scam locksmith?

Accepted Answer

Scam locksmiths have a pattern: they quote a low service call price on the phone, then jack the price up once they arrive and you are desperate. Kia owners report this exact scenario. One owner was quoted around $400 by two locksmiths who then said they "could not assist" and referred them to a mobile locksmith charging dealer prices. Others describe locksmiths who show up, poke at the car for 10 to 15 minutes, then say they do not have the right equipment for Kia and still charge a service call. A legitimate automotive locksmith will give you a real estimate for your 1998 Kia Sportage over the phone and explain the process. We have over 100,000 followers across our YouTube and TikTok channels showing exactly how we do the work.

Question 3

Will the replacement key work exactly like the original?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When we program a MECHANICAL-KEY for your 1998 Kia Sportage, it communicates with your vehicle's immobilizer and smart key system the same way the factory key does. The engine starts, the doors lock and unlock, and all the remote functions work as expected. We test every key on the spot before we leave. That includes verifying proximity detection, push-to-start, lock, unlock, and any remote start functions your trim level supports. If anything is off, we fix it before we hand you the key.

Question 4

What battery does the 1998 Kia Sportage key fob use?

Accepted Answer

The 1998 Kia Sportage uses a CR2032 battery. We always install a fresh one when we make a replacement key. If you already have a key and the range seems short or the buttons are inconsistent, a dead battery is the most common cause. Kia owners on forums report aftermarket fobs draining batteries faster than OEM, so a weak battery does not always mean the key itself is bad. It is a $3 to $5 fix you can do yourself before assuming the key or the car has a bigger problem.

Question 5

What happens if something goes wrong after you leave?

Accepted Answer

Every key we make comes with a warranty. If the key stops working, the remote functions drop, or anything is off, call us and we take care of it. We are a local business in Otay Mesa, not a random call center sending whoever is closest. Kia owners on forums report locksmiths who refused to honor warranties on failed keys, with one Rio owner saying the locksmith told them "electronics are not covered" when the replacement fob stopped working after 8 months. When you go through EZ Car Keyz, you have a real person and a real business standing behind the work.

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