key fob

Factors That Influence Key Fob Programming Costs

Answer: Key fobs are typically programmed by a locksmith. The cost of programming a key fob typically ranges from $85 to $400.

  • Key fobs, otherwise known as remote fobs, are conventional for most automobiles these days. Car keys come with an added remote fob with buttons that can lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside and the trunk or back hatch. Key fobs were designed for convenience, making opening all of the vehicle’s doors faster. It is beneficial in bad weather or unsafe areas. 
  • What is not convenient is the annoyance of having your key fob reprogrammed. If your key fob gets lost or damaged or the battery dies, you’ll need the help of a trained expert. And that comes at a price. You have two options: go to the original car dealership, or go to an automotive locksmith. 

What is a Key Fob and What Are Its Features?

A key fob, often called a remote fob, is a small, hand-held electronic device commonly used to manage access to personal vehicles. These compact gadgets are more than just simple keys; they come with several convenient functionalities.

Features of a Key Fob:

  1. Remote Locking/Unlocking: Key fobs allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Pressing a button allows all doors to be secured or accessed effortlessly.
  2. Trunk or Hatch Control: Depending on your vehicle model, key fobs often include a button to open the trunk or back hatch, making loading and unloading items easier.
  3. Convenience: Key fobs are designed for ease of use, saving time, especially in situations where quick access is essential—like during inclement weather.

Key fobs have revolutionized vehicle access by enhancing security and elevating user convenience, making daily commutes and errands a little smoother.

Why Choose a Locksmith Over a Dealership?

  • Can a locksmith program a key fob? It depends on the situation. A locksmith would be the best option if you locked your keys in your car. If you need a new key fob for your vehicle, initially, a dealer would be the better choice. But we can handle both here at Job Done Locksmith.
  • Do you want to save money? If you’re going to pay less for key fob programming, you’ll want to skip the dealership and visit a locksmith. A locksmith offers lower prices and other advantages over the dealership, like bringing the fob to you.

How technically challenging is it to program a key fob, and could that affect the cost?

  • While it does cost less to utilize the services of a locksmith, you may still be wondering about pricing. How much does a locksmith charge to program a key fob? The price can range anywhere from $50 to $300. The actual price depends on a few different factors, such as:

    • Type of key fob. If the key fob includes a transponder key or keyless ignition, it could cost more to reprogram than a simple key fob. Transponder keys include computer chips that must be in place for the car to start. If a computer chip is required, trying to reprogram an old key fob from a different vehicle may not work in your current vehicle. 
    • Make and model your car. Some manufacturers make it more challenging to reprogram a key fob. While that is great from a security standpoint, it’s not so great when you have to replace or reprogram the key fob, which drives up the cost. 
    • What is the average cost of locksmith services in your area? Locksmiths must stay competitive with each other to stay in business. The price in one state or city may vary depending on the typical cost of key fob programming services. You’ll still save money with a locksmith over the local dealership, regardless of your geographic location. 

Common Types of Key Fobs and Their Programming Costs

Have you ever wondered about the cost of hiring a locksmith to program a specific key fob? Knowing the estimated replacement cost is important if you need a locksmith to program the key fob for your Ford Mustang or Honda Pilot. The charges for locksmith services can vary depending on the car’s make, location, complexity of the lock, and type of key.  For example:

  • Audi car key replacement.  If you require a certain type of key, such as Audi car keys, our team of Audi locksmiths can assist you. Whether you need a replacement key or require programming services, we can provide Audi car key replacements. 
  • Ford Mustang car key replacement.  If you require Ford Mustang car keys, our locksmiths can assist you. Whether you need a replacement key or require programming services, we can provide Ford Mustang car key replacements. This is just another example of where to program a key fob.

When You Might Need Your Key Fob Programmed

  • A few situations may result in the need for key fob programming when searching for car key replacement near me. These situations entail:

    • You have lost the key fob. If you lose your key fob, one way to save money is to reprogram an old key fob to work with your current vehicle. You can sometimes do this depending on the complexity of your car and the key fob. You can also order generic key fobs that a locksmith can program to use with most makes and models of vehicles. 
    • It has a broken key fob. If your key fob gets broken or stops working, it may need to be reprogrammed. This can also happen if your keys have been dropped in water or another accident occurs. During our key fob programming service, key fobs can be fixed and reprogrammed but may need replacing if the damage is too significant. 
    • The battery is dead in your key fob. If the battery completely dies in your key fob, replacing the battery alone may not be enough. A dead battery can cause the key fob to lose its memory, resulting in reprogramming once a locksmith has installed a new battery.

Job Done Locksmith Can Program your Key Fob for Less

We specialize in providing high-quality automotive locksmith services at an affordable price. We understand that service and quality are important, so we don’t offer the cheapest car key programming services – we won’t compromise on security. If you’re curious about the cost of keyless entry keys or need a pop-a-lock key replacement, we have transparent pricing so you know what to expect. Our automotive key cutting and programming expertise, including OEM key fobs and remote keys, guarantees a secure process tailored to your needs. Whether you drive a Dodge Ram, Ford Mustang, or any other vehicle, our team ensures precision in car key-cutting prices and provides a seamless on-site connection. You can trust us to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions, prioritizing your budget and security.

  • If you encounter problems with your key fob, search “auto locksmith near me prices” and save the headache by contacting us.  As an automotive locksmith Job Done Locksmith specializes in automotive lock and key services for virtually every brand and model of vehicle. 
  • How much to program a key fob? We can reprogram your key fob for less than dealership prices.

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