What is the bar-coded key code (Tag) that comes with keys to new vehicle, and what exactly is it used for?

Question

I know that it is used to make a new key, but there are numbers and a barcode. Does this code hold infromation about the program chip inside the key? The owners manual states that if you lose your key that one can be made easily at your dealer with this tag. Well I need a new key for my car, the key its self is 33.95, but they want to charge 100.00 to program the key- doesnt it seem like the barcode would have infromation about the previous key? This vehicle is a 2007 pontiac G6 Sedan. Please someone that knows about this help me out. They act like this piece of infromation (the barcode tag) is nothing important, but if its not inmportant then why, tell you in the owners manual to put it in a safe place incase you lose your keys!

Answer 1

The bar code is a 'part number' for the blank key.

the other printed number is a key code.
the code is deciphered to tell a keymaker how to cut a key.

You should keep the key code in case you need a key cut.
The key that is cut will not start your car unless the chip inside the key is programed to the ignition
Programing the chip has absolutely nothing to do with the barcode or the other numbers.
But if somebody else had those other numbers, they could have a key made to get into your car.

The $100 to program a key is legit, only if you only have 1 key. They have to put your car on a computer to program a key

However, if you already have 2 keys & you want to program an extra one (just in case) you can do it yourself. Read your owners manual. It tells you how.(at least the Fords work that way..... it could be different with GM keys...but I doubt it)
But you can only do this if you have 2 keys,

Hope I haven't confused you more!?

Answer 2

While the bar code may contain the information about your key, it is primarily used as a lot tag for the dealer. The tag probably doesn't hold more information other than the VIN number of the car. That is where they obtain the information to cut a new key. Programming the key is a different story. The dealer needs both the key and the vehicle it goes to for successful reprogramming. The car has a transponder and therefore a replacement key has to be present for it to recognize. This is pretty much it in a nutshell. And spending $100 for it all isn't unusual. Anything higher than that is paying too much. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

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