Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a stressful experience. Suddenly, accessing and starting your vehicle becomes a challenge, and the question immediately arises: “Can I Get A New Key Fob For My Car?” The answer is yes, but the process and your best options can vary depending on your car’s make, model, and year. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about getting a replacement key fob, ensuring you make the most informed decision.
For vehicles manufactured within the last five years, car dealerships are often considered the most reliable route for obtaining a replacement key fob. John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic, points out that this is primarily due to the sophisticated programming equipment now required for modern key fobs. These aren’t just simple keys anymore; they are integrated security devices that communicate complex codes with your car.
While the allure of cheaper aftermarket key fobs online might be strong, it’s important to proceed with caution. Experiences shared by dealerships, such as Audi and Subaru, reveal potential compatibility issues. In some cases, these dealerships explicitly state that aftermarket key fobs simply won’t work with their vehicles.
A service advisor at Hoffman Audi of East Hartford, Conn., emphasized this point, stating, “If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us.” The reason lies in a built-in security chip within the fob that is uniquely programmed and cannot be reprogrammed for another vehicle, particularly not by third parties. This security measure also explains why purchasing a new aftermarket Audi key fob online is generally not a viable option. As the advisor noted, “The fob has become a critical part of the security of the car.” For an Audi key fob replacement, including the necessary programming, expect an average cost of around $500.
This dealership-centric approach isn’t limited to Audi alone, but is common among European car brands in general. According to CR’s Yu, these manufacturers often direct customers to dealerships because the digital key encryption is exclusively programmable by the manufacturer or a limited number of authorized outlets in North America. This exclusivity ensures security and quality control, but it can also limit consumer choice.
However, not all dealerships strictly refuse to work with aftermarket key fobs. Retailers representing brands like Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Lexus have indicated a willingness to attempt programming aftermarket fobs if requested by the customer. This flexibility comes with a caveat: customers must understand and accept the potential risks involved.
A service advisor at a Lexus dealership explained their position: “We shy away from working with aftermarket key fobs. We can’t warranty parts or labor, and if we try to program it and it doesn’t work, we still have to charge them for our labor.” This highlights a significant risk – you might incur labor costs even if the aftermarket fob ultimately fails to function with your car.
Despite the potential need to visit a dealership, the process of getting a new key fob doesn’t necessarily have to be lengthy. Most dealerships contacted indicated that key fob programming is relatively quick, typically taking only 15 to 30 minutes. Even when including the time to cut a mechanical spare key, the entire process rarely exceeds an hour.
Concerns about exorbitant costs at dealerships can also be somewhat allayed. Even for European brands, getting a new key fob might be more affordable than initially anticipated. For example, a Volkswagen dealer quoted approximately $225 for a new key fob, laser-cut key, and programming for a 2015 VW Jetta. This demonstrates that while dealership prices might be higher than aftermarket options, they are not always prohibitively expensive.
Interestingly, some brands, like Chevrolet, offer avenues for customers to potentially save money on key fob programming. General Motors key fobs are already noted to be on the less expensive end of the spectrum. A Chevrolet spokesperson mentioned that for certain models, like a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu with keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start (quoted at $147.98), programming doesn’t necessarily require a dealership visit. “The programming procedure is described in the vehicle owner’s manual, but the vehicle does need to be present,” the spokesperson stated. This suggests that for some Chevrolet models, you might be able to program a new key fob yourself, potentially saving on labor costs.
It’s crucial to note that regardless of the car brand, most customer-programmable key fobs have a prerequisite: you typically need two existing, working keys to program a third new key without seeking professional dealer assistance. This limitation should be considered if you’ve lost all your key fobs, as it might necessitate a trip to the dealership regardless.
In conclusion, answering “can I get a new key fob for my car?” is definitively yes. However, the best approach depends on factors like your car’s age and brand. While dealerships are often the most reliable, especially for newer and European vehicles, they may also be more expensive. Aftermarket options exist but carry risks of incompatibility and potential labor charges without guaranteed success. Exploring your owner’s manual for DIY programming options and contacting local dealerships for price quotes are advisable steps to take when you need a car key fob replacement.
