GMC is part of General Motors (GM) and currently makes SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, catered to a premium-based market. Many GMC vehicles focus on utility but some models such as the Denali, is considered luxury. GMC also produces fire trucks, ambulances, military vehicles, and buses.
The full-size Sierra 1500 pickup truck is GMC’s most popular model. GMC’s SUVs range from the compact-crossover Terrain to the mid-size Acadia to the full-size Yukon and Yukon XL.
GMC keys come as mechanical keys and transponder keys. Transponder car keys that have a chip in it need to be programmed. The chip is located inside the black cover at the top of the key. A mechanical key is a metal non-transponder car and does not need to be programmed.
Key price starts from $169 for a mechanical key and $189 for a transponder key.
Choose your model and year below for an estimated price.
If you need to get a key replacement, you have 3 options:
- Tow the car to the nearest dealership,
- Call a local locksmith that provides mobile service to come and make you a key on site,
- Order a key online and program it yourself.
The most time and cost-effective option is to call a locksmith, they would most likely have your type of key in stock and be able to drive to where the car is parked and make and program your new key for you on the spot. This whole process can take between 30 mins to 2 hours depending on your location, the complexity of the issue and the availability of the locksmith.
A dealer might charge less for the key. However, you’ll probably have to tow the car to the dealer so they can code/program the new key or remote, so the total price is usually higher. The whole process of going with the dealership or ordering online would take from a few days to up to 2 weeks. So, if timing is important, locksmith can get the job down within hours (even replacing an ignition!).
If you decided to call an automotive locksmith, remember to provide the exact year, make, and model, e.g. “I lost the key to my 2001 GMC Sierra”. This is important so the locksmith can check if he or she has the right key blank/ transponder key/ key fob.
- Transponder chip car key
- Non-transponder car key (this is the only type that does not need programming)
GMC keys come in different types. It all depends on the year and model of your GMC. If you are unsure of the type of key you have or lost, contact your local locksmith, and provide your car details. The locksmith would be able to know the exact type of key you need.
We specialize in making replacement car keys for all GMC models. Whether you’ve lost your key or it’s damaged, need a spare or when your car’s ignition needs replacing / repairing.
To replace a GMC key, it can cost around $169 to $189. The price depends on:
- The type of key
- The car’s year of manufacture
- Your location or how far your car is parked
- Availability of the code to cut the new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are probably the most important factors as they dictate whether you need a chip, a fob, push to start, remote, or a regular non-transponder key. Newer models have better security features and so you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key.
If your transponder key has a black plastic cover at the top, then it would have a chip in it that needs to be programmed onsite otherwise the car won’t start.
You can also find out whether the key needs to be programmed by looking at the year, make and model of the GMC.
Over the phone, you should describe the problem in detail and give the locksmith all the details even if you think it may not be relevant. It can speed up the process and make it more cost effective.
You should give your locksmith the full make, model, and year of the car. If you’re unsure, a VIN or vehicle identification number works too.
You should also give the locksmith the exact location your car is parked at. Either an address, a crossroad, or a business nearby.
You should also have a call back number and your phone near you, in case the locksmith calls to update you, or ask for help locating you.
You will need to show proof of ownership (i.e., car registration) and state ID.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the windshield near the steering wheel or on the inside of the front driver-side door.
If you think the ignition cylinder, door or trunk locks have been changed in the past (common with older cars), changing the locks mean that the locks now use different keys, and probably means that the code for the key may no longer be valid. So, inform the locksmith immediately, it may prevent them from cutting you a new key by code and will either get a new key cut manually or change the ignition or door/truck locks.