2000 Chevrolet Impala Key Replacement

The 2000–2005 Impala uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Chevrolet Impala key guide.

2000 Chevrolet Impala: key facts

Key type: Mechanical (no chip)
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: none (Passlock — no chip in key)
Programming: NONE
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Passlock: the security sensor lives in the ignition lock cylinder, not the key — a correctly cut key starts the vehicle with no programming. Security-light no-starts usually mean a failed Passlock sensor, and a 30-minute (3x10-minute) relearn is required after ignition-cylinder or BCM replacement.

What kind of key does a 2000 Impala use?

The 2000 Impala uses a mechanical key. It is not push-to-start, and there is no chip inside the key head. Chevrolet's anti-theft system on this car is called Passlock, and the security sensor is built into the ignition lock cylinder instead of the key. That is the opposite of a chipped-key system, and it changes what replacement means for you.

In practical terms, a key that is cut correctly to your car will turn the ignition and start the engine. There is nothing to program into the key and no pairing step with the car's computer. The same blade design also works as your mechanical backup, so a spare is simple to make. This is why a replacement for this year is a lighter job than for many newer cars, and why we can usually handle it without sending you to a dealer.

Our data on this setup is verified, and it matches what we see at the bench: cut the key right and it works. If you want to compare it with other model years, the Chevrolet Impala key overview shows how the setups differ.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what changes?

Two situations come up with this car, and neither needs special programming equipment.

If you still have a working key, we can copy it. You do not need an original key on hand for this year, but a working key is the easiest starting point because the cuts can be read straight from it. If you have none, an all-keys-lost situation is possible to solve on this Impala. We can produce a key from the lock itself, in person, with the vehicle and your proof of ownership.

Call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the year, model and where the car is parked.
We confirm the key setup against your VIN, so we are not guessing.
We verify that you own the car or are authorized to have a key made for it.
We cut the key to the lock, whether from an existing key or from the ignition and door locks when everything is lost.
You test the key in the door and ignition before we finish.

The key works, but the car will not stay running

This is the most common Passlock complaint, and it is easy to blame the key. If the security light stays on and the engine starts, then dies, even with a good key, the usual culprit is a failed Passlock sensor in the ignition cylinder. A new key will not fix that, so we would rather tell you before you pay for one.

Two other problems we see on high-mileage 2000 Impalas are separate from the sensor:

Worn ignition lock wafers, where the key sticks or will not turn.
Worn or damaged key blades that no longer turn the locks, which a fresh cut solves.
A failed Passlock sensor, which means ignition-cylinder work rather than a key.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the price of an Impala key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the real cost depends on your situation. These are the factors that move it:

The biggest one is whether you have a working key. Copying from one is usually the more economical route compared with creating a key when all are lost. Next is whether the problem is the key at all: a worn blade, worn ignition wafers and a failed Passlock sensor each call for different work. If the ignition cylinder needs replacing, that adds parts and labor.

Also, after an ignition-cylinder or body control module replacement, Passlock needs a timed relearn procedure to run its full cycle, which adds time to the visit. Where you are, the time of day, and whether we come to you or you come to our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd also play a part. When you call, we will explain the likely scope before any work begins.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key for this car?

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987, with a storefront in Westwood and mobile service vans. When you call (213) 577-1366, you reach us directly, around the clock, and the work is done by our own company, not handed through a dispatch middleman. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for that number before they start. You can also browse all car key services or the Chevrolet key pages. If you would rather send details first, use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2000 Chevrolet Impala key need to be programmed?

No. The 2000 Impala uses Passlock, which has no chip in the key. A correctly cut mechanical key will start the car without programming.

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

Yes, all-keys-lost is possible for this year. We cut a new key to the lock in person and confirm ownership first. We also confirm the setup by VIN.

Do I need my original key to get a copy?

No, an original key is not required for this year. Having a working key does make copying more straightforward.

My Impala starts and then dies with the security light on. Is it the key?

Probably not. That pattern usually points to a failed Passlock sensor in the ignition lock cylinder, even when the key is good. A new key alone will not fix it.

My key sticks or will not turn in the ignition. What is wrong?

Worn ignition lock wafers are common on high-mileage Impalas. The key, the cylinder, or both may be worn, and we can tell you which after inspecting them.

Do you need to relearn anything after replacing the ignition cylinder?

Yes. After an ignition-cylinder or body control module replacement, Passlock needs a timed relearn procedure before the car will run normally.

Is there a spare mechanical key on this car?

Yes, the mechanical key is also the backup key for this year. If you have only one, a spare is worth having made before you lose it.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.