Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a frustrating experience, especially when faced with potentially high replacement costs. If you own a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse and are dealing with a broken or lost key fob, understanding your options is crucial to saving both time and money. Many owners find themselves in a similar situation, wondering about the most cost-effective way to regain access and control of their vehicle.
Dealership vs. Locksmith: Understanding Your Replacement Options
Traditionally, dealerships are often the first point of contact for car key replacements. They offer comprehensive services, including key fob programming and key blade cutting. However, as highlighted in personal experiences, dealership costs can be significantly higher. For a complete key fob and blade replacement, dealerships might quote prices in the range of $140 to $155 or even more. This often includes the cost of the new key fob, blade cutting, and potentially reprogramming fees, although some dealerships may offer free reprogramming with a new key purchase.
On the other hand, locksmiths present a compelling alternative, particularly for specific aspects of key replacement. If your key fob is functional but the blade is lost or damaged, locksmiths excel at key blade cutting. Many dealerships themselves outsource blade cutting to locksmiths. Locksmiths often possess specialized equipment that allows them to quickly and efficiently cut new key blades, sometimes in just a few minutes and for a fraction of the dealership cost, often around $15. This focused expertise can lead to substantial savings, especially if you only require a blade replacement.
The Key Blade Conundrum: Getting Your Blade Cut Efficiently
A common challenge arises when you have a working key fob but need a new key blade cut. This situation can occur if the original blade is lost, bent, or broken. Dealerships may not always be the most streamlined solution for blade cutting alone, and as mentioned earlier, might even rely on locksmiths for this service.
Locksmiths, with their expertise in key cutting and car access, are well-equipped to handle key blade duplication. If you have an existing key (even if it’s damaged) or the key code for your 2006 Eclipse, a locksmith can often create a precise new blade. This is particularly advantageous if you’ve already purchased a key fob shell and only require the blade to be cut to match your vehicle’s ignition and door locks. Their speed and lower costs for blade cutting make them an attractive option to explore before automatically going to a dealership.
Saving Money with Shell Replacements and DIY
If your 2006 Eclipse Key Fob is still functioning electronically but the plastic casing is cracked or broken, consider a key fob shell replacement. Purchasing a new shell is considerably cheaper than a complete key fob replacement. You can often find these shells online or from automotive parts suppliers for around $70. The process typically involves transferring the internal electronic components from your old, damaged fob into the new shell. This DIY approach can save you a significant amount of money, as you avoid the cost of a new fob and potentially reprogramming fees if your original fob remains functional.
Furthermore, if you are comfortable with basic DIY car maintenance, installing the old fob into a new key shell is often straightforward. This can be a particularly appealing option if you’re trying to minimize expenses and are only dealing with physical damage to the key fob casing.
Conclusion: Consider All Options for Your 2006 Eclipse Key Fob
When facing a 2006 Eclipse key fob replacement, remember that dealerships are not your only avenue. Exploring locksmith services, especially for key blade cutting, can lead to significant cost savings. Consider whether you need a complete key fob replacement, just a blade cut, or simply a new shell. By understanding your specific needs and the services offered by both dealerships and locksmiths, you can make an informed decision that gets you back on the road without overspending. For further information and resources on key fob programming and car key solutions, explore more articles on keyfobprog.com.
