Dealing with worn-out key fobs on your 2013 GMC Acadia Denali can be frustrating. Like many owners, the symbols on my original remote buttons had completely faded, and the fobs themselves were falling apart. My Acadia, equipped with the 5-button remote including Hatch and Remote Start, needed new key fobs. It’s crucial to note that these vehicles utilize different frequency remotes depending on the RPO option code – either normal or long range. My Acadia uses the LONG DISTANCE 315 MHZ Frequency (XL7) option, while the 433 MHZ (XL8) option also exists. Always verify your RPO code before purchasing a replacement 2013 Gmc Acadia Key Fob to ensure compatibility.
My search for replacement 2013 GMC Acadia key fobs began online, exploring RockAuto, eBay, and Amazon. The sheer volume of options available is overwhelming. While RockAuto’s listings are helpful for research, I prefer starting with a GM dealer online parts lookup to confirm the genuine OEM part number. This approach allows for more precise searching and shopping, avoiding generic descriptions or universal fit replacements.
New, genuine 2013 GMC Acadia key fobs from a GM dealer, either online or local, were priced around $100-$120 each. RockAuto offered them slightly cheaper at about $95. Aftermarket options ranged from $75 down to as low as $10. Knowing that the cheapest options are often unreliable, I focused on listings on Amazon. I found a seller offering what they listed as genuine GM parts, complete with part numbers, for around $35 each. Before purchasing, I spent about 10-15 minutes researching the seller online. They appeared to be a legitimate auto parts store in the Midwest with a real address, phone number, and website. With free shipping and the possibility of a return if the parts were not genuine, I decided to order. The key fobs arrived in genuine GM/Delco packaging, a significant saving compared to dealer prices.
With the new 2013 GMC Acadia key fobs in hand, the next step was programming them to the vehicle. For 2013 models, this requires a scanner or programming tool, which I didn’t own. I turned to Google to research programming costs at dealerships, locksmiths, and the price of purchasing a programming tool myself. If programming costs were high, investing in a tool for future use seemed like a viable option.
Dealer quotes for programming ranged from 1 to 1.5 hours, translating to $125-$200, along with the usual inconvenience of scheduling an appointment. Locksmith quotes were also pricey, ranging from $100 to $200. While the $100 locksmith was tempting, their appointment schedule was booked for days. The idea of buying a programming tool was still on my mind.
Then, an online advertisement for ACE Hardware popped up, advertising 40%-60% savings on dealer/locksmith prices for car transponder keys and remotes. A hardware store seemed like an unlikely place for the best price, but I decided to call.
To my surprise, the person on the phone confirmed they could program my new 2013 GMC Acadia key fobs. They were open for another 90 minutes and welcomed me to come in without an appointment. When I asked about the cost, they quoted just $25. Naturally, I drove there immediately. Within 45 minutes, I left with my new remotes programmed and a much lighter wallet than expected.
The takeaway from this experience is that in today’s market, price variations for goods and services are significant. Taking the time to shop around and explore different options, even for something as seemingly straightforward as 2013 GMC Acadia key fob programming, can lead to substantial savings. Don’t assume dealerships or specialized services are your only or most affordable options. Sometimes, the best deals can be found in unexpected places, like your local hardware store.
