GMC Jimmy Key Replacement (1998-2001) in Ventura County

1998 - 2001

Used GMC Jimmy in Ventura County with one key and the dealer wanting $500 for a spare? Mobile cut, program, and sync on the spot at about half that, 1998-2001, 1,000+ five-star reviews. Get the spare cut today.

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How GMC Jimmy Keys Changed Over the Years

Early 4th Gen VATS

1998

A remote head key with a standard blade and 4-button fob (FCC: KOBUT1BT, CR2032 battery). The 1998 Jimmy uses the VATS immobilizer system, which reads a resistor value in the ignition cylinder to verify the key. Programming is on-board, meaning we handle it right in your driveway without towing anywhere.

Mid 4th Gen Passlock

1999-2000

A remote head key with the same standard blade and 4-button layout as the 1998, but GM swapped the immobilizer to the PKM (Passlock) system for these years. The fob is still KOBUT1BT with a CR2032 battery. On-board programming still works, and the door unlock hold plus ignition cycle procedure syncs your remotes without any special equipment.

4th Generation Overview

1998-2001

A remote head key with a standard GM blade profile covers the entire 1998 to 2001 run on the GMT330 platform. All years use a transponder in the key head, a 4-button remote (lock, unlock, panic, and one auxiliary), and a CR2032 battery. The security system shifted from VATS to PKM across these years, but the key itself looks and feels the same.

Which Key Does Your Jimmy Use?

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Remote Head Key (VATS)

1998

Standard GM blade with a 4-button remote built into the key head. Your 1998 uses the VATS immobilizer, so the ignition cylinder reads a resistor value to let the engine start.

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Remote Head Key (PKM/Passlock)

1999-2001

Same physical key as the 1998, but your Jimmy uses the Passlock system instead of VATS. The fob programs with an on-board ignition cycle procedure, and the transponder handles engine authorization.

Jimmy Key Replacement Pricing

Price includes key cutting, transponder programming, remote sync, and Passlock or VATS relearn; 4x4 models may add $50 for extended diagnostics.

Key Type

EZ Car Keyz

GMC Dealer

1998 (VATS)

Remote Head Key

$250 - $450

$500+

1999-2001 (PKM)

Remote Head Key

$250 - $450

$500+

GMC Key Help -Tap to Call

Us vs. the Dealer

Getting a spare before you lose your only key is the cheapest insurance there is. Here is how we compare.

EZ Car Keyz

GMC Dealer

Spare Key, Cut and Programmed

$250 - $450, on-site

$500+, plus tow if needed

Location

Your driveway, parking lot, wherever you are

Their service bay, their schedule

Wait Time

Usually same day

2-5 business days typical

Tow Required

Never

Often, if you have no working key

Hours

6 AM to 11:30 PM, 7 days

Monday to Friday, business hours

Passlock/VATS Relearn

Included

Extra labor charge

Skip the Dealer - Call (805) 790-8162

Common GMC Jimmy Key Problems

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Fob Programming Timing Failure

Follow the ignition cycle and nothing happens; doors never lock/unlock to confirm programming mode. Timing: steps 4-7 must happen within 10-15 seconds. Wait 10 seconds, restart from step one. Still nothing? Call (805) 790-8162 in Oxnard or Simi Valley.

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Incompatible Frequency Fobs

Your Jimmy uses 314 MHz remotes only. Many aftermarket fobs online are 433 MHz (European), and they never program no matter how many tries. Check the FCC ID matches KOBUT1BT before buying. Already bought the wrong one? We stock correct remotes on every truck.

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Transponder Not Recognized After Key Cut

We check if the BCM threw a code first. On these Jimmys a freshly cut key can fail to start if the Passlock sensor glitched mid-process or the VATS resistor value doesn't match. We read the BCM, verify the signal, reprogram or reset the EEPROM. 20-30 minutes.

Can You Program a Jimmy Key Yourself?

1998-2001

Yes - DIY Possible

You can program the lock, unlock, and panic buttons yourself using the on-board ignition cycle and door unlock button procedure. But here is the catch: every fob you own has to be programmed in that single session because the system erases all previous codes. Transponder or immobilizer programming requires professional tools, so call us for that part.

How It Works

Call or Text Us

Reach us at (805) 790-8162. Tell us your exact year and whether it is a 4x4.

We Drive to You

We are already in the area, covering Ventura County from Camarillo to Moorpark and everywhere in between.

Cut, Program, Test, Done

We cut your key to the correct GM profile, program the transponder, sync all your remotes in one session, and run the Passlock or VATS relearn.

Related Services

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GMC Jimmy Key Questions

Can I program a new key fob myself for my 2000 GMC Jimmy? ▼

Here is the honest answer: yes, but only the remote buttons. Close all doors, insert your key, hold the driver door unlock button, then cycle the ignition ON and OFF twice quickly. Release the unlock button and wait for the doors to lock and unlock, confirming you are in programming mode. Then hold lock and unlock on each fob simultaneously until the doors cycle again. Every fob you own needs to be done in that one session because the system erases all previous codes. For the transponder side of things, you need professional tools. Call us at (805) 790-8162 and we will handle the whole job.

Why won't my 1999 GMC Jimmy start after a new battery? ▼

Here is the honest answer: it is almost certainly the Passlock II sensor. This is extremely common on 1998 to 2001 Jimmys. When you disconnect the battery, the sensor in the ignition cylinder can lose its calibration, and the security light starts flashing because it cannot read the resistor signal properly. The engine will crank but refuse to start. We can reprogram or bypass the Passlock system right in your driveway in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, or anywhere in the county. No tow needed.

What type of key does a 1998-2001 GMC Jimmy use? ▼

Here is the deal: your Jimmy uses a standard blade mechanical key with a transponder chip in the head and a 4-button remote (lock, unlock, panic, and one auxiliary). The FCC ID is KOBUT1BT and the fob takes a CR2032 battery. No flip key, no smart key, no push button start. It is a straightforward GM setup on the GMT330 platform. The 1998 model uses VATS for the immobilizer, while 1999 to 2001 models use the Passlock (PKM) system. Both are simple and reliable.

How much for a new Jimmy key with programming? ▼

Here is the honest answer: $250 to $450 from us, depending on whether you have an existing working key or all keys are lost. That includes the key cut, transponder chip programming, remote sync, and the Passlock or VATS relearn. The dealer typically charges $500 or more, and that does not include the tow if your Jimmy is stuck somewhere in Camarillo or Santa Paula. We are BSIS licensed (LCO#6792), we come to you, and 4x4 models may add about $50 for extended diagnostics. Call (805) 790-8162 for an exact quote.

Call (805) 790-8162

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Did You Know?

You would not guess it, but your GMC Jimmy shares its keyless entry programming procedure with over 20 different GM trucks and SUVs, including the Chevy Tahoe, Silverado, and Suburban. That simple door unlock button hold and ignition cycle method was GM's universal approach across nearly their entire truck and SUV lineup from the late 1990s. One procedure to rule them all.

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