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Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed!

25 messages,  Last post on Mar 12, 2013 at 9:09 PM

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What is this discussion about? Auto Repair, Electrical, Coupe, Sedan, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 25 Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Feb 15, 2011 (11:15 am)

Have you lost your keys lately? How much did it cost to replace your fob? $100? $250? Did you have any luck going to a locksmith instead of the dealer?
 
Your keys may be fabulous but I bet they aren't cheap to replace.
 
Next time you buy a new car, you may want to make a 3rd key part of the deal and stash it somewhere.
 

#2 of 25 Re: Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! [steve_] by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Feb 15, 2011 (11:39 am)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Feb 15, 2011 11:15 am)
Third key? I've read enough stories about people having trouble getting a SECOND key, much less a third, when purchasing used.
 
My daughter lost her one & only key to her Cobalt a couple of weeks ago. New key was $80, but the kicker was that the dealership required the vehicle to be physically there, which required a tow. Needless to say, we had 2 made and her dad kept one.
 
I've seen some stores - Ace Hardware comes to mind - that say they can make a duplicate for most vehicles for closer to $50.

#3 of 25 Re: Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! [steve_] by fintail

Feb 15, 2011 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Feb 15, 2011 11:15 am)
I ran my spare MB key through the wash once - replacement is about $200 (MB has used that same basic design for 13 years now, IIRC).

#4 of 25 Re: Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! [fintail] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Feb 15, 2011 (12:10 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Feb 15, 2011 12:06 pm)
Ouch. I spilled Coke on my garage door opener last year and ruined that fob. Not looking forward to a new car with an expensive fob since I know I'll "run it through the wash" too. Guess that means I can't put a spare under the bumper anymore either, unless it comes with a simple valet key that will open the door.

#5 of 25 Re: Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! [steve_] by fintail

Feb 15, 2011 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Feb 15, 2011 12:10 pm)
Funny thing...the key would still start the car, but not unlock the door. I could unlock the door with the fail-safe metal blade hidden in the fob, but that set off the alarm. I just took it as a lesson learned and bought a new one.

#6 of 25 Lesson to learn here... by iluvmysephia1

Feb 16, 2011 (8:00 am)

don't even think of losing your fob keys.

#7 of 25 1992 Acura Legend by kyfdx@Edmunds HOST

Feb 17, 2011 (8:51 am)

The two keys we had were looking pretty bad... so, went to the dealer's parts department...
 
$12 for two new Acura keys.. Had to have the title to prove the car was ours..
 
Oh yeah.... it's weird.. to open the door, you stick the key in this hole by the handle...

#8 of 25 dumbest move? by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Feb 17, 2011 (10:40 am)

Washing the fob is sure something that I'd do since I never think to check the pockets when I run a load of clothes.
 
What else have people done to kill or lose their fobs?

#9 of 25 Re: Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! [steve_] by berri

Feb 17, 2011 (6:58 pm)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Feb 15, 2011 11:15 am)
I've been Fobbed
 
Is that F supposed to be a "R" or is the obb wrong???
 
Don't forget the big service labor charge to program it - around an hours labor for what - 3 minutes of actual effort?

#10 of 25 Re: Replacing Keys Costs Too Much! I've been Fobbed! [berri] by fezo

Feb 17, 2011 (7:21 pm)

Replying to: berri (Feb 17, 2011 6:58 pm)
fobbed... oh, wait! I get it!
 
Years ago I was in my SIL's swimming pool and realized the fob for our 00 Accord was in my pocket. I quickly got it out of there and dried it with a towel. It still works! 209K later....

Messages Page 1 of 3

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