Losing your keys is a universal frustration, but for Ducati owners, the stakes can feel a bit higher, especially when it comes to the infamous Red Key Fob. I recently experienced a moment of panic when I thought I had misplaced my red key, sending me down a rabbit hole of replacement research and potential costs.
Initially believing my red key fob was gone, I visited my local Ducati dealer and purchased a new, uncut red key. At $70, it was a sobering reminder that these aren’t your average car keys. The dealer recommended SOS Diagnostics in Portland, OR, for cutting and programming, highlighting the specialized nature of this service. While local locksmiths might handle the cutting for around $25, programming is a different beast altogether. The process typically involves sending both your active (black) key and the new red key fob to a programming service, leaving you keyless for about a week.
Just as I was steeling myself for a week of keylessness and a potentially hefty programming bill (estimated at $75 to $100), luck intervened. My missing red key fob resurfaced from behind my workbench, accompanied by some spare change and a rather unpleasant salami sandwich – a testament to the less glamorous corners of my garage. Relief washed over me, and my dealer graciously accepted the return of the unused red key.
This close call underscored the importance – and cost – associated with the red key fob. While I dodged a bullet this time, the experience was a stark reminder to keep this crucial component safe. Losing both keys? That’s a scenario I definitely don’t want to contemplate. Let’s just say the consequences, and costs, escalate significantly. For now, my red key is safely tucked away, far from workbenches and salami sandwiches.
