I just got a 2006 Ralliart to replace my 2004, which was recently totalled. The 2004 had a conventional key, for which I could get a copy cut at any hardware store. However, the key for the 2006 looks different and my local hardware store doesn't even have a blank that looks similar (for the metal part). To complicate matters, I didn't get a key number tag from the dealers when I bought the car. Can anybody tell me whether I should have got a key number tag for the 2006 Ralliart, and also whether the key is chipped? If the key is chipped, are there sources of spare keys besides Mitsubishi?

BB

 

No immobilizer for regular Lancers.

 

Speak for yourself, chipped and numbered from the factory for me.
That may be a production requirement for a car coming to Australia though, you can't (in Western Australia at least, but I think everywhere) sell a car without one. Something like that.
All new cars at least

 

jdm's are chipped
you might be able to find blanks on ebay....but im not to sure about the 2006's

 

Okay, okay you got me. I was talking to a guy from Colorado. I doubt he has a JDM or ADM Lancer.

 

When I got mine, the dealer offered me an 05, and the one I sampled was an 05 too, and they both had chipped keys. The vendor told me that all 05+ models had that "new tipe of key". I said scr*w them; a copy would cost a ton of money. So I got an 04

 

Wouldn't you get any savings with your insurance for having an immobilizer?
Hell some insurance companies here give you a better deal for having a bright yellow car as they are hit less

 

ins only counts 1 theft deterrent system on a vehicle so vin etch (avalable for a 1 time fee of less than 20 dollars at most dealerships) workes just as well for ins purposes

 

So is the answer that 2006's have chipped keys? (still scratching head)


BB

 

im pretty sure my 05 does so why would they change it back for 06? best way to find out for sure is call up your dealer and ask.

 

I heard 06's have chips, but I forgot where so I can't be sure.

 

Evos have immobilizers(chipped keys), reg lancers don't. Look at the safety section of options on mitsucars.com:

http://mitsucars.com/MMSA/jsp/lancer...pecs.jsp?t=all
http://mitsucars.com/MMSA/jsp/lancer...pecs.jsp?t=all

It is not enough to get a JDM key blank, the car has to have the system to support it.

 

They are chipped, I was quoted for one already.

 

I was told my 05 Ralliart had an immobilizer when I bought it, but when I went to get a new key it was just a regular key and it worked fine... Funny thing is they used the immobilizer speech to help try and sell me the car, yet it doesn't have one.

 

Exactly. If you compare your key to a Galant or whatever from the same year, you'll notice the Lancer keys are thinner.

Before you let them charge you $70-$100 for a key, why don't you ask them to make you a "$9 door key" for the heck of it and see if it works. Make sure your other keys aren't on your ring in close proximity to the steering column when you try it.

Everybody's key is "numbered" that's how you can have one made from scratch. Or have a locksmith other then the dealer make one if he has the proper key blank. It will just be a door key for immobilizer equipped cars, or an ignition key for the others.