Understanding Key Fob Programming Costs

Introduction

Key fobs are wonderful security tools that keep drivers and modern vehicles safer. How much does it cost to program a key fob? If you have noticed that your key fob is functional but losing range, your fob may not need programming. Start with a new battery to avoid paying the car key replacement cost. The cost to program key fob at dealership is generally higher than other options in Denver CO, but it’s worth a call to the dealership just in case your key fob replacement can be covered under warranty.

What is a Key Fob and Its Functionality?

Before you call around to find out how much to program a key fob, make sure you get the problem diagnosed. Your fob may just need a battery. If your fob is working but your new key isn’t, it may be that you needed a transponder key and you just got a metal one. Your functional fob can get you into your car in an emergency; it may also allow you to start your vehicle remotely or lock your car and set the alarm from a distance.

Key fobs programmed by a key fob programming locksmith will be thoroughly tested before the locksmith leaves. They’ll make sure that your replacement fob works to lock and unlock the doors, that you can turn the alarm on and off, and that your push-button start works effectively.

Factors Influencing Key Fob Programming Costs

How much does it cost to program a key fob? The cost of a new fob and the programming fees will vary widely. The newer your vehicle, the less likely you will be to find an aftermarket option.

Vehicle Make and Model

If your car has a push-button start, your fob replacement and programming may cost more. Of course, if you have a push-button start, you’re more reliant on your fob to get on the road. It’s very important that you start your key fob reprogramming with a new battery. Your key fob programming locksmith can replace or install the battery before they start programming a replacement fob or reprogramming the existing one.

Type of Key Fob

A standard key fob will get you into your vehicle where you can use your key (or the push-button) to start the car. Transponder keys have a chip embedded in the key that must communicate with the car to allow you to start the car and drive away. A plain metal key, even one that fits perfectly, will not allow the ignition to function.

A smart key can stay in your pocket and will give you access to your vehicle and your push-button start via range. This fob tool will not automatically lock your car, but is a wonderful security feature. If you regularly need to access your vehicle in a dark and lonely parking garage or after dark in an open lot, a smart key that opens the driver’s door as you approach it can speed up the process.

Service Provider: Dealership vs. Locksmith

Your dealership will be able to get you an OEM fob or smart key and will certainly be able to program it. You may need to wait for support from the dealership’ service department and will probably pay more for the service than you would pay a locksmith.

Of course, if you’re stranded, a mobile locksmith can meet you at your location and get your fob replaced and functioning. If you have the time to call around, you may find that a mobile locksmith is still the most cost-effective choice.

Average Cost to Program a Key Fob in Denver, CO

Dealership Pricing

You can expect to spend between $30 and $150 dollars in Denver CO to program your new or failed key fob. As a general rule, dealerships will cost about $50 more than a locksmith to program your fob. The manufacture date of your vehicle, the make and the model will impact the cost of a new fob and the eventual programming cost.

Locksmith Pricing

A key fob programming locksmith will charge you less than a dealership to program or reprogram your fob. If you need emergency support, there may be a fee for 24/7 access to a licensed, bonded locksmith.

If you have the flexibility to take your fob to a key shop or locksmithing shop, you may be able to lower the cost. It’s also possible to DIY a replacement key fob if you have the time and patience.

Key Fob Replacement Costs

If you’re not stranded, it’s a good idea to take the time and call different dealerships and locksmiths. It might also be a good idea to review the conditions in which your key fob was lost or damaged. If your fob was damaged in a wreck or car fire, the replacement cost might be covered by insurance. Of course, there are many other repairs that probably need to be scheduled before you can drive your car.

You can order aftermarket key fobs from a variety of sources. Of course, they may or may not be reliable. Ordering an OEM fob from your local dealership or automotive supply store may be a wiser choice if available.

Programming fees can really drive up the price of your key fob programming. In an emergency, a mobile locksmith may be your only choice. Do make sure to give them a call; your mobile locksmith may offer a lower programming fee than your local dealership.

It’s also a good idea to consider the conditions under which your previous fob died. If your entry fob is on the same keychain as your vehicle key and your fob is constantly banged around while you drive, a keychain with a quick-disconnect may be a good investment.

DIY Key Fob Programming: Is It a Viable Option?

If you’re stranded, the question of “how much does it cost to program a key fob?” really doesn’t matter much. Whether your fob is lost or has failed, you need back into your car and back on the road. A mobile locksmith is the best option.

DIYing an aftermarket key fob is certainly possible. If you think your existing key fob can be reprogrammed, start with a replacement battery. Google and YouTube can likely tell you the steps you need to follow for your make and model of vehicle.

Do your best to work on your key fob when you’re alone and unlikely to be disturbed. Some fob programming needs to be done with the door closed. If you’ve been through almost of the programming steps and someone opens a vehicle door, you have to start over.

It’s a fiddly project. It may not work the first time. Unless you have the time and a safe spot to work on programming your fob, hiring a locksmith can save you a lot of frustration.

How To Reduce Key Fob Programming Expenses

If your fob is working most of the time, the first cost-effective step you can take is to change the battery. This action may remove the problem. Even if a new battery doesn’t fix the issue, programming anything with a failing battery is an exercise in frustration.

If you’re not stranded or working under emergency conditions, give local dealerships for your vehicle make a call. Reach out to a local locksmith. Make sure you note any base dealership service fees or locksmith mobile action charges.

Check the price of aftermarket fobs for your make and model. Note any warranty or replacement offers; if you get a replacement fob for a great price but have no guarantees or replacement terms, the fob may not be worth the money.

Choosing Between Dealerships and Locksmiths in Denver, CO

If you know that your fob is losing range, getting the battery changed at the dealership is an option. Unfortunately, key fobs seldom fail, suffer damage or are lost when a dealership is open and close to your current location!

A simple phone call to a mobile locksmith offering 24/7 service can protect you from weather and security hazards. If you get back from vacation and realize you’ve lost your keys, a mobile locksmith can meet you at the airport. If your fob has gotten dropped in a puddle or a cup of coffee and is no longer reliable, you can ask your mobile locksmith to meet you at your office or home.

A qualified master locksmith can do more than get you inside your car; they can program a new fob and get you on the road.

Key Takeaways

If your vehicle fob in Denver CO is losing range, get the battery changed. If your fob still doesn’t work consistently, it may be damaged or just worn out. What is the average cost to program a key fob? There really isn’t one; dealerships and locksmiths all have different service costs and the fobs themselves all come with different prices.

At the end of the exchange, you need a fob you can always rely on and a key that fits your ignition exactly to avoid damage over time. A skilled, mobile locksmith can meet you at your car and get you back behind the wheel and on the road with a fob you can trust.