Since I respect the opinion and experience of many members, I wanted to ask for some feedback. When we purchased our 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, it came with 2 key fobs. The key fobs are the new electronic fobs with several buttons. Last week my wife lost her key fob, so now we are down to only one key. I need to get another key fob made, and I also want to have a spare key fob made. Three different Dodge dealers in the area quoted me a price of $300 per key fob for a total of $600 for 2 keys. They said the key itself is $200 and programming is $100. Since three different Dodge dealers quoted me the same price, I guess that is the going rate. Maybe I am just being a tightwad, but it just seems that spending $600 for two keys is a lot.The keys are available on the internet for around $30-$40 each. All three Dodge dealerships told me that if I brought in keys purchased on the internet, they would not program them. Some locksmiths in the area have the capability to program them at a much lower cost, so that is probably what I will do. In the past, you could program the keys yourself. However, apparently for the do-it-yourself programming, you need to have 2 good keys and I now only have 1 key. Plus, I was also told that after 2011, the do-it-yourself programming cannot be done (at least for these vehicles).But, has anyone else done this recently? Have you had any issues with a locksmith programming new key fobs purchased on the internet?Thank you in advance for the feedback.

Dealer rip-off. Go see your local locksmith.

Look in your owner's manual for programming the keys.We bought 2013 Chrysler, I bought extra keys on-line and programmed them myself.From our owner's manual:Customer Key ProgrammingYou can program new keys to the system if you have two valid Sentry Keys® by performing the following procedure:Cut the additional Sentry Key® Transponder blank(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position for at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first key.Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the second key.Insert a blank Sentry Key® into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete, the indicator light will turn on again for three seconds and then turn off.

Had a bad key fob on my 2014 Impala. Dealer ordered one and I watched him take it out of the package. He pushed a button on the fob-don't know which one-maybe several buttons-got in the car stuck the key in the ignition, turned it and it started. It appeared to me that by pushing one or more buttons it found the computer in the car to allow programming. Reminded me of pairing Bluetooth to the cell phone.P.S> It is always nice when someone comes back and tells us how he solved a problem.:)

enblethen wrote:You can program new keys to the system if you have two valid Sentry Keys® by performing the following procedure:Yes, I already saw that in the owner's manual, but as stated above, I only have 1 key now instead of 2 keys, and 2 keys are required to do the self-programming.

Computer in car does not know that you are re-inserting the same key.

tow vehicle keys | Good Sam Community

rhagfo
Explorer III
Sep 07, 2015
BenK wrote:
Wonder if there is a way to kill that lost fob...therefore the one you still have...

Otherwise, the baddies can access your vehicle if they 'found' the lost fob...

Yes, reprogramming new key kills any key not programmed at the same time. I was told even using the key to open the door without the correct program would set off the alarm.
bucky
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2015
I have had good luck with the clicky below. Doesn't work for all, but a good reference source.

you know the drill

The new laser cut keys are a PITA, the machine costs big bucks.
Better yet, keep your keys in your pocket. Some of the tourists in OC must check their brains at the Bay Bridge. Then it's every bodies fault but theirs when their keys go missing. On Saturday at 7PM and they have to go home in the morning.
Chopperbob
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
You need three to start with. If you have one get a blank
Have a lock Smith key it then have him program it.
Cost me $100.
I now have four with fobs. No more screwing around for me.
I learned my lesson!
Fast_Mopar
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
emorris548 wrote:
I just bought a new toad which only had one key & Fob. The dealer turned me on to a web site called keylessride.com. When you buy a fob They send you the instruction on how to program the fob. For the chip in the key, they send you a list of lock smiths in your zip code who can do the programming. Hope this may help you out.

Thanks. And, thanks to everyone else who responded.
45Ricochet
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
My 2015 Canyon is the first vehicle in a long time without a FOB but I miss that little thing. I find myself double checking for "key in hand" all the time before hitting the lock button and closing the door :E
They are expensive to replace but I have found dealer rates for anything are usually double the cost that the independent shop would charge.
emorris548
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
I just bought a new toad which only had one key & Fob. The dealer turned me on to a web site called keylessride.com. When you buy a fob They send you the instruction on how to program the fob. For the chip in the key, they send you a list of lock smiths in your zip code who can do the programming. Hope this may help you out.
Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
I had my 2000 Jeep GC keys made at my local locksmith. If they provided the keys, they would guarantee them, If I brought my own blanks in, they couldn't/wouldn't. It cost me $20 more/key, but it was 1/3 of the dealer cost. I had them do it.

With my 2014 Honda CR-V, my local locksmith could not get key blanks from Honda until next year. They said that I could go to my Honda dealer to try to get the blanks, who actually would not sell me the blanks unless I booked time (1 hour minimum) in the Service Department for me to get the blanks???? What a rip-off.
The_Texan
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
Just went through this with the wife's Jeep. Bought an exact OEM key on ebay from a Jeep/Chrysler dealer in OR for well UNDER $100 and the local locksmith had the required Chrysler computer to program the key and his charge was $30. So, there are much cheaper alternatives available.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2015
enblethen wrote:
Computer in car does not know that you are re-inserting the same key.

Mine does. I can program the car to only run up to a certain seed on one key, and run normal on the other
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2015
sremsing wrote:
Locksmith can do it for far less, and they just might have your fob.

It's getting harder and harder for locksmiths to program keys. I know of several brands where the ONLY way to get a key is to go to a dealer with registration, ID, get your picture taken, sign forms in order to order a key, which then comes from a factory programming center. Usually overnight next AM delivery. They are matched to your VIN number then either you or the dealer can activate it.

Based on some mfg, no one has found a way to get around dealer purchase of a key.

It's good news/bad news. Harder for theives, and more of a PITA for us as well.

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