Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a stressful experience, especially when faced with potentially high replacement costs from dealerships. If you own a 2018 Subaru Forester and are in need of a key fob replacement, you might be looking for more affordable options. One Subaru Forester owner shared their experience finding a cost-effective solution for their 2018 model when they encountered key fob issues.
Initially facing a missing key fob with a built-in remote, and then experiencing issues with their second fob, this owner was understandably concerned about the replacement expenses quoted by dealerships. Seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, they contacted a local locksmith. The result was a positive and significantly cheaper solution. The locksmith was able to provide a new fob-head key and an additional remote fob (without a key blade) and programmed them both on-site, right in their driveway. The total cost for this service was around $350, a considerable saving compared to dealership prices.
When ordering fob-head keys, it’s crucial to ensure you are getting the correct “type” for your 2018 Subaru Forester. You can identify the key type by locating a small letter code imprinted on the metal key blade where it connects to the fob-head. Make sure any replacement key you purchase has the same code to guarantee compatibility.
It’s generally advised to avoid purchasing used keys online. Used keys might not be compatible with your vehicle due to different internal codes and the key blade itself being cut differently. To avoid further complications and ensure a working key for your car, it’s better to opt for new keys programmed to your specific vehicle.
While the cost of key fob replacement can be unwelcome, it’s a necessary expense. To find the best deal, it’s recommended to shop around and get quotes from local locksmith shops. As highlighted in the user’s experience, locksmiths can offer more competitive pricing than dealerships. Acting promptly is also crucial. Replacing a key fob becomes significantly more expensive if you lose all your working fobs. In such cases, the keyless entry system might need reprogramming, potentially requiring specialized service and increased costs, possibly even involving sending parts back to Japan for programming, which cannot typically be done at the dealership level.
In conclusion, replacing a 2018 Subaru Forester key fob doesn’t necessarily mean a hefty dealership bill. Local locksmiths offer a viable and more affordable alternative. Remember to check your key type code, avoid used keys, and act quickly to replace your fob before losing all of them to minimize costs and hassle.
