So, you’re a Mitsubishi Outlander owner and find yourself needing an extra key fob? You’re not alone! Many owners discover the hefty price tag from dealerships for a replacement or additional key fob, often reaching upwards of $600. This was exactly the situation one new owner of a 2023 SEL Premium Outlander faced. With three drivers in the household, a third key fob was a necessity, but the dealer’s quote was eye-watering.
Thinking outside the box and leveraging online marketplaces, a blank key fob was sourced from eBay for a mere fraction of the dealer’s price – under $40 including taxes and shipping! This key fob matched the original in FCC ID, chip, and appearance, seeming like the perfect solution.
The next hurdle? Programming. Local automotive locksmiths were contacted, and initially, many confidently quoted between $120 and $175 for the programming service. However, the optimism was short-lived. One by one, the locksmiths called back, regretfully declining, citing Mitsubishi’s “exotic” nature in the US and their lack of compatible software. It seemed like the initial cost saving might be overshadowed by programming difficulties.
Dejected but persistent, the owner returned to the dealership, expecting the worst. Surprisingly, the service department agreed to attempt the programming, albeit with a modest “50% chance” of success and a $95 programming fee. Then, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The sales manager, intrigued by the resourceful purchase of the eBay key fob, intervened. Upon learning the cost and source of the blank fob and checking the dealership’s own replacement key fob cost (a substantial $350!), the manager, driven by curiosity, offered to program the eBay key fob for free!
The result? Success! The blank eBay key fob was successfully programmed, providing a third functional key for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Even if the nominal $95 programming fee had applied, the total cost would have been significantly less than the dealer’s initial $600 quote. Securing a working key fob for under $40 (excluding emergency key cutting, which wasn’t needed) is a testament to smart shopping and a bit of persistence.
This story highlights that while dealership key fobs and programming can be expensive, exploring alternative options like reputable online marketplaces for blank fobs and persistent engagement with dealerships or specialized locksmiths can lead to substantial cost savings. Always ensure the replacement fob matches your vehicle’s specifications (FCC ID and chip) for the best chance of successful programming.
