Losing or breaking your car key fob can be a major inconvenience, leaving you wondering how to get back on the road quickly and affordably. For many car owners, especially those with newer vehicles, the immediate thought is to head straight to the dealership. But is that always the best or only option? Getting a new key fob isn’t as simple as getting a spare key for older cars; modern key fobs are sophisticated pieces of technology that require programming to work with your car’s security system. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a new key fob, exploring your options, costs, and important considerations to keep in mind.
For cars manufactured within the last five years, dealerships are often considered the most reliable source for replacement key fobs. This is primarily due to the advanced technology and security measures incorporated into modern vehicles. According to John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic, dealerships usually possess the necessary, often expensive, programming equipment required for these newer, technologically advanced key fobs.
The complexity arises from the security chip embedded within the key fob itself. As highlighted by a service advisor at Hoffman Audi of East Hartford, Conn., these key fobs are intricately linked to the car’s security system and cannot be simply reprogrammed for a different vehicle. For brands like Audi and many other European car manufacturers, this means purchasing a replacement directly from an authorized dealer is often mandatory. “If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us,” the advisor stated, emphasizing the unique encryption that secures these digital keys. This built-in security feature, while protecting against theft, also limits where you can obtain a functioning replacement. The average cost for an Audi key fob replacement, including the necessary programming, can reach around $500, reflecting the specialized nature of the service.
While the allure of cheaper aftermarket key fobs online might be strong, especially given the potential cost at dealerships, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Dealers from brands like Audi and Subaru have indicated that aftermarket key fobs may not be compatible with their vehicles. The service advisor from the Audi dealership explicitly mentioned that aftermarket Audi key fobs bought online will not work due to the un-reprogrammable security chip. This is a critical point to consider: the savings you might initially see with an aftermarket fob could be negated if it simply cannot be programmed to work with your car.
However, not all dealerships universally reject aftermarket key fobs. Some retailers, including a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and a Lexus dealership, expressed a willingness to attempt programming aftermarket fobs if requested by the customer. However, this comes with caveats. A service advisor at a Lexus dealership explained their hesitancy, stating, “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, and you’ll likely have no warranty on the part or the service.
If you opt for the dealership route, the process is generally efficient. Most dealerships contacted indicated that key fob programming is a relatively quick procedure, typically taking only 15 to 30 minutes. Even when factoring in the time required to cut a mechanical spare key, the entire process rarely exceeds an hour. This means you can often get your replacement key fob and be back on the road within a reasonable timeframe.
Concerns about exorbitant costs at dealerships are also often allayed by the reality of competitive pricing, even for European brands. For example, a Volkswagen dealer quoted approximately $225 for a new key fob, laser-cut key, and programming for a 2015 VW Jetta. This price point demonstrates that while dealership costs might be higher than aftermarket options, they are not always prohibitively expensive and offer the assurance of a working, warrantied key fob.
Interestingly, some manufacturers, like Chevrolet, offer avenues for customers to potentially save money on key fob programming. General Motors key fobs are noted to be on the less expensive end, with a quote of $147.98 for a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu key fob (including keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start). Furthermore, a Chevrolet spokesperson revealed that 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 certain brands, you might be able to program the key fob yourself, potentially saving on labor costs.
However, it’s important to note a crucial requirement for most customer-programmable key fobs: you typically need two existing, working keys to program a third new key without dealer intervention. This information, provided by CR’s Yu, is vital. If you’ve lost all your key fobs or only have one remaining, customer programming might not be an option, and a trip to the dealer or a certified locksmith with the right equipment will be necessary.
In conclusion, when considering how to get a new key fob for your car, especially a newer model, starting with your dealership is often the most reliable approach. While aftermarket options and DIY programming might seem appealing due to potential cost savings, they come with risks of incompatibility and the need for specific conditions, like having two existing keys. Always check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations related to key fob replacement and programming for your car’s make and model. For peace of mind and guaranteed functionality, particularly for modern vehicles, the expertise and equipment available at dealerships often make them the most straightforward and dependable solution for obtaining a new car key fob.
