2011 Chevrolet Cruze Key Replacement

The 2011–2019 Cruze uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Chevrolet Cruze key guide.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze: key facts

Key type: Flip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: 46E (Hitag2 Extended)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

B119-style flip key (HU100 blade); push-button start was not offered in the US on this generation.

What kind of key does a 2011 Cruze use?

The 2011 Cruze came with a flip key: a metal blade that folds into a plastic head carrying the remote buttons. It is the B119-style key, cut on an HU100 blade. Inside the head is a transponder chip from the 46E (Hitag2 Extended) family. That chip is what lets the engine start. A blade that turns the ignition but has no correctly programmed chip will not run the car.

This generation of Cruze was not sold in the US with push-button start, so you will not find a proximity fob or a start button on a 2011. If someone has described your car that way, we would want to look at the car, because it does not match what we have on file for this year.

There is also a mechanical backup key for this setup. That matters if the remote side of your key has died but the blade still works, since the blade alone can still open the door. It will not start the engine without the chip, but it can get you into the car.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how each works on this Cruze

For a 2011 Cruze, making a copy normally requires an original key in hand. That is the easier situation. We cut the new blade from the one you have, then program the new chip and remote to the car.

If you have no working key at all, an all-keys-lost job is possible on this year. It takes more steps because we are working from the car rather than from a key, but the car does not have to go to a dealer.

Confirm the car and your ownership, and check the VIN against what we have on file for the 2011 Cruze.
Cut a new HU100-style blade, either from your original key or, if all keys are lost, by code from the car.
Program the 46E transponder chip to the car through the OBD port. The data for this year shows no NASTF/SDRM access requirement for this step.
Pair the remote buttons, then test the door locks, the ignition and the engine start before we finish.
If other keys remain, check that they still start the car after the new key is added.

What affects the cost of a 2011 Cruze key?

We will not quote a number on a web page, because the real price depends on your situation. These are the things that move it:

Whether you have an original key to copy, or all keys are lost. All keys lost involves more work.
Whether you need the full flip key with remote buttons or only a blade and chip.
The quality of the key blank. Low-grade cloned or aftermarket chips are a known source of trouble on these cars, so we would rather not cut corners there.
Where the car is. A job at our Westwood storefront is different from a mobile van visit to a driveway or parking lot.
How many keys you want made in one visit. Having a spare made at the same time is usually the more economical route compared with a second call-out later.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

Common 2011 Cruze key problems

The problems that show up on this key are fairly consistent, and not all of them need a full replacement.

Cracked flip-key shells, broken hinges and worn buttons. If the chip and electronics are fine, the key can sometimes be moved into a new shell instead of replaced.
Dead remote batteries. If the buttons stop working but the car still starts, try a battery first.
Cheap clone or aftermarket chips that work, then fail intermittently. If your car starts some days and not others on a copied key, the chip is a likely suspect.

What we confirm by VIN, and why call us

The data for this year is verified, but we still confirm by VIN and by looking at the key in your hand before we cut or program anything. A previous owner may have had a key made with a different chip, and we would rather check than guess.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans. You deal with one company, not a dispatch middleman, and David oversees the work. California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they start.

For more on the model, see our Chevrolet Cruze key pages, the wider Chevrolet key service overview, or contact us with your VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have a transponder chip?

Yes. It uses a 46E (Hitag2 Extended) transponder chip in a flip key. The chip must be programmed to the car before the engine will start.

Can you make a key if I lost all my 2011 Cruze keys?

Yes, all keys lost is possible on this year. Programming is done through the OBD port. We confirm the VIN first and can cut the blade by code from the car.

Does the 2011 Cruze have push-button start?

No. Push-button start was not offered in the US on this generation. The 2011 uses a flip key with a blade that goes into the ignition.

Do I need my original key to get a copy?

For a duplicate, an original key is needed. If you no longer have one, we treat it as an all-keys-lost job, which takes a different process.

My Cruze remote stopped working but the car still starts. What now?

Try a new remote battery first. If the buttons still do nothing, the remote may need re-pairing or the key's electronics may be worn. We can check it.

Can a cracked flip key shell be repaired?

Often, yes. If the chip and circuit board are intact, they can sometimes be moved into a new shell. A broken hinge or worn buttons are common reasons for this.

Do you come to me, or do I bring the car in?

Both are possible. We have a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, and mobile vans. Call (213) 577-1366 any time to arrange it.

We cover all these cities

Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.