What should a new key cost?
- Thread starter dmr_pj
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sharp4runr
New member
It will depend on the dealership. Usually they key will cost anywhere from $40-$60 and then they have to program the key which they charge anywhere from $40-$60.
If you're truck is new, see if they'll do the programming for free. Also when you get your key programmed, bring all the keys just in case. Sometimes they reprogram all the keys to make sure they all work correctly. After they are programmed, try all keys to verify the start the truck.
If you're truck is new, see if they'll do the programming for free. Also when you get your key programmed, bring all the keys just in case. Sometimes they reprogram all the keys to make sure they all work correctly. After they are programmed, try all keys to verify the start the truck.
Why I never deal with dealerships.
Two different dealers told me the key would be $40. But I couldn't make a new key because I didn't have the car with me either time.
Thinking the price was relatively fixed, I made an appointment at the closest dealer. He just shrugged when I told him he was asking $16 more per key. Then he hits me with a $99 charge to program it.
I understand that these are transponder keys etc., but a traditional key would cost me a total of about $4. I explained that the notion of paying $56 for a transponder key was a little nutty if it didn't include programming. He shrugged.
Then he tells me that the need the car for the day.
What? When I made the appointment, they told me it would take 90 minutes. Even 90 minutes seems about 60 minutes too long to cut a key and plug it into a computer, but I know how dealerships are.
Very frustrating.
Two different dealers told me the key would be $40. But I couldn't make a new key because I didn't have the car with me either time.
Thinking the price was relatively fixed, I made an appointment at the closest dealer. He just shrugged when I told him he was asking $16 more per key. Then he hits me with a $99 charge to program it.
I understand that these are transponder keys etc., but a traditional key would cost me a total of about $4. I explained that the notion of paying $56 for a transponder key was a little nutty if it didn't include programming. He shrugged.
Then he tells me that the need the car for the day.
What? When I made the appointment, they told me it would take 90 minutes. Even 90 minutes seems about 60 minutes too long to cut a key and plug it into a computer, but I know how dealerships are.
Very frustrating.
Baba Booey
New member
I agree. I am not sure what you plan on doing with the key. However, I believe you can have a "regular" key cut at your local hardware store for a few bucks that will work for the doors.
I plan on having one or two door keys cut for a few dollars, and then hiding one of the other expensive keys (maybe the valet key) somewhere in the vehicle. Then, I should always be able to get into the vehicle and access the expensive key for the ignition without worrying about losing it or having it get corroded by being stuck to the outside of the vehicle.
I plan on having one or two door keys cut for a few dollars, and then hiding one of the other expensive keys (maybe the valet key) somewhere in the vehicle. Then, I should always be able to get into the vehicle and access the expensive key for the ignition without worrying about losing it or having it get corroded by being stuck to the outside of the vehicle.
jeober
New member
PJ,
Your experience is in line with mine. Programming takes about one hour and at $90/hr this is expensive. I'm not sure what takes an hour with programming but I'm guessing this is a money maker for the dealership. Actual labor couldn't possibly be more than a couple of minutes with the proper equipment.
I have remote start and normally use a regular (cheapy) key on my key ring. I hide a chip key in the car for emergency starting and for valet use, and my other chip keys stay at home safe and sound.
Your experience is in line with mine. Programming takes about one hour and at $90/hr this is expensive. I'm not sure what takes an hour with programming but I'm guessing this is a money maker for the dealership. Actual labor couldn't possibly be more than a couple of minutes with the proper equipment.
I have remote start and normally use a regular (cheapy) key on my key ring. I hide a chip key in the car for emergency starting and for valet use, and my other chip keys stay at home safe and sound.
Northof49
New member
It takes longer than you'd think.....it's gotta be somewhat involved, cause if any Joe Schmo could do it on the side of the road in 30 seconds, what would be the point.
Whenever I sell a vehicle with chipped keys and remote fobs, I always give very specific instructions not to lose them.....cause it's both a PITA and expensive, any way you slice it.
I think the going rate here is about $150 for part and labour + tax, lose the fob too and you can probably double that.
Whenever I sell a vehicle with chipped keys and remote fobs, I always give very specific instructions not to lose them.....cause it's both a PITA and expensive, any way you slice it.
I think the going rate here is about $150 for part and labour + tax, lose the fob too and you can probably double that.
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