It’s a common convenience we often take for granted – the key fob. But what happens when something as simple as changing the battery turns into a costly and frustrating ordeal? One car owner recently experienced this firsthand with their 2005 Honda CRV, highlighting a potential issue many face: problematic Key Fob Screws.
During a routine 65,000 km maintenance appointment, this Honda owner requested a key fob battery replacement. Attempts to open the fob at home had failed, with the screws proving impossible to remove, even for a jeweler. The screws became mangled in the process, leading them to seek professional help at the dealership.
Upon receiving the invoice, the owner was shocked to find a $74.00 charge. This included $28.28 for two batteries and a hefty $57.50 labor fee to “drill out the screws.” Adding insult to injury, the dealership reinstalled the damaged screws, torquing them down tightly, practically guaranteeing a repeat of the same struggle during the next battery change.
A call to the service manager initially yielded a dismissive response. However, escalating the issue to the General Manager of Calgary Honda revealed a possible explanation: Loctite. The General Manager suggested Honda uses Loctite on these key fob screws, making removal difficult. He also quoted an inflated price of $8.00 per screw for replacements, later reduced to “free of charge” after the owner pointed out a Honda parts website listing them at just $1.35. The dealership, however, never offered the option of new screws proactively, leaving the customer with the same mangled screws and the likelihood of future problems.
This experience raises important questions. Is a $74.00 charge to replace two key fob batteries, including drilling out seemingly over-tightened or Loctite-sealed key fob screws, reasonable? Are dealerships transparent about potential difficulties and costs associated with even minor services like key fob battery changes? And perhaps most importantly, are there better ways to deal with stubborn key fob screws without resorting to expensive dealership interventions?
This Honda owner’s story is likely not unique. Many car owners may have encountered similar struggles with key fob screws. Sharing these experiences can help others understand their options, whether it’s attempting DIY solutions for removing stuck key fob screws or knowing what to expect – and potentially negotiate – when faced with dealership service charges for seemingly simple tasks. Have you had trouble with your key fob screws? Share your experiences in the comments below.
