Losing or damaging your car’s key fob can be a stressful experience. If you drive a car manufactured in the last five years, getting a Fob Replacement Key usually means heading to a new-car dealership. This is often because modern vehicles require sophisticated programming equipment that dealerships possess.
While the temptation to find a cheaper fob replacement key online might be strong, it’s crucial to understand that aftermarket key fobs don’t always work. Dealers for brands like Audi and Subaru have indicated that they may not be compatible with aftermarket options.
As a service advisor at Hoffman Audi in East Hartford, Conn., explained, “If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us.” Audi, like many European manufacturers, incorporates a built-in security chip into their fobs. This chip is designed to be programmed only for a specific vehicle and cannot be reprogrammed for another Audi or by aftermarket services. This security measure is why purchasing a new aftermarket Audi fob replacement key online is generally not a viable option. The advisor also noted that the average cost for an Audi fob replacement key, including the necessary programming, can be around $500.
This dealership-centric approach isn’t exclusive to Audi. Many European car brands follow this practice. According to a CR expert, the digital key encryption used in these vehicles is often exclusively programmable by the manufacturer, limiting key fob replacement to dealerships or a few authorized outlets in North America.
However, not all dealerships strictly refuse aftermarket fobs. Some retailers, including a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and a Lexus dealership, mentioned they are willing to attempt programming aftermarket fobs if a customer requests it. They also emphasize that customers should be aware of the potential risks involved.
A service advisor at a Lexus dealership clarified their stance: “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 key consideration: dealerships may charge for labor even if an aftermarket fob replacement key fails to program correctly.
Despite the potential need to visit a dealership, the process of getting a fob replacement key isn’t necessarily lengthy. Most dealerships contacted indicated that the programming of a new fob typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes. Even when including the time to cut a mechanical spare key, the entire process rarely exceeds an hour.
Concerns about cost are also understandable, but getting a fob replacement key at a dealership doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. This can be true even for European brands. For instance, a Volkswagen dealer quoted approximately $225 for a new fob with a laser-cut key and programming for a 2015 VW Jetta.
Interestingly, some brands, like Chevrolet, offer more customer-friendly options for fob replacement key programming and costs. General Motors key fobs are often less expensive. A spokesperson mentioned that a fob replacement key for a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu (with keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start) was quoted at $147.98. Crucially, Chevrolet also allows customers to program their own key fobs in certain cases, without requiring a dealership visit.
According to a Chevrolet spokesperson, “The programming procedure is described in the vehicle owner’s manual, but the vehicle does need to be present.” This offers a potential cost-saving route for Chevrolet owners.
However, it’s important to note a common limitation across brands: customer-programmable fob replacement keys usually require two existing, working keys to program a new third key without dealership intervention. If you’ve lost all your original fobs, you’ll likely need to visit a dealer regardless of the brand.
In conclusion, when you need a fob replacement key, especially for newer or European vehicles, dealerships are often the most reliable, albeit potentially more expensive, option. While aftermarket fobs and DIY programming might seem appealing for cost savings, they come with risks of incompatibility and limited functionality. Understanding your car brand’s specific policies and the type of key fob system you have is essential in making the best decision for your fob replacement key needs.
