Cheapest Route For New Key/FOB

[Hoofbite]

I have one of those switchblade FOBs for a key. Press the button and the key pops out. Yesterday, I got into my car and hit the button and the damn key blade went flying to the passenger side of the car. Don't have a spare, but the key is still functional if I slide the key back onto the FOB.

Called a dealer and they want $75 for the key, but possibly another $115 to program it.

Called a locksmith who said he can do everything for $105

Anyone ever had one replaced? It looks like reprogramming the key can be done without any special computer so long as you can start the vehicle. If possible, I just need the key to be cut but I get the impression this is one of those schemes where you pay almost just as much for half the work.

 

[Runwildboys]

I'd just pay the dealer. The last thing you want is to get stuck somewhere because you wanted to save money...unless you can pay the locksmith after you make sure everything works right.

 

[Tabascocat]

Pay the dealer and buy two for a spare

That is a reasonable price IMO.

 

[Reality]

Pay the dealer and buy two for a spare

That is a reasonable price IMO.

Exactly what I was going to say. Get two at the same time and the dealer may include the programming for both in the one programming fee or a small secondary fee.

 

[Crazed Liotta Eyes]

I have one of those switchblade FOBs for a key. Press the button and the key pops out. Yesterday, I got into my car and hit the button and the damn key blade went flying to the passenger side of the car. Don't have a spare, but the key is still functional if I slide the key back onto the FOB.

Called a dealer and they want $75 for the key, but possibly another $115 to program it.

Called a locksmith who said he can do everything for $105

Anyone ever had one replaced? It looks like reprogramming the key can be done without any special computer so long as you can start the vehicle. If possible, I just need the key to be cut but I get the impression this is one of those schemes where you pay almost just as much for half the work.

I hate the FOB. Granted, it is nice to be able to pop the locks and start the car remotely but I just want a key. We lost one of our FOBs and then the other one broke and quit working. I can't remember how much money they wanted to give us a new one but it was ridiculous in my opinion. I think it was more than what you're saying. This is our 2nd car and a snow beater at this point, so I wasn't paying it. I ended up getting an actual key made for much cheaper. The key that pops out of the FOB wouldn't fit the ignition.

 

[Hoofbite]

I'd just pay the dealer. The last thing you want is to get stuck somewhere because you wanted to save money...unless you can pay the locksmith after you make sure everything works right.

Pay the dealer and buy two for a spare

That is a reasonable price IMO.

Was initially hesitant on the dealer route, but the service guy told me programming would be free if he could do it in the service lane. I asked what determined whether or not he could do it in the service lane, and he basically said that he needs to be able to start the car with the broken key and then immediately shut it off and start the car with the new key.

I 2-part epoxied that damn thing together and it works just fine. Don't know for how long, but I figure if I can get it to the dealer within a couple of days there's really no way that he can tell me that it can't be done in the service lane.

Thanks, gents.

 

[Runwildboys]

Was initially hesitant on the dealer route, but the service guy told me programming would be free if he could do it in the service lane. I asked what determined whether or not he could do it in the service lane, and he basically said that he needs to be able to start the car with the broken key and then immediately shut it off and start the car with the new key.

I 2-part epoxied that damn thing together and it works just fine. Don't know for how long, but I figure if I can get it to the dealer within a couple of days there's really no way that he can tell me that it can't be done in the service lane.

Thanks, gents.

Can you go to a hardware store and have a copy made while it's still together?

 

[Hoofbite]

Can you go to a hardware store and have a copy made while it's still together?

I dunno. Can hardware stores cut these types of keys? Seems they would need to carry the exact FOB and be able to cut on both sides of the blank, which I haven't ever seen before. Never really needed to ask about it before either so maybe they can.

 

[Runwildboys]

I dunno. Can hardware stores cut these types of keys? Seems they would need to carry the exact FOB and be able to cut on both sides of the blank, which I haven't ever seen before. Never really needed to ask about it before either so maybe they can.

Hmm, that's a good point. A fob key probably isn't the same configuration as a standard key. I was thinking if you could do that then at least you wouldn't have to worry about the key breaking before you got the car to the technician.

Guess it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway.

 

[big dog cowboy]

If none of the above ideas work, check on eBay. I got one for my wife's car on there (about $50) and the local dealership programmed it for free.