As previously said, cutting and programming a new key are both steps in the process of receiving a new one.
You will be charged for a service call, the key itself, the labor to cut the key, and programming when you contact a locksmith or a dealer.
Fortunately, you can acquire the key online and only have it cut and programmed, saving you money. Due to the dealer or locksmith making money by selling you the key as well, this alone will save you between $50 and $100.
True, ordering the key from Amazon may take more time, but if you are not in a rush or require a key right away, we advise you to do that. This is particularly true if you merely require making a replica.
- Make sure you order the correct key when ordering your key online. If the wrong key or remote are used, programming will be impossible. Your specific key for your Hyundai model can be found here. Simply select your desired model and year to purchase it online. Order your key right here.
- Explain that you already have the key/remote and simply need it cut and/or programmed when you contact the dealer or locksmith. Request a quote only for this operation from them.
- Additionally, keep in mind that depending on the sort of key or remote you have, the process typically costs between $80-$150.
- Finally, agree on a time to complete it with them. Don’t forget to provide them the precise year, make, and model as well as the VIN number, and make sure you have ownership documentation.
In This Article...
Cheaper Key Fob Alternatives
It’s more likely that you will be allowed to utilize an aftermarket key fob if your automobile is at least ten years old, according to CR’s Ibbotson. Many of these less sophisticated fobs can be configured by the consumer, a local technician, or an automotive locksmith.
Ibbotson advises making sure to phone your neighborhood garage first to confirm that they can do the task, as key-fob programming equipment levels can vary from shop to shop. For instance, a Maryland-based repair shop called Murray’s Auto Clinics informed CR that they are unable to program key fobs for any vehicle with push-button start or keyless entry.
We took our vehicle to M.J. Sullivan Hyundai in New London, Connecticut, where we were charged $120 for programming (one hour of labor), which is what they would have charged us if we had purchased the key fob from them.
Hyundai sent us a laser-cut mechanical backup key for $72.47, bringing the total cost to $272.42 (the car waited at the shop for two days); if we had ordered the key fob through the store, the total would have been $428.92).
For some makes and models, you can purchase a cheap aftermarket fob and program it yourself if your home unexpectedly gains a third driver, such as a teenager.
We purchased a fob from BestKeys from Amazon for CR’s 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Although it lacks the Chrysler branding on the back, it resembles the two original fobs that came with the minivan when it was new. The uncut mechanical key and internal circuitry were both included in the $14.30 price. (However, we didn’t see the need to shell out the cash to have a locksmith cut that third key.)
Chrysler customers can program a third key fob themselves if they already have two functional ones, just like GM owners can. The owner’s manual contains clear and straightforward programming instructions.
What Is the Price to Reprogram a Key Fob?
The price to reprogram a fob is determined by a number of factors. Although it’s difficult to provide a general price, reprogramming often costs between $50 and $250. Here are some elements that can affect price:
- Type of Fob: Reprogramming smart keys with a transponder (RFID), keyless ignition, or other additional features is typically more expensive.
- Vehicle Brand: Manufacturer-specific fob complexity varies. Some automakers make it more difficult to reprogram keys.
- Vehicle Model: Within a given automaker, some models feature key fobs that are more complicated than others.
Key Transponder
The chip’s mechanism is such that it must be utilized before the automobile can be started in order to send a signal to the ignition. The automobile won’t start if the incorrect key is used.
The chip inside the key is what distinguishes a transponder from a standard key. The chip determines whether the automobile will start or not. The key and the fob may be packaged together for some automobiles. which increases the cost of replacing the key. A replacement key may cost as much as $160, and an extra fob may cost about $75.
If you need a new key, you can anticipate paying $20–$30 less at a locksmith than at a dealer.
SERPRESULT
as well as any appropriate programming up to $800 per occurrence.
Different Car Key and Fob Types: How Much Does a Key Fob Replacement Cost? Accessing and programming key fobs, replacing key fob batteries, and
Can a Hyundai key fob be reprogrammed?
In order to have a skilled technician program the key fob to your vehicle if you are buying a new Hyundai, you must go to a Hyundai service center. Although reprogramming your Hyundai’s key fob is quite straightforward, our dealership’s professionals are here to help you if you have any questions or require assistance.
How much does installing a key fob cost?
Fundamental Keys and Fobs Depending on the carmaker and design complexity, a new key fob remote can cost anywhere from $50 to over $100. Every key fob requires programming. Some car dealerships may perform it at no charge, while others would charge for labor for a half-hour to an hour.
Can a key fob be programmed without visiting the dealership?
Can a key fob be programmed without visiting the dealership? Yes, you can program the key fob’s locking and unlocking features without visiting the dealership. However, you might need to visit the dealership or a locksmith if you need to program the transponder in order to be able to start the car with the key.
My key fob will the dealership be programmed?
Many automakers have started designing vehicles with locks that can be unlocked with little more than a key fob since the development of remote technology. The owner of a key fob can easily unlock a door by pressing a button, and many of them can also start their car by pressing a button as long as the fob is inside.
Unfortunately, the dealership may assert that they have property rights over the device and, as a result, only they can make a copy and program it, which comes with an outrageous charge, if a car owner loses their key fob or wishes to make an extra copy. However, while making a new key fob and programming it to function with your automobile may require expert guidance, a knowledgeable locksmith may help you with this task without forcing you to go back to the dealership for assistance.
But hold on, is it illegal to create a new key fob without the dealer’s consent?
Some dealers can even claim that if the task is not carried out by a licensed operator, making a new key fob is illegal. However, even if this might be the case with a leased or rented car, you are probably allowed to create as many copies as you want with the assistance of a professional.
Additionally, programming a key fob to work with your car is also not a difficult process. While you shouldn’t attempt to manufacture a copy yourself, a skilled locksmith can provide you with a new key fob quickly.
How is a key fob programmed at a dealership?
You will need to contact an automobile locksmith (or dealer) to help you if you are unable to self-program your keys (either because there isn’t a process for doing so, you don’t have the necessary number of functioning keys, the tools/computer/software needed is too expensive, or all of the above).
In order for auto tool makers to create software and hardware that enables them to program their vehicle keys, the majority of US and Asian auto manufacturers share their programming protocols with them.
In order to provide programming as a service to their clients, the locksmith then obtains this equipment.
An automobile locksmith will insert a computer with the necessary software into your OBD port below in order to program a car key, remote, or FOB (commonly found below your dashboard).
Many different businesses provide computers and software for programming. They frequently offer support for many car makes and models.
No system can program all the makes and models, thus a locksmith who wishes to repair car keys may have to make a significant investment in these equipment.
The locksmith will be able to add and remove keys from the car using the programming software. Because of the following, this is helpful:
- Some vehicles, like Fords, only let a certain number of keys into the vehicle’s computer system. Ford vehicles can only have a maximum of four keys. In order to make room for your new key to be programmed, a locksmith might utilize a computer to delete keys that are no longer in use.
- It is possible to remove keys from the vehicle after they have been lost or stolen so that they can no longer be used to unlock the doors or start the vehicle (for FOBs/Smart Keys).
However, a locksmith cannot program keys on these computers nonstop. Most often, a “token” system is in place that restricts the computers’ ability to program the car to times when a pre-paid token is available for use.
Tokens are required for programming, and one token is required for each try, according to your neighborhood locksmith. As a result, the locksmith has to pay for each attempt at programming a car key. The programming cost the locksmith charges already includes this.
Depending on who is providing the code, the vehicle, and the locksmith employed, the cost to program a car key can range from $25 to $100. The price will be higher if a second code (a skim code) is required.
Adding a skim code is necessary when attempting to program some automobiles. This code is available from the vendor, but at a price. This fee, which is typically $60, is transferred to you.
By giving the dealer your title in person, you might be able to obtain this skim code on your own. They typically don’t charge the owner of the vehicle because they believe this to be information that belongs to you. Normally, you have to collect this information in person, but it could help you save some money on the price of getting a backup key.
Note: German automakers do not divulge their procedures (see article). Therefore, you will almost probably need to go to a dealer and, sure, it will cost much more if you own a Mercedes, BMW, VW, Porsche, etc.
Ask the vendor if you can purchase the key or fob elsewhere if you have one of the aforementioned items. Some of these vendors will only program keys they sell directly to customers and won’t program keys that were outsourced. However, if they DO program/cut them, you might be able to save some money on the key’s price.
How much time does programming a key fob take?
Car key programming typically takes 10 to 20 minutes per key. Depending on the needed programming approach, different fobs require varying amounts of time. The service will be completed more quickly if our professionals do not need to use the on-board diagnostics port. It can take a bit longer if you require additional services from us, such reprogramming or cutting a metal key. Never fear, though; our professionals will work rapidly to provide you with prompt, high-quality service, no matter how long it takes.