Finding a replacement key fob for your Honda Accord 2017 can be a necessary but sometimes frustrating experience. Like many car owners, I recently found myself in need of a new key fob and decided to order online from replacemyremote. While the situation ultimately resolved itself, the journey highlighted a few important points that any Honda Accord owner should consider when looking for a replacement key. Here’s my experience and what I learned about getting a Honda Accord 2017 Key Fob replacement.
The Search for a Replacement Honda Accord Key Fob
When you need a new key fob, the convenience of online retailers is hard to ignore. Dealership prices can be steep, and companies like replacemyremote offer a seemingly more affordable alternative, advertising OEM or refurbished key fobs. My experience started smoothly enough; I placed an order for a 5-button key fob for my 2017 Honda Accord Touring, expecting a straightforward transaction.
Unboxing and the Blue “H” Surprise
Upon receiving my order, everything seemed in order at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed something quite unusual. The shiny “H” logo inset on the back of the key fob was blue. This immediately struck me as odd. My original Driver 1 key fob, which came with my Touring model, definitely did not have any blue on it. Concerned, I checked the product description on replacemyremote’s website again, and there was no mention of a blue logo or any variation in color.
This unexpected blue accent made the key fob look, frankly, a bit cheap and aftermarket. It certainly didn’t match the OEM quality I expected, and it felt like something was off. Adding to my frustration, my call to their customer service for clarification was less than helpful.
Customer Service Misstep and the Blue Key Question
The customer service representative I initially spoke with insisted that the blue “H” was standard for higher trim levels like the Touring. This explanation seemed dubious at best. I knew for a fact that my original key fob had a black logo, consistent with standard Honda styling. The conversation felt one-sided, and I spent a considerable amount of time trying to explain that I had not ordered a blue key and that it looked out of place. I left the conversation feeling unheard and quite frankly, like I was being misled.
Dealer vs. Locksmith Programming and Clarification on Key Fob Design
Adding another layer to the situation, the representative mentioned that dealerships might not have the capability to program previously used key fobs – which is exactly what replacemyremote sells. They suggested finding a local locksmith instead. While they quoted a dealer programming cost of $67 (which they said could take over an hour), the focus shifted to the unusual blue logo.
To verify my suspicion about the blue logo, I contacted several local Honda dealerships. Each dealer confirmed that the OEM key fob for a 2017 Honda Accord Touring does not have a blue “H”. This confirmed my initial concern and highlighted the misinformation I received from the first customer service representative.
Turning Things Around: Positive Resolution with Customer Service
Fortunately, the story doesn’t end with frustration. I decided to call replacemyremote again, and this time I spoke with a different representative named Keith. This interaction was a complete turnaround. Keith was understanding and immediately acknowledged the issue. Without hesitation, he initiated a return for the blue key fob and promised a complimentary return shipping label. He also confirmed they would send a Driver 2 key fob with the correct black logo as a replacement once they received the returned item.
This positive resolution significantly changed my perception of replacemyremote. While the initial experience was rocky, Keith’s efficient and helpful approach redeemed the situation. It’s clear that, like any company, there can be variations in customer service quality, and thankfully, they were ultimately committed to resolving the problem.
Important Takeaways and Tips for Buying Replacement Key Fobs
My experience with replacing my Honda Accord 2017 key fob offers a few valuable lessons for anyone looking to do the same:
- Verify Product Details: Always carefully review product descriptions and images, but be aware that they may not always be completely accurate.
- Confirm with the Vendor: If you have any doubts or specific requirements (like logo color!), don’t hesitate to contact the vendor directly before placing your order. A quick call or email can prevent misunderstandings.
- Customer Service Matters: Good customer service can make all the difference, especially when issues arise. Be persistent and try contacting customer service again if you are not satisfied with the initial response.
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: Understand the difference between OEM, refurbished OEM, and aftermarket parts. If OEM appearance is important to you, confirm this specifically with the vendor.
- Programming Costs: Factor in programming costs when comparing prices. Locksmiths can sometimes offer more competitive rates than dealerships.
While my initial interaction with replacemyremote was frustrating, their eventual resolution and willingness to correct the mistake was commendable. Just remember to do your due diligence and communicate clearly with the vendor to ensure you get the correct Honda Accord 2017 key fob for your needs.
