“Due to the pricey programming equipment needed, a new-car dealer will typically be your best option if you need a replacement key fob for a vehicle that was manufactured within the last five years, according to John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic.
We discovered from Audi and Subaru dealers that some key fobs won’t function with aftermarket key fobs, despite the temptation to go for a less expensive one online.
“According to a service advisor at Hoffman Audi of East Hartford, Connecticut, if you need a new key fob for your Audi, it must come from us. The key fob has a built-in security chip that cannot be modified to work with another Audi. A new aftermarket Audi key fob cannot be purchased online because of the requirement for this chip.” He claimed that the car’s security now depends heavily on the fob. We were informed that the typical cost of replacing an Audi key fob, including programming, is $500.
This applies to all European vehicles, not just Audi. Because the manufacturer can only program the digital key encryption in a small number of exclusive stores in North America, they nearly always require the customer to see a dealer, said Yu of CR.
Other merchants we contacted, such a Lexus dealership and a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership, stated they don’t mind attempting to program aftermarket fobs if the buyer requests it as long as the customer is aware of the dangers.
A service advisor at a Lexus dealer told us that they were reluctant to work with aftermarket key fobs.
If we try to program it and it doesn’t function, we still have to charge them for our labor even if we can’t guarantee components or labor.
Fortunately, even if you have to visit a dealer, the procedure is quick. Key-fob programming, according to the majority of the dealers we spoke with, usually only requires 15 to 30 minutes, and the entire process, including creating the mechanical replacement key, rarely lasts longer than an hour.
Even if they handle everything for you, going to the dealer doesn’t have to be expensive. Even with European brands, this held true. A replacement fob with a laser-cut key and programming for CR’s 2015 VW Jetta would cost roughly $225, according to a local Volkswagen dealer with whom we spoke.
Customers can save money on programming with some companies, like Chevrolet. For instance, a Chevrolet official informed us that the key-fob programming does not need to be done at the dealership and that General Motors key fobs are on the more affordable side ($147.98 for a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu with keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start).
“The vehicle must be present, but the programming process is outlined in the owner’s manual, he added.
Be advised that most customer-programmable key fobs, regardless of brand, require two active, functional keys in order to program a third new key without visiting the dealer, according to Yu.
In This Article...
How can I acquire an Audi replacement key?
If you just have one set of Audi keys, the auto locksmith can replace them or provide you a spare. Calling is not necessary in an emergency! No matter where you are, a mobile auto locksmith from The Auto Locksmith will be nearby.
Can an Audi key fob be programmed by a locksmith?
Our locksmith professionals have the necessary training and skills to cut and program a replacement key or key fob for your Audi vehicle.
What should I expect to pay for a key fob?
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. While some will charge between a half-hour and an hour for work, some dealerships will perform it at no charge.
What if my Audi key is lost?
Your Audi key is extremely complex and equipped with cutting-edge technology. Regrettably, replacing a broken or lost set and having them reprogrammed for your car might run you hundreds of dollars. We provide Key Protection as a result. Audi Key Protection has you protected if your Audi key is broken, lost, stolen, or locked inside your car. We’ll also send a locksmith to help you enter your home because your house key is on the same key ring.
What is the cost of cutting an Audi key?
If you don’t have the original key for your Audi vehicle, there are a number of ways to replace it. Using an existing code from another Audi vehicle or entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into a suitable remote control device is the two methods most frequently used to replace an Audi car key.
Replacement Audi keys cost 90 dollars. The manufacturer, model, and year of the vehicle all affect how much a replacement Audi key will cost. Prices for replacing an Audi key start from 90, depending on the difficulty of the task and where the service is being offered.
In an emergency, you can get in touch with Auto Pro Locksmith for a quick key replacement within 30 minutes.
Why do automobile keys cost so much?
As you can see above, as technology advances, auto keys become more expensive. Simple machines or tools may easily duplicate basic keys and fobs because they don’t have complex mechanics. Modern keys include more sophisticated transmitters, codes, and programming, which increases the cost because duplicating them takes longer and requires more expensive hardware. And finally, if you’re working with a luxury car company, be prepared for increased expenditures.
Can keys to an Audi be tracked?
While combining all of these features into a single fob has undoubtedly made things more easier, it also has the unfortunate consequence of making it quite challenging to find your key fob.
Many of the drivers we assist as an automobile locksmith in Bayside specifically inquire as to how they can trace their key fobs later on.
Can a lost key fob be tracked?
Despite being highly technological, key fobs don’t come with a built-in tracking feature just yet.
Fortunately, you have lots of third-party tools at your disposal to monitor your key fobs till then!
Where can I find the key to my Audi?
It is located beneath the key fob’s scratch-off plastic tag. *Note: The vehicle code is case sensitive; therefore, make sure that the proper characters have been capitalized as necessary. To reveal the 10-digit Vehicle Code, open the tag and scratch off the top. must use the MMI to enter the 8-digit myAudi PIN.
DIY Key Fob Programming
You might be able to program a replacement yourself, depending on the make and type of your vehicle.
The steps for programming a key fob yourself can differ: Owner’s manuals from certain automakers include instructions. In many circumstances, information can be available online. The problem is that in order to complete the process quickly or at all, you might require two functional key fobs.
Therefore, it is wise to acquire and set up an extra remote before you require it. Additionally, it’s a wise move because most used-vehicle buyers, particularly auto dealers, would pay extra for a car that has at least two functional sets of keys or key fobs. Therefore, having a spare key will not only be useful when you need it, but it will also benefit you in the long run.
After-Market Key Fobs
You may be able to buy an after-market key fob via a locksmith or online if your automobile is more than five years old. These sorts of fobs range in quality, but they are less expensive than other options.
Locksmith
If you have the option of receiving your replacement key from a locksmith or the dealership, the latter may be less expensive. Before making a choice, be sure to inquire about prices with your nearby vehicle dealership.
Why do replacement key fobs cost so much money?
It’s one thing if you lose a key; typically, a locksmith can make you a new one (provided you have a spare to copy from). A new one is also available at your local auto dealership, but it will cost you like everything else that comes from a dealership.
But suppose you misplace your key fob. It costs extra to replace your key fob because it functions as a minicomputer that talks to your automobile. A key fob replacement should cost between $50 and $100, according to Edmunds. Without accounting for programming costs, that is. Some vehicle dealerships can program your key fob for free, but there are others that charge a fee, which can be $100 or more.