Like many Honda owners, we recently faced the routine maintenance of our 2005 Honda CRV, including a simple key fob battery replacement. What should have been a minor task turned into a surprisingly expensive and frustrating experience at our Honda dealership, highlighting a potential issue with Honda Key Fob Screw Replacement costs.
Initially, attempting a DIY battery change, we encountered stubborn screws on the key fob. Thinking it would be a quick fix, we requested the dealership handle the battery replacement during our scheduled 65,000 km service. However, upon reviewing the invoice, we were shocked to find a $74.00 charge for what was essentially a battery swap and honda key fob screw replacement, or so we thought.
Breaking down the bill, each battery was priced at $14.14, and a staggering $57.50 was attributed to drilling out the screws. Upon closer inspection, we discovered the dealership had reinstalled the original, mangled screws, tightened to an excessive degree. This meant we would likely face the same screw removal issue during the next battery change, effectively paying a premium for a temporary fix and setting us up for future problems with honda key fob screw replacement.
Seeking clarification, my husband contacted the service manager. The assistant manager’s dismissive response, stating “that’s the way it is,” only fueled our dissatisfaction. Undeterred, I contacted the General Manager at Calgary Honda. He explained that Honda uses Loctite on these key fob screws, justifying the difficulty in removal and the need for drilling. He also claimed the replacement screws cost $8.00 each – a price we later found to be inflated, with online Honda parts websites listing them for around $1.35. While the dealership eventually offered to provide the screws for free, this felt like a reactive measure rather than genuine customer service. We were never given the option of simply having new screws installed to facilitate future honda key fob screw replacement ourselves, a crucial oversight in their service.
This experience raises serious questions about fair pricing for honda key fob screw replacement and related services at Honda dealerships. Is a $74.00 charge justified for drilling out two small screws, replacing two batteries, and then reinstalling the damaged screws? It certainly feels like an exorbitant amount for a relatively simple task, especially considering the long-term implications of reusing damaged components.
We are left wondering if other Honda owners have encountered similar issues with honda key fob screw replacement costs and dealership service practices. Have you been overcharged for a seemingly simple key fob battery or screw replacement? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could help other Honda owners navigate these potentially overpriced services.
