Key Sacrifice for Remote Starter Install | Why do I lose a key?

If your vehicle requires a key sacrifice in order to install a remote starter, here is a brief explanation as to why this is.

Vehicles newer than 1998 generally have an immobilizer key or key fob, meaning there is an RFID chip in the head of the key or key fob, which when within close proximity to the vehicle or vehicle key cylinder, will send a signal to the vehicle letting the vehicle know the key  or key fob is authorized to start the car. No signal, or wrong signal received means the car will not start.

Many vehicles use an encrypted signal, meaning it is almost impossible to break the code of the key, so the only way to start the car is to have the key present IN the car. Many newer Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar etc. vehicles are like this.

If you wish to install a remote starter in a vehicle with an encrypted key, and a keyless bypass module or interface does not exist, then you MUST sacrifice a key to install a remote start.

SACRIFICE A KEY MEANS YOU LOSE THE KEY, IT STAYS IN THE VEHICLE AND IS INSTALLED WITH THE REMOTE STARTER IN THE VEHICLE.
 

Below is an image of a sacrifice key, in a bypass module, note the copper wire winding's (also for reference, we did not take this pic but the key is inserted incorrectly in this pic, the head (the black part) should be directly under the winding's)