Keyless Entry Remote Inc. has been offering you replacement key fobs for less for years! Now Consumer Reports has reported how easy and inexpensive it can be to purchase from Keyless Entry Remote Inc.
Car key replacement for less
A dealer replacement and programming will cost $200 or more
Consumer Reports magazine: July 2013
Photo: Chemistry
Car keys have gone high tech, and replacing one is no longer a quick, inexpensive trip to the hardware store. A Consumer Reports electronics engineer found that out the hard way. While at the beach, he forgot that the key to his Toyota Prius was in his pocket, went for a dip in the surf, and never saw the key again. The cost of a replacement: $600.
Like many new cars, his Prius uses a proximity key that electronically unlocks the car when you touch the door handle and lets you start it by pressing a button on the dash. But even less sophisticated keys don’t come cheap.
Most ignition keys now have a transponder that electronically communicates with the vehicle to prevent theft; the car won’t start if the key isn’t programmed to match it. The systems also include a separate or integrated fob with buttons for locking and unlocking the doors.
If you lose the key and fob, you can expect a dealer replacement and programming to cost $200 or more, depending on the vehicle and the key’s design. A Lexus dealer quoted $374 for a new key, fob, and programming, and a BMW dealer said replacement keyless fobs could be as much as $500, depending on the model.
If you don’t need the key right away, one way to save is to buy a replacement over the Internet. A Honda dealer, for example, told us it would cost $200 to replace the key for a 2005 Accord. At KeylessRide, one of several sites that advertise keys at discount prices, we bought a Honda key for that car for $54; an off-brand version was listed for about $40. Having a locksmith cut and program the key added $80, for a total of $134.
Depending on the make and model, you might even be able to do the programming yourself, saving more money. Instructions and videos can often be found online. Try searching for your car along with the words “key programming.â€
Another common problem is when the butÂtons on your fob stop working but the key still starts the car. First try replacing the fob’s battery. They are often available at drugstores and retailers such as RadioÂShack for less than $10. Look for a small screw or a slot along the fob’s seam where it can be pried open to access the battery. Make a note of any identifying numbers and take the old battery with you to the store.
If replacing the battery doesn’t help, you might need to replace the fob’s electronics. A Honda dealer quoted us $80 for that task. But we were able to simply open our $54 online key, remove the electronics assembly (with buttons), and transfer it to the original key. We followed the easy programming instructions that came with our key and saved $26. You can even go cheaper. Online we also saw replacement fobs and electronic assemblies for as little as $35.
Did you know?
If you lock your key in your car or trunk and have no way of getting to it, a dealer can often make an inexpensive key that will open the doors but not start the engine. That will allow you to retrieve the original key. You’ll probably need the vehicle identification number and proof that you own the car.
Having trouble programming the remote or just want a professional to program the remote for you? Enter your city or zip code in the search box below to find a professional key fob installer in your area.
ENTER YOUR CITY NAME TO FIND A
PROFESSIONAL KEY FOB INSTALLER NEAR YOU
Car key replacement for less
A dealer replacement and programming will cost $200 or more
Consumer Reports magazine: July 2013
Photo: Chemistry
Car keys have gone high tech, and replacing one is no longer a quick, inexpensive trip to the hardware store. A Consumer Reports electronics engineer found that out the hard way. While at the beach, he forgot that the key to his Toyota Prius was in his pocket, went for a dip in the surf, and never saw the key again. The cost of a replacement: $600.
Like many new cars, his Prius uses a proximity key that electronically unlocks the car when you touch the door handle and lets you start it by pressing a button on the dash. But even less sophisticated keys don’t come cheap.
Most ignition keys now have a transponder that electronically communicates with the vehicle to prevent theft; the car won’t start if the key isn’t programmed to match it. The systems also include a separate or integrated fob with buttons for locking and unlocking the doors.
If you lose the key and fob, you can expect a dealer replacement and programming to cost $200 or more, depending on the vehicle and the key’s design. A Lexus dealer quoted $374 for a new key, fob, and programming, and a BMW dealer said replacement keyless fobs could be as much as $500, depending on the model.
If you don’t need the key right away, one way to save is to buy a replacement over the Internet. A Honda dealer, for example, told us it would cost $200 to replace the key for a 2005 Accord. At KeylessRide, one of several sites that advertise keys at discount prices, we bought a Honda key for that car for $54; an off-brand version was listed for about $40. Having a locksmith cut and program the key added $80, for a total of $134.
Depending on the make and model, you might even be able to do the programming yourself, saving more money. Instructions and videos can often be found online. Try searching for your car along with the words “key programming.â€
Another common problem is when the butÂtons on your fob stop working but the key still starts the car. First try replacing the fob’s battery. They are often available at drugstores and retailers such as RadioÂShack for less than $10. Look for a small screw or a slot along the fob’s seam where it can be pried open to access the battery. Make a note of any identifying numbers and take the old battery with you to the store.
If replacing the battery doesn’t help, you might need to replace the fob’s electronics. A Honda dealer quoted us $80 for that task. But we were able to simply open our $54 online key, remove the electronics assembly (with buttons), and transfer it to the original key. We followed the easy programming instructions that came with our key and saved $26. You can even go cheaper. Online we also saw replacement fobs and electronic assemblies for as little as $35.
Did you know?
If you lock your key in your car or trunk and have no way of getting to it, a dealer can often make an inexpensive key that will open the doors but not start the engine. That will allow you to retrieve the original key. You’ll probably need the vehicle identification number and proof that you own the car.
Having trouble programming the remote or just want a professional to program the remote for you? Enter your city or zip code in the search box below to find a professional key fob installer in your area.
ENTER YOUR CITY NAME TO FIND A
PROFESSIONAL KEY FOB INSTALLER NEAR YOU
By Keyless Entry Remote Inc
